DSA Coaches

An Arizona native, Todd grew up playing multiple sports. In High School, he had more success on the football field, where he was an All-State Selection for 2x State Champs PCHS. Todd decided to take his baseball talents to Grand Canyon University, playing three seasons with the Lopes’ two in NAIA and one as the school's first D1 Program Sport. Todd’s passion for coaching started at GCU, where he coached little league teams during the Falls as a volunteer. Todd signed as a free agent to an instructional league with the Cubs and later with the Giants and quickly moved into Corporate America. Todd’s passion for sports didn’t stop once baseball was done. As a Zevo Sponsored golfer, Todd played Monday qualifiers as he attempted to play on the PGA.  As a cyclist, Todd has ridden from Phoenix to Las Vegas, proving you can do anything you set your mind to. Todd coached his two daughters in tennis and helped develop them into outstanding Collegiate Players. One earned All-American status while the other daughter played Women’s Pro Circuit events. It was during these years Todd came back to his passion for coaching. Today Todd has coached his son's teams for the past four years. From little league to Majors Club ball Todd has shown a willingness to help boys ignite their love of baseball, hard work, and commitment to their goals, team, and teammates! Today Todd coach’s both Iron Baseball Clubs 14U teams and has built a bond with his players and families.  With a commitment to technique, quality practice, adversity in training, and daily work, these boys are achieving success on the Diamond.  

Coach Fred Speck has been a coach and instructor in the valley since 1997 and was the Head Coach of Grand Canyon University Club Team 2 from 2015 - 2019.  He has over 32 years of coaching experience with youth, high school, collegiate and international teams.  He organized and managed an Academy with over 100 players from 2007-2012 and 2018-2024 in age groups 9u-18u, taking four 12u teams to Cooperstown, NY.  Coach Speck graduated from Biola University in Business Management and was a four-year starter, leaving the program as the All-Time Hits Leader in 1991.  
   

His coaching credentials include:   

- 9r Baseball - Owner/Instructor (12 years - Present)

- Niners Baseball Club - (6 years)

- GCU Club Baseball Head Coach (4years)

 - Elite BB Academy Owner/Player Develop. (5 years)

- Inside Pitch Training Facility Co-Owner (8 years)

- Pinnacle HS - Asst. Varsity Coach (3 years)

- Desert Mtn. HS Freshman Head Coach (2 years)

- Stampede BB - Babe Ruth Head Coach (3 years)

- Alby Baseball Club Sweden Head Coach (2 years)

- Swedish Junior National Team Asst. Coach (1 year)

- Sundsvall BB Club Sweden Head Coach (4 years)

- Biola University Asst. Coach (2 years)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Brigette Del Ponte coached collegiately at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, College of the Holy Cross and is currently an assistant coach at South Mountain Community College. 

INTERNATIONAL/MEXICO:

Captain of the Mexican National Team from 2012-2019

PROFESSIONAL: 2013

Drafted 17th overall to the Akron Racers

Traded to USSSA Pride where she won a National Pro Fastpitch Championship

COLLEGE: University of Arizona 

At Arizona, Del Ponte was a 2012 NFCA Second Team All-American, a two-time NFCA All-region selection, and a two-time All-Pac 12 honoree. As of the completion of the 2023 season, Del Ponte holds the school record for doubles in a season (21, 2011) and is tied for sixth in school history with 52 for her career. She graduated from Arizona in 2013 with a degree in Social Behavior and Human Development.

Del Ponte attended Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria, Ariz., and was an Under Armor All-American as a Senior in 2009. 

Justin is originally from Southern California, where he grew up playing baseball. He attended Arizona Christian University here in Glendale for four years, where he found a lot of success on and off the field. He broke 13 school records in his senior year, including the all-time hit record. He then went on to graduate from the University of Portland to play Division 1 baseball. He is very excited to be a part of Club D1 and help the next generation reach their goals. 

Nolan Lebamoff, known to many as “Leb,” has dedicated his life to the game of baseball. With a deep understanding of both the physical and mental demands of the sport, he is passionate about helping players unlock their full potential on the mound and beyond.

After overcoming a spiral fracture to his right humerus in high school, Nolan went on to pitch at Kankakee Community College, where he ranks third all-time in saves and posted a 2.81 ERA as a closer. He continued his career at Valparaiso University, earning his degree while competing for two seasons. For his final year of eligibility, he transferred to Arizona State University, where he set the school record for most consecutive scoreless appearances out of the bullpen (16).

Following his playing career, Nolan transitioned into coaching, completing his master’s degree while serving as a graduate assistant with the Arizona State baseball program. During his time with the Sun Devils, he played a key role in developing the pitching staff — focusing on mechanics, mental toughness, and individualized growth. His experience at the Power Five level has given him a firsthand understanding of what it takes to compete and succeed as a collegiate pitcher in today’s highly competitive recruiting landscape.

Today, Nolan is committed to mentoring athletes with honesty, intention, and proven strategy — helping them sharpen their game and take the next step in their careers. 

Copper Benson grew up in San Luis Obispo and went on to play baseball at Arizona State University before getting drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays. He spent three years in their organization and now is excited to share what he has learned with the next generation of players. Cooper's focus is on fundamentals, mindset, and helping kids build confidence on and off the field. 

Division 1 - Arizona State University (2019-2021) 

2021 - 17th Round Draft pick Toronto Blue Jays 

2021-2024 - Blue Jays Minor League System 

2024 - Independent Ball Glacier Range Riders