D.J. JOHNSON

• Training with various athletes in the Greater Toronto Area within their baseball associations. Focused on one on one training, as well as small group training. Team training was also a priority during the off season.

- Organized practice plans for all indoor training and development as well as for outdoor practices as well.

- Took the time to work with players one on one on their skill development with their hitting and their fielding

- Constantly being in contact with the team's head coach about new ideas for the team's development. Going over practice plans, game plans, and also going over post game

- Main focus as a Player Development Coach for the third year with this team was instructional hitting

• Served as a mentor for student-athletes navigating their personal growth on top of their athletic responsibilities.
• Developed strong relationships with parents, keeping them informed about their child's progress on the baseball diamond.
• Created practice plans for each team practice while focusing on the player's development on the field

• Fostered a positive team environment by promoting communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship among players.
• Evaluated player strengths and weaknesses, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
• Collaborated with coaching staff to create effective strategies and game plans that led to team success.

During the team's off season, I served as the team's player development coach. Our main focus between the coaching staff, team, and myself was to walk into each practice with a goal in mind and focus on that goal during our time of training. We worked on achieving small goals during each practice, which would portray a larger picture of achievements for the entire team and staff as well.

• Lead by a lead instructor, starting off each clinic with team stretching. All players attending were broken into groups with various skills stations, such as; hitting, infield, base running, throwing, and outfielding. As an instructor, we would rotate to different stations to teach the small group of athletes the skill set that they needed.

• As an assistant coach for the North Toronto A’s, my primary roll was to work with hitters one on one during practices and before their games. Doing infield drills during practice was also a high priority go to for the team.

• My entry role into coaching started with working with the North York Blues. Working with a team of young teens had its various challenges but being in the new role, it was bound to happen and I happily accepted each one. My role as an assistant started with primarily working with the infielders. As a shortstop growing up, I could relate to a lot of what a player was going through on the baseball field. Being able to stop a drill, break down any skills I felt that was needed for a player(s) was an easy task as players accepted any one on instruction given to them.

• Travelled between 2 schools, 4 times a week in Toronto. As a coach, my approach was different in this program. Teach children about the game of baseball was secondary. My main objective was to create an atmosphere where they are always having fun. Teaching them valuable life lessons, respect, leadership skills, and to leave a positive impact that will remain in their hearts for life.