Training

Steven Halcomb brings elite playing experience and a passion for player development to Home Plate Hitting. A former standout at Gonzaga University, Steven earned his place as a respected collegiate infielder before being drafted and signed by the Milwaukee Brewers, where he went on to compete in the Minor Leagues.

With years of high-level training, professional coaching, and on-field experience, Steven offers athletes a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed at the next level. His lessons emphasize advanced hitting mechanics, infield fundamentals, game awareness, and the mental approach required for long-term success.

Players training with Steven benefit from:

Firsthand professional-level instruction

Proven offensive and defensive development techniques

A teaching style focused on confidence, discipline, and repeatable mechanics

Whether you're looking to refine your swing, tighten up your glove work, or learn the habits of a pro, Steven provides the guidance and structure to get there.

Kayla Fortner Smith brings more than a decade of coaching, player development, and private instruction experience to Home Plate Hitting Facility.

A former Division I coach and standout collegiate player, Kayla is passionate about helping athletes develop not only the skills to succeed on the field, but also the confidence and mindset to thrive in every aspect of the game.

Kayla spent one season as an assistant coach at Butler University, helping lead the Bulldogs to 20 wins and a fifth-place finish in the BIG EAST Conference during the 2018 season. She served as the team's hitting and outfield coach while contributing to recruiting, scouting, player development, and all aspects of the program.

Prior to Butler, Kayla was an assistant coach at Quincy University, where she coached hitters and outfielders while also serving as the program's camp coordinator and academic coordinator. She also spent the 2016 season as a student assistant coach at her alma mater, Southeast Missouri State University.

Following her collegiate coaching career, Kayla continued developing athletes as a high school softball coach in Texas for two seasons while expanding her work in private instruction and travel softball. Over the past 10+ years, she has coached hundreds of athletes through individual lessons, team instruction, camps, and travel ball, helping players of all ages improve their skills and compete at higher levels.

As a player, Kayla enjoyed a decorated collegiate career. During her senior season at Southeast Missouri State, she led the team in batting average (.389), runs scored (42), doubles (10), home runs (16), RBIs (48), slugging percentage (.832), on-base percentage (.523), walks (33), and games started (46). She earned NFCA Second Team All-Region and First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors while leading the conference in slugging percentage and on-base percentage. She remains SEMO's single-season home run record holder. Before transferring to SEMO, Kayla played three seasons at the University of Evansville, where she finished her career ranked second in school history in career home runs.

While Kayla enjoys helping athletes improve their swing mechanics, defensive skills, and overall softball IQ, her greatest passion lies in developing the mental side of the game. She believes confidence, resilience, and self-awareness are what separate good athletes from great ones. During lessons, Kayla works alongside players to navigate mental struggles, build confidence, and develop routines that translate into game-day success.

One of Kayla's core coaching philosophies is teaching athletes the "why" behind every drill and adjustment. Rather than simply telling players what to do, she helps them understand how their body moves, why changes are being made, and how to recognize and correct mistakes on their own during competition. Her goal is to develop independent, confident athletes who leave every lesson with a deeper understanding of the game and the tools to continue improving long after practice ends.

Michael was a 4-Year Conference Champion at Catawba College

A 4-year Conference Champion at Catawba College, he went on to play professional baseball in both the Pecos League and USPBL. For the past seven years, he has operated a successful hitting program in South Florida focused on individualized player development.

His approach is built around helping athletes create efficient, repeatable swings that translate directly to game performance. Through personalized coaching, video analysis, and a strong emphasis on movement, timing, and approach, players develop confidence at the plate while maximizing their unique abilities.

From youth athletes to professional players, the mission is simple: develop complete hitters who are prepared to compete at every level.

Justin Carroll brings more than two decades of playing and coaching experience to the game of baseball. A Norman, Oklahoma native, Justin developed his passion for the game at Norman High School, where he earned Big All-City honors, Oklahoma Sunbelt recognition, and All-State Honorable Mention honors in 1998.

Following high school, Justin played collegiate baseball at St. Gregory's University from 1998–2001. During his career, he was a four-time Team MVP, earned Sooner Athletic Conference All-Conference honors, and was named a Second Team NAIA All-American in 2000. He continued his collegiate career at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he received First Team All-Conference honors in the Lone Star Conference.

After college, Justin pursued his dream of professional baseball, spending five seasons in independent professional baseball organizations across the United States and Canada. His professional career included stints with the Canton Coyotes, Sioux City Explorers, Sioux Falls Canaries, Edmonton Cracker Cats, and Kalamazoo Kings. In 2006, Justin was selected to the Frontier League All-Star Game as a catcher/designated hitter and earned both First-Half and Second-Half All-Star Team honors.

Following his playing career, Justin transitioned into education and coaching, dedicating himself to developing young athletes. He spent 13 years as the Norman High School Varsity Assistant Baseball Coach, specializing in hitting and catching instruction. He currently serves as the Head Baseball Coach at Deer Creek Middle School, where he continues to mentor and develop players both on and off the field.

Justin's coaching philosophy combines professional-level experience, fundamental skill development, and a passion for helping athletes reach their full potential. His extensive background as a player and coach allows him to provide instruction tailored to all skill levels, with a particular emphasis on hitting, catching, baseball IQ, and competitive preparation.

Highlights

Former Professional Baseball Player (2002–2006)

Frontier League All-Star (2006)

First and Second Half Frontier League All-Star Team (2006)

Second Team NAIA All-American (2000)

First Team All-Conference, University of Central Oklahoma

Four-Time Team MVP, St. Gregory's University

13 Years Varsity Assistant Coach at Norman High School

Current Head Baseball Coach, Deer Creek Middle School

Specialized Instruction in Hitting, Catching, and Player Development

Coach Bond played College baseball as a left handed pitcher for Troy University where he was a member of the 1986 and 1987 Division II National Championship teams. Following the 1987 season at Troy, he was the 5th round draft pick of the San Diego Padres and went on to play in the Padres Minor League system for three years. He has been active in youth baseball for the past 25 years.