DIAMOND SPORTS ACADEMY - Key Persons
Andy De Jesus is from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He began his baseball collegiate career in 2013 at Iowa Central Community College, where he competed for two seasons. As a sophomore he was First-Team All-Region in NJCAA DII Baseball. He then transferred to Indiana State University to continue his baseball career and further his education. He graduated from ISU with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science. As a senior at ISU he was First-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference and All-Defensive Team. Following his college career he went on to play professional baseball with the Gary Southshore Railcats in the American Association of Professional Baseball for three full seasons (2017,2018,2019). He also played 3 seasons (2017,2018,2019) for the Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter League (DWL). Lastly he played for the Evansville Otters in the Frontier League (2021). Andy is very passionate about passing along his knowledge and experiences to others. He resides in Johnston, IA with his wife Katie.
Chad is a world class athlete that has done it all at a variety of levels.
Gehrig is available for catching or hitting instruction on weekends and in the summer. He attended Urbandale High School where he was a two-time state champion and three-time all-state selection earning DM Register all-Iowa Elite Team as a senior, first-team 4A as a junior and second-team honors as a sophomore. Ranked as a top-500 player nationally by Perfect Game and the sixth-best player in Iowa 2021 by Prep Baseball Report. He still holds multiple records at UHS including all-time records in hits, doubles, and walks. Gehrig was a member of the Hawkeye baseball team in 2022 & 2023.
To schedule a lesson with Gehrig, please call/text 515-777-4730, or email gehrig2021@gmail.com.
Kelsey has worked camps, clinics and given private lessons all over the country and maintains many contacts in collegiate baseball & softball and professional baseball.
Mel is a former MLB player and an instructor for over 25 years. Mel's goal is to provide the best comprehensive instruction that ultimately provides significant long lasting athletic improvement. Too often coaches focus too much on individual skills and neglect other vitally important skills such as key terminologies, footwork, body control, as well as speed, agility, quickness, and muscular development. That is why as a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist I offer all training modalities for athletic development - including Performance/Speed and Agility Classes in addition to individual/class hitting/fielding instruction. To contact Mel please text or call him at 850-630-5884
Mike attended Knoxville High School, earning All-State awards as a Sophomore pitcher. Missed entire Junior year with a shoulder injury. Had recontructive shoulder surgery performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama. Returned as a Senior hitter to receive 1st Team All-State awards.
Attended Kirkwood Community College (NJCAA), North Carolina State University (NCAA1) and Oklahoma City University (NAIA). Hit over 40 Home Runs, played in two NCAA Regionals and played for nationally ranked teams all 4 years. Had a chance to work with some of the best coaches and play with & against some of the best players in the world. Has worked camps, clinics and given private lessons all over the country and maintains many contacts in collegiate baseball & softball and professional baseball. Teaches baseball & softball hitting and baseball pitching.
If you would like to schedule a lesson with Mike please TEXT him at 515-210-9518
Mike has worked camps, clinics and given private lessons all over the country and maintains many contacts in collegiate baseball & softball and professional baseball.
Rebecca Dempsey was the Head Softball Coach at Division II Lake Erie College in Cleveland, Ohio from 2016-2021. Becca has been coaching softball and giving lessons for the past 8 years, recently she and her husband moved to the Des Moines Area.
Becca graduated from Denison University in 2014 (formerly as Rebecca Dyer), starting on the mound all four years of her career. She was named North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Pitcher of the Year in 2011 & 2014, earned first Team All Central Region in 2014 and named to the NCAC All-Decade Team for 2004-2014. Becca was a six-time NCAC Pitcher of the Week, and earned first team All-NCAC honors in 2011, 2013, & 2014.
Sam attended Iowa Central from 2015-2017 and Cornell College from 2017-2019. Accomplished a Conference title and first ever NCAA Tournament bid my Senior Season. Senior Season I was named Conference Pitcher of the week and Midwest Conference First Team. I have coached for going on five years upcoming. I took a gap year from teaching to pursue Independent Baseball playing the 2022 season with the Idaho Falls Chukars. I am since back in Urbandale teaching fourth grade full time and at Perry coaching baseball and football. Best way to reach me is by phone call or text (515)333-3750. My email is samkornstad@gmail.