Baseball & Softball Lessons & Position-Specific Training
Expert Coaching & Safe, Science-Backed Training for Baseball & Softball Athletes
At KTLYST Athlete Lab in St. Augustine, we offer elite baseball and softball instruction for athletes of all ages—from youth players to collegiate and pro prospects. Led by a team of seasoned professionals including former pro catcher John Fiorenza, Flagler College softball record-holder Sydney Stewart, and former MiLB hitting coach and manager Dave Howard, our program focuses on developing proper mechanics, maximizing performance, and reducing injury risk. Whether you're looking for hitting, pitching, catching, or fielding instruction, our individualized training is rooted in fundamentals, recovery-focused practices, and long-term athletic development. Trusted by parents, respected by athletes—KTLYST prepares you to play the game the right way.
Catching lessons with Pro Athlete & Personal Trainer John Fiorenza focus's on developing the essential skills and techniques that make catchers stand out. From framing pitches and blocking balls in the dirt to footwork, throwing accuracy, and game-calling strategy, training tailored to each athlete’s level. We emphasize proper mechanics to enhance performance while minimizing injury risk, teaching catchers how to stay strong and agile throughout the game. Whether you’re new to the position or aiming to compete at a higher level, our lessons build confidence, leadership, and the physical tools needed to control the field behind the plate.
State-of-the-Art Facility Equipped for Elite Baseball & Softball Development
At KTLYST Athlete Lab, our facility is fully equipped to elevate every aspect of your baseball and softball training. Athletes benefit from tools including a Plyo Wall for explosive power development and Hack Attack Pro Series pitching machines that deliver pitches between 43-100 mph, featuring fastballs, off-speed sequencing, and breaking balls for realistic batting practice. We use experience and tools to general bat speed, refine swing mechanics and approach, while Rapsodo motion capture and analytics technology provide detailed performance insights. Our Driveline Crush Factor foam balls allow safe, high-velocity hitting drills, and our professional-grade pitching mound, radar systems, and more create the perfect environment for skill refinement. All training takes place in a climate-controlled space designed for consistent growth, recovery, and peak performance.
Coaches Committed to Developing the Next Generation
John Fiorenza
John Fiorenza
John Fiorenza
Professional Catcher | Baseball & Softball KTLYST Performance Coach
Specializing in Catcher Development, Hitting, Fielding, Pitching, and Athlete Preparation
John Fiorenza brings a rare combination of professional playing experience, expert-level catching knowledge, and a deep passion for athlete development. As a current professional catcher for the Schaumburg Boomers in the Frontier League, John knows exactly what it takes to perform at the highest levels of baseball—and he’s committed to helping the next generation get there too.
A graduate of Flagler College with a Bachelor’s in Sports Management, John earned Player of the Year and MVP honors for their NCAA Division II Baseball Team. His leadership, work ethic, and baseball IQ set the foundation for the focused, results-driven coaching he delivers today.
At Ktlyst Fitness in St. Augustine, John offers specialized instruction in:
- Catcher development (mobility, stability, receiving, blocking, game-calling & throwing)
- Hitting and fielding mechanics
- Youth pitching fundamentals
- Baseball/softball-specific strength, mobility, and arm care
- Game IQ, leadership training, and competitive mindset coaching
John’s coaching blends technical instruction with total athlete preparation—including hybrid skill and strength training—designed to boost performance, reduce injury risk, and build confident, resilient players.
Whether you're a young athlete starting out, a high school player chasing a scholarship, or a travel ball catcher looking to gain an edge, John offers next-level coaching rooted in hard work, precision, and passion for the game.
Meghan Dawson
John Fiorenza
John Fiorenza
Softball Player/Coach | Multi-Position Specialist | Youth Development Leader
Specializing in Pitching, Hitting, Catching & Fielding for Ages 8U–14U
Meghan Dawson brings high-level playing experience, true versatility, and a deep passion for developing young softball players. A current Division II athlete at Flagler College, Meghan was recruited for her ability to play—and excel—at nearly every position on the field. From middle infield to pitching, outfield, and corner infield, her utility background and consistency made her a key asset at every level.
Meghan’s playing career was built on grit, adaptability, and preparation. She finished her high school career with a .375 batting average her senior year and a .366 career varsity average with 47 RBIs in 54 games—proof of her effectiveness at the plate and poise under pressure.
Now coaching at Ktlyst Fitness in St. Augustine, Meghan offers:
- Pitching instruction rooted in mechanics, consistency, and confidence
- Hitting lessons with a focus on timing, power, and approach
- Position-specific fielding fundamentals
- Game preparedness, leadership development, and mental toughness
While Meghan works with athletes of all ages, her true passion lies in mentoring 8U–14U softball players—laying the foundation of skills, mindset, and confidence they need to grow into the next generation of strong, capable competitors on and off the field.
Whether your athlete is just starting out or ready to take the next step, Meghan brings knowledge, energy, and a player-first approach to every session.
Kobey Schlotman
Kobey Schlotman
Kobey Schlotman
Professional Pitcher | KTLYST Affiliate Pitching Coach
Specializing in Pitching Mechanics, Velocity Development, and Mental Game Mastery
Kobey Schlotman is a left-handed professional pitcher for the Schaumburg Boomers in the Frontier League and a dedicated affiliate pitching coach at Ktlyst Fitness. With firsthand experience competing at the professional level, Kobey brings a high-performance mindset, deep technical knowledge, and a player-focused coaching style to every athlete he works with.
Known for his command, composure, and work ethic on the mound, Kobey trains pitchers to become complete athletes—blending mechanics, velocity development, and mental toughness into every session. His approach emphasizes arm care, efficient movement patterns, pitch sequencing, and confidence under pressure.
At Ktlyst, Kobey works with pitchers of all levels to build:
- Consistent mechanics and body control
- Pitch development and command
- Velocity, strength, and mobility tailored to throwers
- The mindset and poise to compete at the next level
Whether you're a youth pitcher learning the fundamentals or a high school athlete chasing a college roster spot, Kobey offers the insight, intensity, and real-world experience to help you grow—and dominate—from the rubber.
Michael Weitz
Kobey Schlotman
Kobey Schlotman
Co-Owner, Ktlyst Fitness & Athlete Lab | Youth Baseball & Softball Coach | Certified Personal Trainer
Focused on 6u / 8u / 10u Athlete Development, Hitting, Fielding, Speed & Agility
Michael Weitz is the co-owner of Ktlyst Fitness & Athlete Lab in St. Augustine, FL (32092) and a dedicated youth baseball and softball coach with a passion for helping young athletes fall in love with the game. As a certified personal trainer and movement specialist, Michael combines physical development with technical training to build confident, well-rounded players—on and off the field.
Specializing in U12 foundational development, Michael focuses on:
- Hitting and fielding fundamentals
- Body awareness and movement coordination
- Youth speed, agility, and functional strength
- Positive mindset, fun, and love for practice
Michael's coaching approach is centered on creating a fun, encouraging environment where kids enjoy the process of improving, not just the results. He believes that when young athletes are supported, challenged, and having fun, real progress follows naturally.
Through small group sessions, private coaching, and team-based training, Michael helps players in St. Augustine and St. Johns County build the core athletic and game skills they need to grow with the sport—and stay excited about it.
If you're looking for a coach who blends movement science, baseball IQ, and positive mentorship, Michael brings the expertise, energy, and heart to guide young players at every stage of their journey.
Where Innovation Meets Performance
Batting Cages / Pitching Tunnel
Our facility features top-of-the-line Hack Attack and iHack Pro Series pitching machines for both baseball and softball, delivering unmatched precision and versatility in every session. These professional-grade machines replicate real-game conditions with pitch speeds ranging from 43 to 100 mph and the ability to throw fastballs, breaking balls, changeups, and off-speed sequences. The iHack’s programmable pitch sequences allow for customized training that challenges hitters with realistic timing and pitch recognition drills. Whether you're working on timing, bat speed, or pitch tracking, these machines help athletes build confidence and sharpen hitting mechanics with every rep.
Train Like It’s Game Day — Every Day
Pitchers love training at KTLYST Athlete Lab because of our ProMounds ProModel Pitching Mound—a professional-grade indoor mound that delivers the real feel of game conditions in a controlled environment. With a full 5-foot width, this mound gives pitchers the space they need to work on mechanics, command, and velocity without compromise. Built with high-density foam and PRAT (ProMounds Rubber Armor Technology), it’s both lightweight and incredibly durable, featuring spike-resistant turf and a built-in rubber for authentic reps. The anti-scuff design protects our facility while allowing pitchers to go full intensity. It’s ideal for both individual bullpens and coach-led drill work. Whether you're preparing for the season or coming back from injury, this mound gives you the surface and support to perform at your best.
Data-Driven Development with Rapsodo 3.0
Serious athletes train with purpose—and that starts with real data. At KTLYST Athlete Lab, our Rapsodo 3.0 system delivers pro-level performance analytics for both pitchers and hitters. This industry-leading technology tracks every pitch and swing in real-time, providing instant feedback on metrics like velocity, spin rate, launch angle, exit velocity, movement profiles, and strike zone mapping. Whether you're fine-tuning pitch design, building a more efficient swing path, or preparing for showcase events, Rapsodo 3.0 gives you the insights you need to train smarter and perform better. Trusted by MLB organizations and top college programs, Rapsodo transforms practice into progress—and makes every rep count.