Pat Pinkman

General Manager & Lead Instructor

Pat Pinkman has spent the last 23 years coaching, advising, and mentoring baseball and softball players, guiding them to success at every level. During the 10 years spent running his family’s academy, more than 250 players went on to play collegiate baseball. As a college coach, he mentored 15 players who were drafted or signed by MLB teams, with 6 of them reaching the Major Leagues. Additionally, he has assisted 28 players in committing to colleges across all divisions as an advisor.

ADVISING CAREER

2022 – Current:

Mid-Atlantic Director for Elite Sports Advising. Assisting players and families navigate the recruiting process and mentoring players on the best college fit. Over the last three years has helped over 30 players find a college home.

COACHING CAREER

2018 – 2022 Seton Hall University
2016 – 2018 Fordham University
2014 – 2015 Marymount University
2012 – 2013 Virginia Tech
2011 – 2012 & 2014 Washington University in St Louis

ACADEMY CAREER

2002 – 2011:

Co-Owner & Operator of Pinkman Baseball Academy, Sterling Va.

PLAYING CAREER

A former standout at Virginia Tech, Pat was a 1998 Freshman All-American and named the Atlantic-10 Rookie of the Year. He set freshman records for wins (seven), innings pitched (89), strikeouts (81), pickoffs (10) and complete games (seven). As a sophomore, Pat went 9-5, 119 ip, 2.65 BB/9, 7.13 K/9, and set an NCAA Division I record with 19 pickoffs and a sophomore record with nine complete games. All told, at the end of his career at Va Tech he had 16 complete games.

In 1999 and 2000 while in the prestigious Cape Cod Summer League Pat was Co-Pitcher of the Year (leading the league in innings pitched and strikeouts), a Cape Cod All-Star twice, and started the Cape Cod All-Star Game once. Pat was recently inducted into the Cape Cod Baseball Hall of Fame.

Mark Pappas

Former High School, College, and Professional Coach

A Jersey Shore native, Pappas graduated from Ocean Township High School in 2004, where he helped lead his team to Monmouth County Tournament Championships in 2002 and 2003. During his senior season, he earned First Team All-Shore honors and was named NJ Associated Press First Team All-State as a utility player.

Pappas went on to play his collegiate career at Seton Hall University in the Big East Conference from 2005 through 2008. In his senior season, he set a single-season program record for defensive assists and was recognized with NJCBA All-State First Team honors in 2008.

Following his collegiate career, Pappas played two seasons of professional baseball from 2008–2009 with the Sussex Skyhawks of the Can-Am League under 1986 National League Manager of the Year Hal Lanier. During his rookie season, the Skyhawks captured the 2008 Can-Am League Championship. He also spent time with the Quebec Capitales in 2010.

While continuing his playing career, Pappas began building his coaching résumé as an assistant coach at Union College in Schenectady, New York from 2009 to 2010. Shortly thereafter, he returned to his alma mater and served on the Seton Hall University coaching staff from 2011 through 2022. During his tenure, he was elevated to Recruiting Coordinator from 2018 to 2022. Over that stretch, Seton Hall won the 2011 Big East Championship, qualified for 10 consecutive Big East Tournaments, and reached the conference championship game in 2018.

Pappas also made his mark in summer collegiate baseball, managing the Monmouth Monarchs of the ABCCL to their first league championship in 2011. His experience extends internationally as well, serving as an assistant coach for the Greek Senior National Team in 2018. The team earned a silver medal and qualified for the European B Pool Championship.

On the travel baseball circuit, Pappas has coached with Complete Performance Baseball Academy and the Long Island Body Armor Titans, helping develop numerous high-level amateur players.

Most recently, Pappas served as the hitting coach for the Sussex County Miners of the Frontier League during the 2023 season under manager Chris Widger, the 2021 Minor League Baseball Manager of the Year. The Miners qualified for the Frontier League Playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Division.

“Mark’s experience as a professional player, Division I coach, and recruiter makes him an incredible addition to Champions Way Academy,” said CWA GM, Pat Pinkman. “After working with him for 5 years at Seton Hall I know firsthand, his knowledge of player development and the recruiting landscape will be invaluable for our athletes.”

Pappas currently resides in Rockaway, New Jersey and will work with Champions Way Academy athletes on player development, hitting instruction, and advanced baseball training.

Billy Parsons

Professional Pitcher and Instructor

Billy Parsons is a seasoned professional baseball player currently serving as a Right-Handed Pitcher for the Sussex County Miners (Frontier League) and lending his extensive expertise as an Instructor at Champions Way Academy.

Playing Career Highlights

A native of Bendigo, Australia, Billy is in his fifth professional season, having played across three continents in Europe, the United States, and Australia. He has been a standout player for the Miners since joining the club in 2023, earning selections as a Frontier League All-Star in 2023 and 2025.

His commitment to representing Australian baseball is further demonstrated by his membership on the Australian National Team. As a player, he brings a comprehensive skillset to the field, specializing as a Right-Handed pitcher while also maintaining college-level proficiency in fielding and hitting.

Coaching and Instruction

Leveraging his five years of professional experience, Billy has a passion for developing the next generation of baseball talent. His coaching resume is diverse, encompassing instruction for athletes ranging from Little League through the collegiate level. At Champions Way Academy, he focuses on detailed instruction, blending the professional-level mindset he acquired in the minor leagues with foundational mechanics.

Personal

When not on the mound or in the cages, Billy is a dedicated sports enthusiast, enjoying watching all sports, playing video games with friends, and spending time going out to eat with his wife.