Attention baseball coaches: mark your calendars! The Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association (LBCA) is hosting its Annual Coaches Convention on January 10-11, 2025, at Rock ‘N’ Bowl in Lafayette, Louisiana. This event promises to be a game-changer for baseball enthusiasts, with two full days packed with educational sessions, networking opportunities, and some of the best minds in the game sharing their expertise. And for the first time, 446Sports will be there to provide exclusive video recaps, so you won’t miss a single pitch.

A Quick Look at the LBCA

Founded in 1985, the LBCA has been at the forefront of promoting and supporting baseball throughout Louisiana. The annual convention serves as a gathering point for coaches at all levels—high school, college, and beyond—to learn, collaborate, and push the sport forward in the state. This year’s event promises to uphold that tradition, delivering insights and strategies that will impact programs across Louisiana and beyond.

Event Highlights

The two-day convention at Rock ‘N’ Bowl isn’t just about learning; it’s about celebrating the sport and the community that loves it. Here’s what attendees can look forward to:

• Dynamic Speakers: Featuring some of the most respected coaches and experts in the game, the speaker lineup is stacked. These professionals will share strategies, drills, and insights that you can apply directly to your team.
• Networking Opportunities: Rub elbows with other coaches, share experiences, and build relationships that could enhance your coaching journey.
• LBCA Hall of Fame Banquet: The annual Hall of Fame banquet on Friday night, sponsored by 2D Sports, honors those who have made significant contributions to Louisiana baseball. It’s a can’t-miss event that celebrates the past while looking forward to the future.
• Coaches Social: Wrap up Friday night with a social at Rock & Bowl’s upstairs room. Unwind, connect, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with a shared passion for the game.

Meet the Speakers

This year’s lineup of speakers brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, refine your strategy, or simply get inspired, these sessions have you covered.

Friday’s Lineup:

• Dan McDonnell (University of Louisville): McDonnell kicks things off with not one but three sessions. He’ll cover maximizing practice time with offensive and defensive drills, baserunning to score more runs, and the importance of team-building to bring your players together.
• Zach LaFleur (University of Louisiana): Sharing his insights on “Building an Offense,” LaFleur’s session promises to be invaluable for coaches looking to maximize their team’s offensive potential.
• Chris Tracz (Army): Ever wondered how to pitch in an analytics-driven world? Tracz simplifies the process, offering insights into blending data with traditional pitching strategies.
• Will Davis (Lamar University): Davis will tackle one of the trickiest aspects of coaching pitchers: controlling the running game. His session is perfect for coaches looking to improve their defensive edge.
• Rob Vaughn (University of Alabama): Vaughn’s session, “Running with the Pack,” dives into the team dynamics and strategies that make Alabama baseball a force to be reckoned with.
• Trent Mongero (Dirt Bros Elite Infield Development): Mongero wraps up Friday with “The Big 6 Must-Know Infield Drills,” a must-attend for anyone focused on strengthening their infield defense.

Saturday’s Lineup:

• FCA Breakfast: The morning kicks off with an inspirational breakfast hosted by Justin Robichaux (St. Thomas More) and sponsored by The Bayou Church and Complete Turf Care.
• Todd Butler (University of Oklahoma): Butler’s session, “Hitting Made Simple,” aims to demystify one of baseball’s most challenging skills.
• Trent Mongero: Back for more, Mongero covers the “Most Important 20 Minutes of Defensive Practice” with a focus on catch play routines.
• Turner Ward (Former MLB Player & Hitting Coach): With a dual focus on mental and mechanical aspects, Ward’s session, “Hitting: 100% Mental & 100% Mechanical,” is perfect for coaches looking to refine their players’ approach at the plate.
• Daniel Best/Ze McQueen/Todd McInnis: This trio will discuss handling the two-way player in high school, offering valuable insights for coaches managing versatile athletes.

Why You Should Attend

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting your coaching journey, this convention offers something for everyone. It’s a chance to learn from the best, stay updated on the latest trends, and connect with a community that shares your passion for baseball. Plus, the insights you gain here could make all the difference in your next season.

446Sports Exclusive Coverage

Looking for a recap of the sessions? Don’t worry—446Sports has you covered. We’ll be partnering with the LBCA to provide video recaps of the event, so you can catch all the highlights from the comfort of your home. From speaker sessions recap videos to behind-the-scenes moments, our coverage will bring the convention to you.

The 2025 LBCA Annual Coaches Convention is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. With an incredible lineup of speakers, opportunities to connect with fellow coaches, and the chance to celebrate the game we all love, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re attending in person or tuning in through 446Sports’ coverage, this is your chance to step up your coaching game and be part of something special.

So pack your bags, grab your notebook, and get ready for two days of baseball brilliance in Lafayette. We’ll see you there!