Experts

Will Bartholomew is the founder and CEO of D1 Training, a leading sports performance company with locations across the United States. A former team captain and fullback at the University of Tennessee, he helped the Volunteers win a national championship and built a reputation for toughness, leadership, and work ethic. After his playing career, he created D1 to bring elite, science-based training to athletes of all ages. Today, the company continues to grow nationwide, shaping athletes through discipline, development, and high-level coaching.

Inky Johnson is a nationally renowned motivational speaker known for his transformative message of purpose, perseverance, and resilience. A former defensive back at the University of Tennessee, football career ended abruptly after a life-altering injury left his right arm paralyzed. Instead of letting tragedy define him, Johnson turned his experience into a powerful platform, inspiring audiences with lessons on overcoming adversity, leading with character, and finding meaning in challenge. Today, he continues to impact millions through his motivation, storytelling, and resilience.

Kelsey Poulter is a sports nutrition expert and the founder of Next Level Athletes (NLA), a performance-focused nutrition company dedicated to helping athletes fuel their training and maximize their potential. She combines her experience as a former college basketball player with a strong academic background in Exercise Physiology to create practical, science-based strategies tailored to each athlete’s needs. Through NLA, Kelsey provides individualized guidance, education, and support, empowering athletes to build sustainable habits, enhance recovery, and elevate their overall performance on and off the field.

Mark DeRosa is a former 16-year Major League Baseball veteran, baseball coach, and media personality. He currently serves as an analyst on MLB Network’s MLB Central, bringing insight, experience, and perspective from his extensive playing career. Beyond his work in broadcasting, DeRosa managed Team USA in the 2023 and 2026 World Baseball Classic. Combining his experience and deep knowledge of the game with his ability to develop players and connect with fans, he continues to be a leading voice and advocate in baseball today.

Dr. Mark Kovacs is a leading performance expert, sports scientist, and performance physiologist known for his innovative work in athlete development. He is the founder of the Kovacs Institute, where he leads cutting-edge research and provides high-level training solutions for elite athletes, coaches, and organizations. Previously, he served as the Director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, contributing to major advancements in performance science. Dr. Kovacs continues to influence the field through education, research, and practical methodologies that elevate athletic performance worldwide.

Jeff Francoeur, a former Major League Gold Glove outfielder and current national broadcaster, is a leading voice in baseball media and of Pure Athlete. A Georgia native and first-round MLB Draft pick, Francoeur enjoyed a 12-year playing career in the major leagues. After retiring, he transitioned to broadcasting and now serves as an analyst for TBS Baseball and the Atlanta Braves, providing national coverage throughout the MLB season and postseason. Blending his professional experience with a passion for young athletes, Francoeur is a prominent advocate for youth sports and continues to make a lasting impact on and off the field.

Rob Friedman, better known as Pitching Ninja, has established himself as a leading figure in baseball media. The father of a former Division I pitcher, Friedman turned his passion for pitching into a platform that reaches millions of fans, players, and coaches worldwide. Through his breakdowns of elite pitchers, creative pitch overlays, and analysis of mechanics, he delivers a mix of education and entertainment that connects with players and coaches at every level. What started as a passion project, Pitching Ninja has become a go-to voice in baseball—breaking down the art of pitching and bringing fans closer to the game than ever.

Dr. Neeru Jayanthi is an internationally recognized expert in sports medicine, specializing in injury prevention, athlete training patterns, and sports specialization. He combines clinical expertise with a deep understanding of athletic development to guide athletes safely and effectively in their performance journeys. In addition to his medical work, Dr. Jayanthi is a certified USPTA tennis coach and serves as Chair of the USTA Sports Science Committee, where he contributes to advancing research, education, and best practices in sports performance and athlete health worldwide.

Brandon Guyer played for seven seasons in Major League Baseball. After retiring, he founded Major League Mindset, a mental performance coaching organization dedicated to helping athletes of all ages build confidence, resilience, and strong competitive habits. Drawing from his big-league experience, Guyer provides practical tools and proven mindset strategies designed to help players unlock their potential, manage pressure, and perform with consistency. His mission is to equip athletes with the mental skills needed to excel on and off the field.

Shooter Hunt serves as Vice President of Scouting for Prep Baseball Report, overseeing scouting operations and evaluating youth baseball talent across the country. After a standout career at Tulane University, where he earned Conference USA Pitcher of the Year and All-American honors, Hunt was selected in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins. Today, he leverages his playing and coaching background to evaluate prospects and support players, coaches, and scouts throughout the youth baseball journey.

Jason Phillips serves as a National Scouting Coordinator for Perfect Game, where he plays a key role in identifying and developing elite amateur baseball talent. A former Major League catcher, Phillips spent seven seasons in the big leagues after being drafted by the New York Mets, gaining a deep understanding of the game from behind the plate. Today, he leverages that experience to evaluate top prospects, mentor young athletes, and help connect them with opportunities to excel at both collegiate and professional levels.