Today’s ABCA Podcast guest is at the forefront of research where nutrition, exercise, and cutting-edge science all collide. We’re joined by Dr. Catherine Saenz, Assistant Professor at Ohio State University, whose work focuses on how training and nutrition influence the molecular mechanisms behind energy metabolism. Her research tackles big questions around optimizing performance, recovery, and long-term health, with a strong emphasis on moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. Dr. Saenz is leading the charge toward personalized performance strategies, helping athletes better understand how to fuel and recover based on their individual needs. Her experience includes working with collegiate baseball players and professionally with the Cleveland Guardians, bringing real-world application to her scientific expertise. In this episode, we dive into a wide range of topics including nutrition timing, recovery strategies, metabolic health, and how coaches and players can better align training with fueling to maximize results.

Baseball is a story told across generations — through the players, the moments, and the gloves that shape the game. Now, that story comes to life in Rawlings’ "The Finest in the Field" book, available now for pre-sale at Rawlings.com! Each of the 50 gloves is presented through detailed photography and paired with immersive essays that place the artifact within its historical context. Captivating imagery, period advertisements, and additional memorabilia further illuminate the era each glove represents.Reserve your copy today at Rawlings.com and be among the first to experience baseball’s evolution as told through the story of these iconic gloves.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

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Today’s ABCA Podcast guest is a leader, builder, and one of the driving forces behind player development and culture in Midwest baseball and fastpitch.

Jake Banwart is the Co-Owner and President of BAMFAM, where he wears multiple hats—from Director of Operations to Infield and Mindset Coordinator, all while leading teams like the BAM 2029 Signature squad and FAM 11U Prime.

Banwart is also the Co-Owner of The Lab Sports Performance, continuing his work in developing athletes both physically and mentally, and serves as President of Midwest Ghost National, where he coaches at the 2029 level.

Banwart built a reputation as a winning high school coach. At Perry Meridian, he led the program to multiple county championship appearances and the winningest three-year stretch in school history. He also made history at Liberty Christian with the program’s only conference championship and single season wins record, and was part of a state championship staff at Daleville.

Known for his focus on culture, mindset, and infield development, Banwart brings a unique, holistic approach to building athletes and teams.

Baseball is a story told across generations — through the players, the moments, and the gloves that shape the game. Now, that story comes to life in Rawlings’ "The Finest in the Field" book, available now for pre-sale at Rawlings.com! Each of the 50 gloves is presented through detailed photography and paired with immersive essays that place the artifact within its historical context. Captivating imagery, period advertisements, and additional memorabilia further illuminate the era each glove represents.Reserve your copy today at Rawlings.com and be among the first to experience baseball’s evolution as told through the story of these iconic gloves.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/abca1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Loparco, the 2025 ABCA/ATEC NCAA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year and assistant coach at Endicott College.

Now in his third season with the Gulls, Loparco has quickly made a major impact, helping guide Endicott to a remarkable 110-17 overall record and 32-2 mark in conference play during his tenure. His work in player development, recruiting, and game planning has helped build nationally ranked offensive and defensive units.

Before transitioning into coaching, Loparco was a standout player at Western New England University, where he hit .335 over four seasons, tallying 200+ hits and earning Commonwealth Coast Conference Player of the Year honors in 2018. That same season, he helped lead the Golden Bears to a conference championship and an NCAA Regional appearance, finishing with a near 1.000 OPS.

In this episode, Loparco shares his transition from player to coach, his approach to developing complete players, and the standards that have helped fuel Endicott’s rapid rise as one of the top programs in Division III baseball.

Baseball is a story told across generations — through the players, the moments, and the gloves that shape the game. Now, that story comes to life in Rawlings’ "The Finest in the Field" book, available now for pre-sale at Rawlings.com! Each of the 50 gloves is presented through detailed photography and paired with immersive essays that place the artifact within its historical context. Captivating imagery, period advertisements, and additional memorabilia further illuminate the era each glove represents.Reserve your copy today at Rawlings.com and be among the first to experience baseball’s evolution as told through the story of these iconic gloves.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

To learn more about the American Baseball Coaches Association, visit ABCA.org/benefits!