About The founder

Alex Robinson

Former New York State Gatorade Player of the Year, Maryland Terrapin & Professional Minnesota Twins Player.

  • A Long Island, New York native, Alex earned the New York State Gatorade Player of the Year award in 2012. After graduating from Holy Trinity High School, he attended the University of Maryland, College Park to continue his academic and athletic career.

    During his freshman year at Maryland, Alex earned a spot as a starting pitcher for the Terrapins. He transitioned to the bullpen as a sophomore and remained there throughout his college career. In 2014, he was named the NECBL Top MLB Prospect and a Top 200 MLB Player to Watch. After his junior year, Alex was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 5th round of the 2015 MLB Draft (140th overall). He played 7 seasons with the Twins organization before retiring due to a career-ending arm injury.

    Alex holds a bachelor’s degree in Family Science from the University of Maryland.

    Following his retirement, Alex opened The Yard Baseball Academy in December 2021, with the goal of helping athletes of all ages and skill levels reach their full potential both on and off the field. Whether working with young athletes discovering their passion for the game or advanced players aiming to further their careers, Alex takes a personalized approach to training, tailoring drills and feedback to optimize their performance. 

    As a Certified Athlete Life Coach, Alex also emphasizes the mental side of the game. Acknowledging the pressure and challenges inherent in baseball, he adopts a holistic training approach focused on human and player development. 

    Alex is the founder of The Yard Wolfpack, a club organization dedicated to developing both baseball skills/IQ and character in young athletes. The program provides resources and training comparable to a Division 1 program, including experienced coaches, advanced technology, standards, and brotherhood. Thanks to his deep relationships in college baseball, developed during his playing career, Alex has helped 23 athletes secure spots on college teams since 2023.

    Above all, Alex is committed to helping young men find the college that is the right fit for them academically, athletically, and socially.

The Coaches

  • Jake Noll

    Instructor

    Named 2x All American and Atlantic Sun Conference Player in 2016, Jake was drafted by Washington Nationals in the 7th Round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He made his Major League debut with the Nationals in 2019, eventually going onto win the World Series.

    Consistency at the plate and versatility in the field earned Jake multiple Minor-League All-Star Awards in 2017, 2018, and 2021 during his tenure with Washington.

  • Nick Robinson

    Instructor

    Nick Robinson served as the University of Maryland’s Baseball Director of Player Development in 2024 and Director of Pitching Development in 2023.

    As a graduate student in 2022, he pitched for the Terps, making 10 appearances with nine strikeouts and only four walks in 16.2 innings. He delivered five scoreless innings in the College Park Regional to keep Maryland's season alive.

    Before Maryland, Nick pitched at Rhode Island (2017–2021), making 93 appearances with 14 starts. In 2021, he posted a 0.84 ERA, allowing just one run in 10.2 innings.

  • Will Glock

    Coach / Instructor

    In 2017, Will led Loyola Blakefield to its first MIAA Championship in 71 years. Glock was the starting pitcher for the championship game, in which he earned the win. Will is currently the Varsity Pitching Coach at Loyola Blakefield High School.

    Will began his career at the University of Maryland. As a freshman, Will collected a 2.38 ERA. Additionally, Will was a member of the history-making, NCAA Regional hosting 2022 Maryland squad, winning the BIG10 regular season championship. During the Terps historic run, Will was an intricate part of the bullpen with 20 appearances, including three scoreless NCAA Regional appearances.

    Will moves into his second season with the Yard as the head coach for the Wolfpack 2026 team, and a practice coach for the Wolfpack organization.

  • Cory Giannelli

    Coach / Instructor

    A graduate of Clark University, Cory earned dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and management. As a Left-Handed Pitcher, he was a key contributor to his team, honing both his athletic skills and leadership abilities on the mound.

    Since graduating, Cory has joined the Yard Wolfpack 2027 as an Assistant Coach, where he focuses on developing athletes both mentally and physically. Cory works with both pitchers and hitters on improving their game. His coaching philosophy centers on building confidence, helping players showcase their abilities, and ensuring they enjoy the game while striving to reach their full potential. Through personalized instruction and mentoring, he works to create a positive, growth-oriented environment that encourages players to achieve their goals and enjoy their baseball journey.

  • Kyle Kingsbury

    Coach / Instructor

    Kyle, a standout pitcher at Lebanon Valley College, holds school records for starts, wins, and strikeouts. He earned All-MAC Commonwealth honors in 2019 and 2021 and was named to the 2021 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA DIII Mid-Atlantic All-Region Team. Graduating in 2022 with a degree in Economics, he showcased leadership and athleticism as a Right-Handed Pitcher.

    With three years of coaching experience, including as an assistant coach at Catholic University, Kyle specializes in pitching, player development, and team culture. He is an ISSA-certified Strength & Conditioning Coach with CPR and Mental Health certifications, ensuring holistic athlete support.

    Kyle’s coaching philosophy emphasizes mental strength, physical skills, and continuous improvement. By fostering a positive and accountable environment, he inspires athletes to pursue excellence. This is Kyle’s second summer coaching the Yard Wolfpack 2028.

  • Jalen March

    Coach / Instructor

    Jalen, a former standout outfielder at Caldwell University, graduated in 2022 with a degree in Criminal Justice. Twice named to the CACC Baseball Honor Roll and a two-time Player of the Week, he served as team captain in 2022, demonstrating leadership and determination.

    Jalen has coaching experience at both high school and collegiate levels. He enters his second season with the Yard Wolfpack 2028 and serves as Varsity Hitting and Outfield Coach at Archbishop Curley High School. Certified in First Aid and psychological support (SPR and PFA), Jalen focuses on player development, life skills, and fostering a positive mindset. His approach helps athletes grow both on and off the field.

  • Nick Hopkins

    Nick Hopkins is a graduate of La Salle University, where he earned a degree in Business Systems and Analytics and played baseball as an infielder. During his time as a player, Nick was recognized as one of the top shortstops in Maryland in 2018, earned a spot on the All-MIAA Team, and ranked in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive categories in the MIAA that same year, showcasing his well-rounded abilities and leadership on the field.

    Since graduating, Nick has joined The Yard Wolfpack coaching staff for his second season, where he focuses on developing athletes both mentally and physically. His coaching philosophy centers on treating athletes with the utmost respect and helping them develop not only their skills but also the confidence and mindset needed to succeed both on and off the field.