Midwest Baseball Academy 15U - 17U
Our Story
Our Facilities
Our Programs
Midwest Baseball Academy is an organization dedicated to developing high school baseball players and preparing them to compete at the collegiate level. Our primary goal is to provide players with opportunities to be seen by college coaches and professional scouts. The Midwest Baseball Academy emphasizes team-first attitude, strong character, and a commitment to excellence.
Our Programs
Our Facilities
Our Programs
Midwest Baseball Academy provides developmental training for high school baseball players aged 15U - 17U. Training includes: infield and outfield work, pitching, batting, strength training and conditioning all instructed by high school and college baseball coaches. Nutrition, balance, and mobility guidance from a team Athletic Performance Provider is also provided.
Our Facilities
Our Facilities
Our Facilities
Midwest Sports Training is a premier sports training facility. Find everything you need in this 21,000 square foot facility in West Chicago: 10 retractable batting cages, pitching machines, pitching mounds, Infield for ground balls and fielding work. Workout area for strength and conditioning, ample parking, vending machines all available, along with optimal ventilation.
MEET OUR STAFF
alex hales, Head Baseball Coach @ Waubonsee Community College
STEVE HARDMAN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS & Head baseball coach @ dominican university
Coach Hales brings over two decades of coaching excellence. His extensive background in player development makes him a distinguished leader in collegiate baseball. Hales started as a Coach at Oswego High School leading his teams to multiple conference titles and regional championships. He also spent nine seasons with Elite Baseball Train
Coach Hales brings over two decades of coaching excellence. His extensive background in player development makes him a distinguished leader in collegiate baseball. Hales started as a Coach at Oswego High School leading his teams to multiple conference titles and regional championships. He also spent nine seasons with Elite Baseball Training developing players who earned Division 1 scholarships under his guidance. At Waubonsee Community College, Coach Hales continues to build upon his legacy of excellence, preparing the next generation of baseball players for success at the collegiate level and beyond.
STEVE HARDMAN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS & Head baseball coach @ dominican university
STEVE HARDMAN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS & Head baseball coach @ dominican university
Coach Hardman has guided the Stars to two appearances in the NACC Tournament while shattering a number of program records including wins and program best 3.79 earned run average. Hardman also spent five seasons with the North Park University Vikings, serving as the Associate Head Baseball Coach and at North Central College serving as the
Coach Hardman has guided the Stars to two appearances in the NACC Tournament while shattering a number of program records including wins and program best 3.79 earned run average. Hardman also spent five seasons with the North Park University Vikings, serving as the Associate Head Baseball Coach and at North Central College serving as the Cardinals Assistant Coach for four seasons. As a Collegiate player, Hardman started his career at Loras College where he went 8-1 as a starting pitcher and was named Newcomer of the Year. He also played at Illinois Valley Community College and finished at Northern Illinois where he was a two- year letter winner for the Huskies. After college, Hardman pitched professionally in the Frontier League with the Cook County Cheetahs, Rockford River Hawks and the Kenosha Mammoths.
aaron nieckula, head varsity baseball coach @ Marmion Academy
aaron nieckula, head varsity baseball coach @ Marmion Academy
Nieckula is a former professional baseball player where he spent 4 seasons in the minors with the A's and 1 season for the San Francisco Giants. Shortly after he coached and managed with the Kane County Cougars for 3 seasons.
Coach Nieckula is currently Head Baseball Coach at Marmion Academy where he focuses on leading, developing and me
Nieckula is a former professional baseball player where he spent 4 seasons in the minors with the A's and 1 season for the San Francisco Giants. Shortly after he coached and managed with the Kane County Cougars for 3 seasons.
Coach Nieckula is currently Head Baseball Coach at Marmion Academy where he focuses on leading, developing and mentoring high school student-athletes so that they continue to grow their character, maximize their athletic talents, and achieve success both on and off the field.
TODD JONES, HEAD JV BASEBALL & FOOTBALL COACH @ NAZARETH ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL & OWNER OF MIDWEST SPORTS TRAINING
TODD JONES, HEAD JV BASEBALL & FOOTBALL COACH @ NAZARETH ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL & OWNER OF MIDWEST SPORTS TRAINING
Coach Jones is ASEP Certified (American Sport Education Program), Member of the American Baseball Coaches Association and Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association. He started his baseball career at Labette College and was a member of the .300 Batting Average Club. Before his coaching tenure at Nazareth Academy, Jones was the for
Coach Jones is ASEP Certified (American Sport Education Program), Member of the American Baseball Coaches Association and Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association. He started his baseball career at Labette College and was a member of the .300 Batting Average Club. Before his coaching tenure at Nazareth Academy, Jones was the former Head Baseball Coach for the White Sox Elite Travel Team where he worked with MLB Coaches and players. He also was the Head JV Baseball Coach at Driscoll Catholic High School.
Coach Jones love for baseball is deep rooted and lifelong. He is relentlessly enthusiastic about helping young athletes succeed on and off the field which is reflected at Midwest Baseball Academy and Midwest Sports Training.
Josh Younce, Team Doctor
TODD JONES, HEAD JV BASEBALL & FOOTBALL COACH @ NAZARETH ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL & OWNER OF MIDWEST SPORTS TRAINING
Dr. Josh Younce brings over 20 years of experience to his practice, proudly serving the local community with a focus on sports medicine and family-based chiropractic care. Dr. Younce has served as the team physician for several athletic programs, including Wheaton Academy High School, and remains actively involved in youth sports through
Dr. Josh Younce brings over 20 years of experience to his practice, proudly serving the local community with a focus on sports medicine and family-based chiropractic care. Dr. Younce has served as the team physician for several athletic programs, including Wheaton Academy High School, and remains actively involved in youth sports through faith-based initiatives. He is passionate about helping young athletes and working with Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization.
Mike Settle, Strength and conditioning coach
Mike Settle, Strength and conditioning coach
Michael Settle is an elite strength and conditioning coach and educator dedicated to maximizing athletic potential. Born and raised in Lombard, Illinois, Michael’s lifelong passion for sports began on the field, competing in football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, and track. He channeled this athletic drive into a robust academic found
Michael Settle is an elite strength and conditioning coach and educator dedicated to maximizing athletic potential. Born and raised in Lombard, Illinois, Michael’s lifelong passion for sports began on the field, competing in football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, and track. He channeled this athletic drive into a robust academic foundation, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Northern Illinois University, followed by both a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s in Education from Concordia University Chicago. Fully certified in the field, including his USAW credential, Michael pairs advanced scientific knowledge with years of practical, hands-on experience to build faster, stronger, and more resilient athletes.
Michael’s impressive coaching resume spans some of the most competitive collegiate and high school programs in the country. He has honed his craft at the Division I collegiate level, training athletes for Coastal Carolina, Northwestern Football, the University of South Carolina Football, Kent State Football, and Illinois Tech Basketball. At the prep and club levels, Michael has been the driving force behind numerous championship-caliber programs. His track record includes helping rebuild Glenbard East Football, serving as the strength coach and teacher during Providence Catholic Football's state championship run, directing performance for Canes Illinois Travel Baseball, and leading strength programs for powerhouse regional teams including Benet Academy Basketball and Lacrosse, as well as Marist Lacrosse and Volleyball.
Driven by the belief that elite training should be accessible to all dedicated athletes, Michael founded Never Settle Performance LLC in 2017. Through his private training facility, he combines his dual backgrounds in education and exercise science to mentor athletes of all sports and skill levels. Whether preparing a collegiate prospect for the gridiron or helping a youth athlete build a baseline of athletic movement, Michael instills a mindset that mirrors his business’s namesake: to never settle, always improve, and strive for peak performance in both sports and life.
Keith Yario, Director of Operations
Keith Yario serves as the Director of Operations for Midwest Baseball Academy, bringing more than 26 years of leadership experience in youth athletics and professional talent development.
Keith has coached the Bartlett Silver Hawks from the 10U through 14U levels, helping lead teams to sustained success, including a WSBL AAA Championship. He continues to coach competitive 14U and 15U travel baseball while mentoring high school athletes. His coaching philosophy emphasizes strong fundamentals, character, accountability, discipline, and creating a positive environment where athletes can grow both on and off the field.
Committed to athlete safety, Keith holds USA Baseball Abuse Awareness Certification and Human Kinetics Sports First Aid Certification.
Professionally, Keith has built a successful career in Information Technology Talent Acquisition and Human Resources, partnering with organizations to recruit, develop, and build high-performing teams. His leadership experience, combined with his passion for coaching, allows him to mentor young athletes with the same commitment to excellence, integrity, and personal growth that has defined his professional career.
Keith is dedicated to helping every player build confidence, develop their skills, and reach their full potential both in baseball and in life.
TRYOUT INFORMATION
15U July 23rd, 2026 6pm
Midwest Sports Training
1187 W Hawthorne Lane
West Chicago, Il 60185
TRYOUT REGISTRATION:
PROGRAM COSTS - $3,800
SEASON FEE INCLUDES:
- Winter Training with Midwest Baseball Academy Instructors (November 26' - February 27')
- All indoor training held at Midwest Sports Training in West Chicago
- 7 Tournaments: 6 - Local 1 - Out-of-State
- Uniform Package: jersey (2), pants, helmet, belt, hat (2), equipment bag
- College recruitment guidance