Coach Omar is the Head of East Coast Athletics Player Development program as well as the OSIX Athletics Showcase Teams (15U and above) designed for athletes looking to play at the high school and college level.

Omar Artsen is a dedicated and passionate baseball coach with a remarkable journey that has shaped him into the mentor he is today. He is the Founder of OSIX Athletics, which has a home at East Coast. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Omar developed a love for baseball at a later age, starting his competitive journey at 15. Despite the late start, his commitment and work ethic propelled him to achieve extraordinary heights in college, earning the titles of All-American and Conference Player of the Year.

After facing the challenge of going undrafted, Omar ventured into finance, where he discovered parallels between finance and the team spirit of baseball. He decided to reignite his baseball career and joined the professional team Santa Fe Fuegos in the Pecos League. Omar seamlessly adapted to the professional level, becoming the League’s MVP and stolen base leader, leading the Fuegos to a championship victory.

Omar’s exceptional performance caught the attention of Major League Baseball teams, and he went on to play in the highly competitive Atlantic League with the Lexington Legends, clinching another championship title. Throughout his nine-year professional career, Omar honed his ability to analyze and dissect a player’s swing through studying film to enhance his own performance.

Omar transitioned into coaching during the offseason, quickly gaining recognition for his prowess. His coaching focuses on players of all ages and skill levels, with satisfied parents and ecstatic children attesting to his ability to impart invaluable knowledge of the game. While Omar excelled as a player, his true calling is sharing his profound understanding and passion for the game with aspiring athletes. As a personal baseball coach, Omar not only helps improve skills but also fosters a deep appreciation for the sport. Join him on an exciting journey to take your baseball game to the next level.

Rafael Rigueiro was born and raised in Riverside, California, to parents Hector and Enedina. Growing up in Riverside, he attended J.W. North High School, where he honed his skills on the baseball diamond. After graduating, Rafael pursued interpreting and linguistics at Riverside City College.

Rafael attended both OU and SNU to major in Interpreting/Linguistics. However, in 1998 Rafael was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 33rd round, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.

Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2005, Rafael remained resilient. He was drafted again in 2000, this time by the San Francisco Giants in the 17th round. He spent four years in the Giants’ minor league system, showcasing his pitching prowess and earning recognition for his stellar performances.

Throughout his baseball journey, Rafael accumulated invaluable experience, both as a player and as a coach. Despite his injuries, he continued to share his passion and knowledge of baseball through 15 years on instruction and coaching. Rafael’s dedication to teaching extended to providing individual and group lessons for pitching, fielding, and hitting.

Though his professional playing career may have had its challenges, his impact on the sport and his dedication to coaching continue to inspire those around him.

High School: 5-year varsity experience from Long Island, New York:
– All-Conference Honors 

College: S.U.N.Y College at Cortland

Baseball Experience: Played 3+ years in Minors at various levels

Coaching/Instruction Experience from ages 6 through College Prep:

• Both Group and Individual Hitting Instructor for town and competitive travel teams including girls fastpitch
• Tee Ball
• Little League
• Youth Select/Travel Team (8u, 9u, 10u, 12u, 13u, 15u, College Prep)
  • Multiple Perfect Game Championships
  • New York Elite Baseball
  • Cooperstown Dreams Park 2019 Week 13 Champions
  • PBR

With over two decades of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for baseball, Coach Kel has dedicated his life to teaching the game he’s loved since he was 8 years old. Since 2000, he’s been proudly coaching in New York City, working with players of all ages and skill levels—many of whom have gone on to compete at high school, collegiate, and even professional levels.

More than just drills and wins, his coaching is rooted in connection, patience, and understanding. He believes in meeting players where they are, helping them grow not only as athletes but also as young people. He has a natural ability to teach kids in ways that click—whether they’re beginners learning the fundamentals or advanced players fine-tuning their game. In return, he’s found some of his greatest lessons have come from the kids themselves.

His love for baseball goes beyond the field—it’s a language, a bond, and a classroom. He’s especially drawn to the strategy of the game—pitch sequences, defensive positioning, situational hitting—and he’s enjoyed teaching these mental aspects to help players become smarter and more confident on the field.

At heart, he’s an educator who uses baseball as a vehicle for life lessons, growth, and connection. Whether we’re turning double plays or learning how to handle adversity, the goal is always the same: to build up young people with skills that last far beyond the diamond.

Matthew Arduino grew up with a love for baseball. At the high school level, he spent two years on Norwalk High School’s varsity team. He spent time after college coaching Fall ball teams as well as coaching teams for disabled adults. Matt has also grown a passion for the health and fitness side of the game by spending four years as a fitness instructor/coach. When he isn’t coaching baseball, he works as an aide for adults with disabilities. He is passionate about helping others on and off the field, shown through his compassion and energy!

Matt also works at East Coast as a Certified Personal Trainer with expert rating/NASM certifications.

Jonathan Sica lives with a passion for health and fitness. As a NASM certified personal trainer he strives to help clients reach their goals. From weight loss and muscle building to athletic performance and conditioning, he is there every step of the way. He has also spent the majority of his life playing baseball, spending 3 years on yorktown high school’s varsity team. He earned all league, all state, and comeback player of the year his final season at Yorktown. He’s looking forward to channeling his passion for baseball through coaching.

Coach Liam was a 3 sport athlete at Byram Hills High School (football, swimming, & baseball). He played baseball all 4 years as a left-handed pitcher and hitter, 1st baseman and outfielder. He then went off to play at SUNY Adirondack in 2022 & 2023 before transferring to play at Eastern Nazarene College in 2024. He finished out his college career in 2025 at New England College where he earned a BA in Sports and Recreation Management. ECA’s is the 3rd travel baseball organization in which he served as a baseball coach and trainer since 2023. He also continues to play and coach for the Shore Road Sluggers in the Westchester-Rockland Wood Bat League and has been recognized as All Rookie Second Team Picture (Summer 2024).

Steve Schwartz is a seasoned baseball professional with a passion for education and sports. As a former college center fielder and pitcher from the University of Hartford, Coach Schwartz brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the world of travel baseball.
With over 10 years of coaching experience under Coach Schwartz’s belt, including the past couple of years devoted to travel baseball, he has a proven track record of developing young athletes both on and off the field.

Coach Schwartz’s dedication to mentorship and nurturing talent has been instrumental in shaping the future of countless players as well as his career as an educator. This includes the past couple of years as a Travel Coach for the BHK Thunder where he took 8 years old and played up a year against mostly 9 year olds.

As a product of the University of Hartford athletics program, Coach Schwartz understands the importance of instilling both discipline and a growth mindset in players. This unique blend of understanding the sport and valuing education creates the perfect balance for young athletes looking to thrive both academically and athletically.

Coach Steve’s experience as a center fielder and pitcher at the collegiate level has honed his strategic thinking, leadership skills, and ability to excel under pressure. These qualities, coupled with his passion for guiding young athletes toward success, and team-first mentality make him a perfect fit for the East Coast A’s travel baseball community.

In addition to baseball proficiency, Coach Schwartz brings a genuine passion for education. He understands the value of maintaining a strong academic foundation while pursuing athletic dreams and actively encourages all players to prioritize their studies inside and outside the game of baseball. Coach Schwartz believes that the skills developed through baseball, such as teamwork, perseverance, and discipline, can be translated into lifelong success both in and out of the classroom.

With Coach Schwartz as part of the A’s family, the travel baseball program guarantees a nurturing and constructive environment for players seeking to elevate their skills, enhance their understanding of the game, and cultivate personal growth. Whether it’s refining baseball skills, fostering teamwork, or instilling a love for the sport, Coach Schwartz is dedicated to providing an enriching experience that empowers young athletes to excel in all aspects of their lives.

Shane Farrell is a seasoned coach and operations professional with over 10 years of experience in youth sports, specializing in softball. His passion for the game has driven him to become a dedicated student of the sport, continually expanding his knowledge from all angles. Shane is nationally certified and holds various coaching credentials, including:

• National Certified Interscholastic Coach
• NFHS Middle School Coach Level 1
• NFHS Coach Level 3
• ON BASE U Level 1 Hitting Coach Certification
• USA Softball ACE Level 1 Coach
• ASFA Certified Youth Fitness Trainer
• Blast Motion Coach Certification (Hitting Technology)
• National Fastpitch Coaches Association Member

Shane’s involvement in youth sports spans a variety of roles, and he is committed to elevating his coaching skills and developing players and programs that offer strong foundational support for both athletes and their families. His experience includes:

• Travel Softball Program Coordinator
• Softball Coach for 8U – 16U
• T-Ball Program Coordinator
• Minors Baseball Coordinator
• Recreational Softball and Baseball Coach
• GHVSL Championship Coach 8U Softball
• Lessons And Clinics

Through his comprehensive experience and ongoing professional development, Shane aims to foster a positive, educational environment that empowers young athletes to grow both on and off the field.

Coach Jess is a certified softball coach. She brings a dynamic, high-energy approach to youth athletics, drawing on her extensive experience as both an athlete and a coach. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jess began playing at age five and has a deep understanding of how the discipline, teamwork, and commitment learned in sports can shape an individual’s life. As a student athlete, she contributed to several championship-winning softball and soccer teams, which laid the foundation for her successful career in coaching and business.

With over a decade of coaching experience, Jess has worked with athletes ages 4-16 in sports including softball, soccer, baseball, and basketball. Her coaching philosophy centers on respect for each player and the importance of fostering a strong team dynamic. Jess is dedicated to helping athletes grow both physically and mentally, while keeping the game fun and engaging for all participants.

Coaching Experience:

• Minors Softball Coordinator: Developed a unified practice program, player handbook, and consistent coaching strategies.
• GHVSL Championship Coach 8U Softball
• Softball Pitching Coach: Provides personalized pitching lessons and group clinics.
• Soccer, Basketball, T-ball, and Baseball Coach for various age groups.

Certifications:

• NFHS Certified Coach (Level 1)
• National Fastpitch Coaches Association Member
• First Aid, CPR, and Concussion Safety Certified
• Blast Motion Certified Coach (Hitting Coach with the use of Technology)

My name is Shannon Karabaic, and I was born and raised in Cortlandt Manor, NY. My passion for softball began at the age of eight.

Hendrick Hudson High School, Graduate 2016

• Played six years of high school softball: Started JV in 7th grade, moving up to a starting position on varsity in 9th grade.
• Awarded All Section, and recieved Leadership Award from HS. Studied Engineering at James Madison University
• Played several semesters on the nationally ranked club softball team.

Experience:

• I have been a private instructor for three years giving lessons in pitching, fielding, and hitting.
• I have experience in coaching 18u and 10u travel teams.

My overall goal as a softball instructor is to shape athletes into great players and individuals. I stress the importance of understanding all aspects of the game. Not only developing skills, but attitude, body language, and the importance of our own mental health. I hope to make an impact on my players that goes beyond the game.

With over 20 years of experience playing softball, Stephanie’s extensive background includes playing both infield and outfield positions, equipping her with a deep understanding of the game. She was a catcher at Westchester Community College from 2010 to 2012, and a catcher/3rd baseman at SUNY Purchase from 2012 to 2014. Since beginning her professional coaching career in 2012, Stephanie has successfully developed dozens of athletes, many of them continuing to play at the collegiate level.

With over twenty years of experience as a baseball and softball umpire, Michael brings an unparalleled understanding of the game’s nuances and integrity to the dugout. His transition from behind the plate to the coaching staff is driven by a lifelong dedication to youth sports and a passion for mentoring the next generation of athletes.

Currently coaching with East Coast Athletics for the East Coast A’s, Michael focuses on more than just the scoreboard. He is committed to technical player development and teaching kids how to navigate the highs and lows of competition with resilience and a team-first mindset.

Coach’s Profile

• Role: Coach, East Coast A’s (East Coast Athletics)

• Expertise: 20+ years of baseball and softball officiating; youth player development.

• Philosophy: Building character through sportsmanship and mastering the fundamentals of the game.

16 years of experience playing softball ( 8 years slapping experience).

Played softball at Muhlenberg College (outfield/ slapper)( also have experience winning the conference + advancing to the D3 NCAA tournament).

3 time Centennial Conference Academic Honors.

Degree in Psychology ( currently working in the behavioral health field) ( utilizing my degree to help athletes recognize and strengthen the mental side of their game).

Also ran track at Muhlenberg College ( sprints/ relays).

Experience training girls ages 10-18 in hitting & fielding.

Coming from a tennis background where Alan has been to the USTA nationals seven times, he discovered and quickly became obsessed with pickleball. Alan has competed from 4.0 to senior pro levels and has won multiple gold medals. He has a passion for coaching and is on a journey to pass on the love and many health and emotional benefits of pickleball, so Alan created the A-Z Pickleball Academy. Alan is certified by the IPTPA, and PPR as a professional coach and has the newly designated junior coach certification.

Lisa is a highly experienced group fitness instructor with over 25 years of teaching. With a passion for helping people achieve their fitness goals, Lisa has dedicated her career to motivating and inspiring participants to reach their full potential.

Lisa believes in the power of group fitness to create a supportive and motivating environment that encourages people to push past their limits and achieve their goals.

One of Lisa’s core beliefs is that everyone has the power to create positive change in their lives. She reflects this in her motto, “Life has no remote, so get up and make the change,” which encourages people to take action and make the most out of every opportunity.

As a fitness instructor, Lisa is committed to helping her participants improve their physical fitness, but they also understand the importance of mental and emotional well-being. She strives to create a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.

Over the years, Lisa has helped countless individuals achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall quality of life. Her dedication and passion for her work are evident in every class they teach, and she is always looking for new ways to inspire and motivate participants.

Jonathan Sica lives with a passion for health and fitness. As a NASM certified personal trainer he strives to help clients reach their goals. From weight loss and muscle building to athletic performance and conditioning, he is there every step of the way. He has also spent the majority of his life playing baseball, spending 3 years on yorktown high school’s varsity team. He earned all league, all state, and comeback player of the year his final season at Yorktown. He’s looking forward to channeling his passion for baseball through coaching.

Matthew Arduino grew up with a love for baseball. At the high school level, he spent two years on Norwalk High School’s varsity team. He spent time after college coaching Fall ball teams as well as coaching teams for disabled adults. Matt has also grown a passion for the health and fitness side of the game by spending four years as a fitness instructor/coach. When he isn’t coaching baseball, he works as an aide for adults with disabilities. He is passionate about helping others on and off the field, shown through his compassion and energy!

Matt also works at East Coast as a Certified Personal Trainer with expert rating/NASM certifications.

With over 20 years of experience playing softball, Stephanie’s extensive background includes playing both infield and outfield positions, equipping her with a deep understanding of the game. She was a catcher at Westchester Community College from 2010 to 2012, and a catcher/3rd baseman at SUNY Purchase from 2012 to 2014. Since beginning her professional coaching career in 2012, Stephanie has successfully developed dozens of athletes, many of them continuing to play at the collegiate level.