Pitching Coaches
2021 Mount Horeb Softball Club: Pitcher Development
The MHSC recognizes the need for pitchers to develop and hone their skills throughout the year by committing to individual practices as well as working with a qualified pitching coach. We are fortunate to have a number of talented pitching coaches in the area. The MHSC has assembled a list of coaches ranging from volunteers to paid professionals to meet the varying needs of players and parents alike. We would be happy to add additional coaches to our list if we are made aware of them, so our players have every opportunity available to them. We hope you find this list useful as you decide what works best for your player and your family.
Practice Space
The MHSC is working to secure gym space in Mt. Horeb this winter for open gym practices. Pitchers can work with volunteers or bring in a pitching coach to practice in small groups or individually. In addition, there may be opportunities to practice at other local facilities if more space is needed and the demand is great enough. Stay tuned for more info.
Pitching Coaches and Resources
Steve Krupke
608.295.8934
Pitching Philosophy & What to Expect (videos):
The “Krup K System” What We Teach
Experience/Background:
- Head Coach for Brodhead Softball for 12 years (2000-2011) with a 203-63 record.
- Head Coach of the 2004 Division 3 Wisconsin State Champions.
- Won Rock Valley Conference Titles in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
- Coached and developed First Team All-Conference Pitchers. 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016 and 2017
- Coached Wisconsin State All-Star game in 2004.
- Coach Wisconsin All-State Team in the Wisconsin/Minnesota border battle in 2010 and 2011
- Pitching instructor for pitching camps at UW-Oshkosh from 2004 to 2013
- Pitched competitively from 1994 to 2008 winning multiple NAFA & ASA National Titles and numerous accolades. Particulars: Although Steve is not taking on new individual lessons currently, he is willing to work with up to three additional ladies on the same evening he is already coming to Mt. Horeb. Steve charges for lessons, contact him for rates.
Location: Steve currently works with several Mt. Horeb pitchers at a private facility within a mile of the village one night a week over the winter.
Philosophy: Steve hangs his hat on fundamentals and mechanics. “First, I focus on proper mechanics. I have a track record of my pitchers NOT getting sore arms. I have pitched for over 25 years and I don’t get a sore arm. Pitchers with proper mechanics can throw multiple games in a day and typically get stronger throughout the season. Second, I teach a Drop Ball. I have a method that easily turns a pitcher’s Fastball into a Drop Ball. Third, I teach a Change Up. There are a lot of ways to throw a Change Up, but I teach one that my students feel is simple and more effective than any other change up they have tried. It looks like a Drop Ball so that adds to the deception. Last, I teach a Rise Ball. This is an advanced pitch and I only teach it to pitchers that have their mechanics mastered. I teach it in a way that requires A LOT of practice, but it is the most effective Rise Ball there is.”
Arin Oppermann
319.560.5960
Experience: Arin Oppermann, owner of Level Up Fastpitch, is a respected full-time pitching instructor in the Madison area with a background in elementary education and coaching at the high school and collegiate level. With 20 years of coaching experience, her commitment to excellence is reflected in her track record of producing Division 1 and nationally ranked pitchers. She is also known for her commitment to constant learning and her connection to Tincher Pitching, a leading authority in pitching instruction which includes a collaborative network of over 100 pitching instructors across the country.
Particulars: Arin offers specialized small group pitching sessions designed to cater to pitchers of all skill levels. These leveled sessions provide a dynamic learning environment where pitchers can thrive and grow alongside peers who share similar abilities and goals. Arin also offers an exclusive online program only available to Level Up students. This program includes a comprehensive library of instructional videos, practice plans, game strategies, and more, providing ongoing support and guidance to both pitchers and parents.
Although Arin’s schedule is incredibly full, she will always make time for hard working, dedicated pitchers. You can visit levelupfastpitch.com to learn more about her and apply for lessons.
Location: Arin has a private facility in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.
Philosophy: “I believe that every pitcher has the potential to excel with the right guidance, support, and dedication. Along with breaking down complex movement patterns into easy-to-understand concepts, I also prioritize the development of my students’ pitching mentality and strategic thinking, and help them become a true student of their craft, all within a safe, positive learning environment. Through this approach, I am able to instill a desire for self-improvement, help pitchers build their confidence, and empower them to take ownership of their personal development and successes.”
Craig Neuroth
608.438.2356
outsidersbaseballthree7s@gmail.com
Website: http://three7sbaseball.com
Experience/Background: Craig was the varsity softball coach for Barneveld for thirteen years and played fastpitch softball for many years.
Particulars: Craig runs a training facility and charges for lessons; contact him for rates.
Location: Craig has a practice facility located just outside of Mt. Horeb at 3184 Cty. J, Verona, WI 53593
Philosophy: “Our goal is not to win every game, rather to teach winning and losing with dignity and respect and to instill the love of the game to all players. We think everyone can play and everybody should have fun.”
Morgan Stephens
765.418.9775
Experience/Background: Morgan played competitive travel softball for a decade all over the east coast and Midwest. She pitched in more than a hundred games at national tournaments (ASA, NSA, & USSSA), and pitched her teams to a USSSA national championship and Indiana high school state runner up title. Morgan has been coaching elementary to high school pitchers for the last 10 years.
Particulars: Morgan works with pitchers at any level both individually or in small groups. Morgan charges for lessons, contact her for rates.
Location: Morgan will come to you or at times can find alternate locations if necessary.
Philosophy: “I focus on the mechanics of pitching and instilling confidence in girls of all ages and experience levels. I utilize pitching methods that rely on repetition through drills, isolating areas of the pitch, and mental fortitude on the mound. I regularly review the current best practices in pitching through following top pitching experts such as Rita Lynn Gilman and former team USA pitchers.”
Laci Pustina
608.574.7713
Experience/Background: Laci was a coach for U12 summer and fall ball this past year.
Particulars: Laci has a daughter in the Mt. Horeb youth program and is willing to volunteer her time to those interested.
Location: Work with girls at open gyms or practices.
Rick Monson
608.220.7282
Experience: Rick is an assistant coach at Verona and does some pitching instruction.
Mount Horeb Softball Club 