Jesuit continues to expand opportunities for student-athletes through specialized training and individualized development. With 22 state championships to its name, the baseball program is demonstrating how layered resources and performance technology can strengthen an historic program.

Recently, Blue Jay baseball players participated in comprehensive performance assessments conducted by K9 Baseball, an organization specializing in movement analysis, biomechanics, and individualized development. The evaluations provided players with personalized advanced training resources.

Leading the evaluations was K9 co-owner, Chris McDougall ’01, a physical therapist, pitching coach, and movement specialist who pitched for Louisiana State University. McDougall and the K9 Baseball staff evaluated players’ strength, balance, movement patterns, physical characteristics, and individual tendencies that influence performance.

Using tools such as force plate testing, the staff gathered data on how each athlete generates power, maintains balance, and moves through baseball-specific mechanics. Rather than applying a single training method to every player, the assessments provide for development plans based on each athlete’s physical characteristics and performance goals. Each player will receive specific training recommendations and structured protocols designed to track progress over time.

Baseball coaches Kenny Goodlett and Gino Giambelluca worked alongside McDougall throughout the evaluation, and exploring how the findings can be incorporated into daily instruction and practice.

“We’ve always emphasized developing our players and helping them reach their potential, said Goodlett. “What makes this process valuable is the ability to identify specific areas for improvement and build a plan around each athlete. It gives our coaches another resource to reinforce what we’re teaching and helps our players understand how purposeful training translates to performance on the field.”

The collaboration reflects a growing emphasis on combining traditional coaching with modern performance science. Johnny Giavotella ’05, head of sports development, continues to work alongside coaches and performance specialists to support initiatives such as this one while identifying opportunities to enhance athletic development across the school’s programs.