OUR COACHING STAFF
Ethan Nance - 8U Head Coach & 7U Assistant Coach
Coach Ethan is a passionate baseball coach, devoted father, and husband to his high school sweetheart. He spends his evenings and weekends on the ball field with his sons and their teammates. He began coaching as an assistant for his nephews’ teams, and when his own son started playing in 2022, he stepped into the head coaching role with the same heart, energy, and drive.
Ethan played at Jenks High School then continued his career at Bacone College. Baseball has always been at the core of Coach Ethan’s life. He’s a teacher of the game, known for helping players improve their swings, field with confidence, and stay mentally locked in. According to his son, he’s “a good pitcher,” “teaches me how to get my glove down,” and “says things like ‘see the ball, hit the ball’ and ‘short memory’ a lot.”
As a coach, he brings a balance of high expectations and big heart—demanding maximum effort while making sure his players know they’re allowed to make mistakes and grow from them. He focuses on developing versatile athletes, encouraging every player to learn multiple positions and earn their place on the field.
Coach Ethan is competitive and committed, but more than anything, he wants his players to love the game, have fun, and walk away each season as better athletes and teammates.
Galen Keys - 7U Head Coach & 8U Assistant Coach
Galen Keys has lived and breathed baseball for as long as anyone can remember. He played at Jenks High School and went on to continue his career at Independence Community College, where he grew not only as a player but as a true student of the game.
As a coach, Galen brings an intense, hyper-competitive edge to the field. He demands maximum effort every practice and every pitch, holding firm to the belief that how you do anything is how you do everything. His coaching style is built on accountability, hustle, and an “all in” mentality.
His goals are straightforward but powerful: he wants every player to show real, measurable growth throughout the season, and he’s committed to building teams that compete for—and win—championships. With Galen, effort is non-negotiable, and progress is expected.
Off the field, he’s a proud family man who deeply values time with loved ones and never misses a chance to cheer on Sooner football. Coaching is his passion, but family is his foundation.
Todd Naftzger - 8U Assistant Coach
Todd grew up playing baseball and swears it’s the ultimate sport—teaching life lessons like how to fail with style and still come back swinging.
These days, he loves coaching it just as much, mostly because it gives him a good excuse to yell encouraging things while bonding with his son. When he’s not tossing baseballs, Todd’s either working out, hitting the golf course, or proudly reminding people he’s a two-time Half Ironman finisher (emphasis on half). But don’t be fooled—this guy trains hard just so he can snack harder. If it’s after 9 p.m., odds are he’s raiding the pantry like it’s an Olympic sport. As much as he enjoys being active, Todd’s a true homebody at heart. He’s happiest during family game nights, movie marathons, and any excuse to stay in comfy clothes.
Mitch Thomas - 8U Assistant Coach
A coach’s son and the youngest of four, Coach Mitch was practically raised on game tape and Gatorade. He grew up playing football, baseball, and basketball—and brings that all-sport mindset and steady leadership to the dugout. He has a natural gift for connecting with players, seeing what makes them tick, and helping them bring out their best—on and off the field.
Off the field, he’s a dedicated dad to three awesome kids, a fan of a solid workout, a good bourbon, and a better chocolate chip cookie. And perhaps most impressively, he’s been putting up with his high school sweetheart ever since—proving he’s got both patience and game.