Joe Filomeno

Owner of Athletes HQ® - Rockford

Pitching and Overhand Throwing

Former MLB Draft Pick to Texas Rangers (2014) and Division 1 Pitcher for Louisville​

7 year professional career

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CJ Deshazer

Hitting and Infield Instructor

CJ is a former, multiple level college standout, who was a Switch-Hitting Shortstop and impact player for a Heartland CC team that went 41-4. CJ spent a year as a starter for an Oakton CC team that appeared in the College World Series. He then went on to play for nationally ranked Northwood University (D2).

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Pat O'Malley

Hitting Instructor

Pat was a 4-year college baseball player at Oakton CC and Rockford U. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and minored in Coaching. Pat has coached across amateur levels including - Freeport HS, Fastball USA, American Legion, and Rock Valley College. Pat works full time for NCSA, a company dedicated to help athletes reach the college level athletically.

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Ashton Melaas

Fastpitch Pitching/Hitting/Infield Instructor

Ashton spent the last 3 years pitching at Division 1 Stony Brook University. In 2023 she had a 2.81 ERA in 77.1 IP during CAA play. 1st on the team in WHIP (1.34) & 2nd in ERA, wins, appearances, starts, CG's, shutouts, saves, IP,  & strikeouts.
Ashton pitched at Rock Valley Junior College, leading the Golden Eagles to their 7th Straight National Championship where she was National Pitcher of the Year her sophomore year. Hononegah graduate - 4x All Conference Varsity Player. NHS & Stateline Scholar.

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Edgar Sanchez

Pitching/Overhand Throwing

Hola! Edgar Sanchez is currently a right handed pitcher for the Miami Marlins High-A Affiliate Beloit Skycarp. He Started his career 8 years ago in his hometown of Santo Domingo Dominican Republic. With his professional experience, his passion is to share knowledge with each player who is interested in improving & advancing their skills. His goal is to help players gain velocity, strength, develop fundamental skills & adjust their mechanics to maintain good physical health. Edgar is excited to work with you.

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Jorge Garza

Hitting and Infield Instructor

Jorge was born in Rockford, IL. Jorge attended Boylan Central and graduated in 2007 as an All-Conference Infielder. In Jorge's Freshman year at Elgin CC, the Spartans won the North Central Region IV DII tournament to advance to the NJCAA DII World Series placing 5th overall. In 2010 & 2011 he went on to play infield at NAIA Robert Morris University where they made the National Tournament both years. Jorge has coached all ages 8u-18u since the fall of 2011.

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Kody Kleve

Pitching/Overhand Throwing

Kody is the current pitching coach at Rock Valley College. He is a former pitcher at Rock Valley College and a former pitcher at Edgewood College. He has experience coaching at the travel ball and high school level. Kody brings experience in playing & coaching at multiple levels to the AHQ staff & is beyond excited to help young athletes reach their goal of playing at a high level!

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Max Fruend

Catching Instructor

Max Freund caught at Judson University (D2.)   Two of his four years, he was a captain of the catchers. Max’s baseball experience currently continues from behind the catcher, as an umpire. He has been an umpire for four years at all ages including the college level. Seeing the game from the other side, Max has a perfect perception of what umpires look for in a well-rounded catcher.  In addition to baseball. Max is a full-time functional trainer at FIT with experience of training athletes at all ages.

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Steve Stanton

Outfield Instructor

Steve is an outfield guru - playing mens fast pitch & slow pitch for the A-level Rockford Redwings at age 17. He was brought in specifically for his outfield prowess. He continued to play Fast pitch & slow pitch, dominating the outfield until he was in his 40's. Since then, he has coached all levels of softball including rec, high school & travel ball. Steve has worked with countless outfielders who have moved on to play at the college level.

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