Summer coaching staff spotlights – Part Two
Summer baseball and softball programming is nearing its start at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy on Tuesday, May 28. Athletes 7-18 years old can register to participate at no cost throughout the session at rangers.com/academy.
The Rangers Youth Academy will follow up part one of its summer coaching staff highlights with seven more spotlights below.
MacKenzie Velasquez has coached for five years at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy across all levels and is a favorite among her players. As a former college athlete at Lehigh University, she understands the trials and tribulations the game can bring and instills the message that softball does not define her athletes. Velasquez is keenly aware that as a coach, she has the power to positively impact a player’s life, which keeps her coming back year after year. The opportunities the Rangers Youth Academy offers its participants at no cost can change the trajectory of a life, and she works to ensure her athletes achieve their dreams.
Anthony Castaneda is focused on growing the game. As a Wiley University utility player and former Rangers Youth Academy athlete, he uses his extensive knowledge to coach the next generation to reach their goals on and off the field. He offers a steady presence for athletes to rely on as they look to develop their skills and knows the value of teaching character-building lessons that can be carried throughout life.
Nikaylen Morrison is entering his second summer on the Academy’s coaching staff after finishing his first season as Wiley University’s pitching coach. Morrison started coaching to expand his knowledge of the game and has since found a true passion for the mentorship aspect that comes with the job. Creating bonds, establishing a comfortable environment and boosting his players’ confidence are keys to his coaching plan. He hopes to continue developing his talents as a coach while inspiring athletes across all levels to find their love for the game.
Rahman Williams is one of several new hires to the Academy's summer coaching staff. As a former Jackson State University player with experience working at Major League Baseball’s headquarters, joining the staff this summer seemed like the ideal opportunity to stay involved in the game he loves while teaching younger generations. He is excited to share his baseball knowledge and work with players looking to better themselves on and off the field.
Hannah Pacheco has a storied legacy as a former Texas Rangers Youth Academy athlete, with players and staff still reminiscing on her fence-clearing home run in the 2021 Nike RBI Southwest Regional Championship. Now, as a softballer at Arlington Baptist University, her love for the game has continued to blossom, and she is grateful to be able to pass her knowledge on to the next generation. Pacheco values the community that the Texas Rangers Youth Academy offers its athletes and looks to be a positive influence for her players while teaching the life lessons that will ready them to overcome any challenge they face.
Arial Schachter, a current Brandeis University softball player, is entering her second year as a Rangers Youth Academy coach. Her interest in coaching came from her love of softball and her appreciation for the opportunities she’s gained from playing. The Youth Academy was an ideal location for Schachter to take her talents as she looks to encourage her players to find the same passion for the game. Teaching skills on the field is her priority, but helping each individual identify why they love to play and encouraging them to tap into that excites her the most.
Iliana Olivares was inspired to take up coaching after seeing her dad positively impact the lives of his players. As a former Academy athlete and current softballer at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, she is excited to take her experience “home” to coach athletes in a similar place she once was. At the end of each practice, Olivares wants her players to take note of the progress they make every day spent improving on the diamond.