BUILDING CHAMPIONS
INSTRUCTORS
JEREMY JONES
OWNER / HITTING INSTRUCTOR
Jeremy established Building Champions in 2003 after years of experience at the college and professional level. Jones played 2 years at Mesa Community College before moving on to Arizona State as a catcher where he was named defensive player of the year. During college Jeremy was drafted twice but after school landed with the Texas Rangers. He played for 5 years in the Rangers Organization before transitioning into coaching full-time.
JOSH SMITH
PITCHING INSTRUCTOR
Josh has been an instructor and coach for 10 plus years with Building Champions. Josh brings a career’s worth of knowledge, having played Major League Baseball for Miami and Cleveland. Josh was also a standout pitcher being drafted out of Wichita State University.
GERRY COPE
HITTING / INFIELD INSTRUCTOR
Gerry Cope has been with Building Champions for 15 plus years as an infield and hitting instructor. Gerry was instrumental in the creation of Kansas City’s premier fielding class Airtight, which has seen multiple BC players go on to college and professional careers.
JOSE PENA
PITCHING INSTRUCTOR
Jose has been an instructor and coach for 10 plus years with Building Champions. Jose played in the St. Louis Cardinals organization for 5 years as both a pitcher and an outfielder. He has a long history of working with many of the best amateur pitchers to be drafted and play in Kansas City.
DALLAS REED
HITTING INSTRUCTOR
Dallas joined Building Champions in 2020. Before joining BC, Dallas played at Mt. San Antonio College then moved on to Pittsburg State. After his playing career he coached at Pittsburg State before moving on to Tarlton State for 2 years.
BUBBA STARLING
OUTFIELD INSTRUCTOR
Bubba Starling first played for Building Champions and since retiring has been an instructor and coach for the organization. Former 1st round pick, Bubba brings his 10yr professional career with the Kansas City Royals, and an Olympic Medal with the 2021 USA Olympic team.
AUSTIN BROWNELL
PITCHING INSTRUCTOR
Austin has been an instructor and coach with Building Champions since 2020, having coached collegiate baseball at Coffeyville CC the year prior. He was a collegiate pitcher for Seminole State and Pittsburg State.
PAULO ORLANDO
HITTING / OUTFIELD INSTRUCTOR
Paulo joined Building Champions as an instructor after a 13-year professional baseball career. Paulo played 4yrs of Major League Baseball for the Kansas City Royals, most notably as a part of their World Series Championship in 2015. He also won a silver medal for team Brazil in the 2023 Pan America games.
BROOKS ASHER
CATCHING INSTRUCTOR
Brooks began coaching at Building Champions in 2022. Brooks leads the catching department, bringing his insight from 5 years of college experience at the University of Kansas and Oakland University.