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MEET THE COACHES

Coaching Philosophy

At New York Cobras Softball, our coaching philosophy goes beyond teaching fundamentals — we develop athletes who understand the game inside and out. Our goal is to build confident, high-IQ players who make smart decisions, minimize mental errors, and perform at their best when it matters most.

 

We believe in the power of teamwork, trust, and commitment. Every player learns to embrace her role, rely on her teammates, and compete with integrity. Our success is built on a shared dedication from our players, coaches, and families — all upholding the values of discipline, accountability, and respect that define the Cobras culture.

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JEN KAMPH

Founder / President

Founder and President of the NY Cobras (established in 2004), Coach Jen has dedicated her life to developing young softball athletes and fostering excellence both on and off the field.

As a former NCAA Division I infielder, Coach Jen played four standout years at Manhattan College (1999–2003). She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2003 with a dual degree in Marketing and Management. A four-time Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) All-Academic Team honoree, she capped her collegiate career by earning the Jasper Award and serving as co-captain during her senior season. She also represented New York City as a member of the softball team at the Empire State Games in 2002 and 2005.

Coach Jen continued her education at Hofstra University, earning an MBA in Sports Management in 2009, followed by a second Master's in Marketing Research in 2011. She is currently the Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Hofstra University.

A native of Ozone Park, Coach Jen is a proud graduate of St. Francis Prep in Fresh Meadows, where she was a four-year varsity letterman, excelling as a starting third baseman and shortstop for the Terriers (1995–1999). Her travel softball experience includes playing for the NY Panthers (1996–1997) and Eastside Bombers (1998).

Her coaching career began in 1996 as a volunteer with the Ozone Howard Little League in Ozone Park, a role she held until 2004. She gained further experience as a coach with the Hudson Valley Express 14U team (2002–2003) and the Diamond Queens (2004). In 2018, she joined the coaching staff at SUNY Old Westbury as an assistant coach, contributing to the Panthers' program.

In addition to her coaching roles, Coach Jen has worked as a softball instructor at various clinics and facilities across Nassau County and Queens. She offers private instruction for individual players, collaborates with local little leagues, and has organized numerous skills clinics and camps designed to develop young athletes’ potential.
 

Through her extensive experience as a player, coach, and educator, Coach Jen remains committed to empowering the next generation of softball players to achieve success both on and off the field.

ERIC LEE

14U-Black Head Coach
Player & Program Development Coordinator
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With over 20 years of coaching experience and a rich background in multiple sports, Coach Eric Lee brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role as the manager of the Lady Cobras Softball team.


Having coached everything from baseball and football to basketball and soccer, Coach Lee has developed a well-rounded coaching philosophy focused on developing athletes to their fullest potential. Now, as the manager of the Lady Cobras, his expertise is centered on building a winning culture, cultivating skill development, and fostering team unity.

A former Division I athlete at St. John's University, Coach Lee has a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of competition. His playing experience, combined with his extensive
coaching background, makes him uniquely equipped to guide athletes through the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of the game. His primary focus is on empowering his players to reach their highest potential, both as individuals and as a team.

 

Coach Lee’s approach to coaching the Cobras revolves around skill development, strategic play, and leadership on and off the field. He instills discipline, accountability, and resilience in his athletes, all while ensuring that each player has the tools and confidence to excel in every aspect of the game. Whether it's refining a player’s batting technique, perfecting their fielding, or strengthening their mental game, Coach Lee is dedicated to providing the necessary guidance to help every player grow and succeed.

 

Having coached town, travel, and club-level teams, Coach Lee understands the unique needs of athletes at various levels. His experience enables him to effectively connect with each player, challenge them to improve, and provide individualized support. For Coach Lee, it’s not just about winning games—it's about developing athletes who will carry the lessons learned in softball into all aspects of their lives. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for the sport, Coach Eric Lee is excited to continue shaping the Cobras Softball team into a competitive, hard-working, and united squad that embodies the values of teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth.

ANTHONY JUSTICE

14U-Gold Head Coach
12U-Black Assistant Coach

Coach Anthony Justice brings more than 20years of experience coaching both baseball and fastpitch softball. Throughout his coaching career, Anthony has focused on player development, strong fundamentals, game awareness and helping young athletes build confidence both on and off the field.

 

Anthony is also a certified umpire, giving him a valuable understanding of the game from multiple perspectives. His knowledge of the rules, positioning and game situations allows him to teach players not only how to execute, but also how to better understand the game and make smarter decisions under pressure.

 

As Head Coach of the NY Cobras 14U Gold team, Anthony is committed to creating a competitive, positive environment where players are challenged, supported and held accountable. His goal is to develop fundamentally sound athletes who compete with confidence, respect the game and consistently work to improve.

AVA LEE

12U-Black Head Coach

Coach Ava Lee brings energy, dedication, and a true passion for player development to the New York Cobras organization. A lifelong softball player, Ava began playing at just five years old and went on to become a four-year varsity player at Wantagh High School. She also competed for the Cobras travel organization, where she developed a strong competitive foundation and deep understanding of the game.

Ava graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Master’s degree in Teaching and currently works as a teacher in the North Bellmore School District. In addition to her work in the classroom, she serves as the middle school softball coach at Clarke Middle School, continuing to mentor and develop young athletes both academically and athletically.

As Head Coach of the New York Cobras 12U Black team, Ava brings her experience as both a former Cobra and educator to the field. Known for her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to the organization, she also assists with players and teams throughout the program and helps lead local clinics designed to introduce young athletes to the game and develop the next generation of softball players.

Coach Ava is committed to building confident, hardworking athletes by emphasizing skill development, teamwork, mental toughness, and a positive team culture both on and off the field.

RAY JACKSON

12U-Red Head Coach
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Coach Ray grew up in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, where he was the starting varsity catcher at Bayley Ellard High School before continuing his high school career at Santa Fe Catholic High School in Florida. He went on to play Division II baseball at Saint Leo University, where he earned a B.A. in Business Management. After college, Ray continued playing competitively in the MABL.

Ray brings extensive coaching experience spanning 8U through 18U, with organizations including Massapequa International Little League, South Shore Chiefs, East Coast Jays, LI Pride, and the New York Cobras. He spent 15 years on the Board of Massapequa International Little League, including serving as Vice President of Farms & Minors Softball. He also organized and ran the league’s fall and winter softball clinics for players ages 5–12.

Off the field, Ray has spent more than 20 years in the financial industry on Wall Street and currently works as a Senior Stock Loan Analyst.

Fun Fact: Coach Ray is ambidextrous and always carries both a right-handed and left-handed glove — “because you just never know.”

SARA WELTI

10U-Black Head Coach
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Coach Sara Welti brings a lifelong passion for softball, strong leadership, and a commitment to athlete development to the NY Cobras organization. A dedicated player and competitor from a young age, Sara spent five years playing within the Cobras organization as a pitcher and middle infielder. Through the Cobras organization she developed her love for the game and a strong competitive foundation.

 

She continued her softball career at SUNY Old Westbury, where she was a four-year member of the Panthers softball program as a middle infielder and pitcher. Prior to college, Sara was also a standout varsity athlete in high school, earning team MVP honors for her performance and leadership on the field.

 

Currently serving as Head Coach of the NY Cobras 10U Black team, Coach Sara is known for her hardworking mentality, positive energy, and ability to connect with and motivate her players. She focuses on building fundamentally strong athletes while emphasizing teamwork, accountability, confidence, and a love for the game.

 

Outside of the Cobras organization, Sara is a high school science teacher and holds a Master’s degree in Adolescent Education. She also coaches softball within the Jericho School District, continuing to mentor student-athletes both in the classroom and on the field.

 

In addition to leading the 10U Black team, Coach Sara plays an active role in the organization’s community outreach and player development efforts. She helps run local Cobras clinics and will assist with the Cobras developmental programs this summer, helping introduce and grow the game for the next generation of athletes.

 

Known for her passion, dedication, and team-first mindset, Coach Sara is committed to creating a positive environment where players can develop their skills, build confidence, and grow both on and off the field. When she is not coaching or teaching, she enjoys studying Japanese and crocheting in her free time.

LARA INDICH

10U-Red Head Coach

Lara Indich is a lifelong member of the Cobras family, beginning her journey with the organization as a 12U player and continuing through 18U and her senior year of high school. Throughout her years as a player, Lara was known for her dedication, work ethic, and leadership, serving as team captain for multiple seasons and becoming a role model to the younger athletes in the organization.

 

Lara played four years of varsity softball at John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, serving as team captain her senior year and earning All-Conference honors. Even while playing, Lara was passionate about giving back to the organization that had played such an important role in her own development. She began coaching younger Cobras teams during high school, assisting with practices and games, running clinics, and providing private instruction.

 

After spending four years at Binghamton University, where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees, Lara is about to begin her career as a mathematics teacher in the New York City Department of Education.

 

In 2026, Lara has returned to the Cobras as the Head Coach of our 10U Red team — and she isn't returning alone. She is coaching alongside her father, who was her biggest supporter throughout her own Cobras playing career. After years of him watching and supporting his daughter from the sidelines, the two now have the opportunity to experience the game from a completely different perspective: standing side by side as coaches and giving back to the young girls who are just beginning their own softball journeys.

 

For Lara and her dad, returning to the Cobras is about more than coaching. It is an opportunity to remain part of a sport and organization that has brought them both so much passion and so many memories over the years, while helping create those same experiences for the next generation of young athletes. Lara is excited to bring her experience as a former Cobras player, coach, and educator back to the field and help young players build their skills, confidence, and love for the game.

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COURTNEY FRISINA

Player Development and Defensive Skills Coach

Coach Courtney brings over 13 years of coaching and player development experience to the NY Cobras, along with a reputation as one of the area’s top infield and defensive instructors. Known for her energy, attention to detail, and high standards, Courtney has a unique ability to develop fundamentally strong, confident athletes through innovative drills, advanced defensive training, and a relentless commitment to improvement. Her passion for the game and dedication to her players set the tone for every team she works with.

A former standout middle infielder, Courtney was a four-year starter and two-year captain at St. Joseph’s College, where she earned her degree in Business Administration and Marketing. She later continued her education at Hofstra University, earning a Master’s degree in Sports and Entertainment Management.

Throughout her coaching career, Courtney has worked with athletes across all age levels while building a proven track record of success. Her high school coaching experience includes time with Smithtown West High School and St. Anthony’s High School, where she helped lead the program to five league championships and a state title. She currently serves as an assistant coach for the Kellenberg Memorial High School Latin School softball program.

In addition to coaching, Courtney plays a major role in training and player development within the organization, specializing in infield instruction and defensive mechanics. Her knowledge of the game, elite-level teaching ability, and unmatched work ethic have made her a highly respected mentor to athletes looking to compete at the next level. Courtney is committed to helping players grow not only in skill and softball IQ, but also as leaders both on and off the field.

AVA LOPEZ-RODRIGUEZ

10U Assistant Coach
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Ava Lopez-Rodriguez is entering her senior year at Mineola High School, where she is a starting third baseman for the Varsity Mustangs. Ava helped lead Mineola to the 2025 Nassau County AA Championship and a Long Island Runner-Up finish. She was named All-Conference in 2025 and earned All-County Honorable Mention honors in 2026, along with receiving the Mineola Board of Education Softball Award and softball awards from the Villages of Mineola and Williston Park.

Ava’s travel softball journey began right here with the NY Cobras 10U team in 2019, where she played from 10U through 14U. The Cobras played an important role in her development and helped build the foundation for the player she is today. She went on to continue her travel career with Team Long Island, where she currently plays third base and contributes as a utility player at second base and in the outfield.

Ava is committed to continuing her academic and softball career at Pace University, where she will begin her collegiate softball career in Fall 2027. She plans to pursue her passion for healthcare with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

A three-sport athlete and natural leader, Ava also played varsity basketball throughout high school as a shooting guard, while serving as a JV captain and starting point guard. She is passionate about giving back to young athletes through softball and basketball clinics, helping players build their skills, confidence, and love for the game.

Ava was also selected for Mineola High School’s PE Leadership Program, where she assists teachers and mentors younger students. Through Athletes Helping Athletes, she works with middle school students while promoting leadership, sportsmanship, and healthy decision-making.

Ava is excited to return to the Cobras organization where her softball journey began and give back by helping the next generation of young players develop their skills and love for the game.

Ava is available for private fielding and hitting instruction.

AUTUMN MALONE

10U Assistant Coach
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Autumn Malone is a senior from Mineola, NY, where she pitches for the Mineola High School Varsity Mustangs. In 2025, Autumn helped lead Mineola to its first Nassau County title since 1998. Following that historic playoff run, she was named Nassau County Class A Postseason MVP and received All-County Honorable Mention honors. In 2026, Autumn was named to Newsday’s Top 100 High School Softball Players and earned additional All-County honors.

Autumn’s travel softball journey began right here with the NY Cobras 10U team in 2019, where she played from 10U through 14U. The Cobras were an important part of her development and helped lay the foundation for the player she has become today.

Now, Autumn is excited to give back to the organization and the team where she got her start, returning to work with our 10U Cobras players and help young athletes develop their skills and love for the game.

Autumn currently pitches and plays first base for the NY Jaguars and has committed to continue her academic and softball careers at the University of Hartford beginning in Fall 2027, where she plans to pursue a career in Physical/Occupational Therapy.

Outside of playing, Autumn is passionate about giving back to the softball community. She regularly works with Mineola Little League, running clinics and practices to help younger players develop their skills while encouraging them to love the game.

Autumn is also available for private pitching instruction.

KELLY VOYER

Head Pitching Instructor

Coach Kelly grew up in Uxbridge Massachusetts and graduated from Holy Name High School in Worcester Massachusetts. Kelly played all 4 years of High School on the Varsity Level as their top pitcher earning several "No hitters" and a "Perfect game". Kelly played many years on travel ball with the Bay State Blaze from 14U to 18U as their top pitcher and Captain. She led the Bay State Blaze to several Nationals in Virginia, Kansas, and Texas. Her pitching success led her to be awarded a 4 year athletic scholarship to Fairfield University in 1997. At Fairfield University she studied nursing and graduated with a Bachelors in Nursing. Several years later she studied at NYU and graduated with her Masters in Nursing 2007.

 

Coach Kelly is now an adult/geriatric Nurse Practitioner. She currently lives in Williston Park NY and is involved in their town softball little league where she coaches both of her daughter's teams at the Farms and Minors level. She has continued her passion for softball by coaching and teaching pitching to young athletes. She believes in teaching proper mechanics at a young age and even more importantly the love for the game. Over the past summer, Kelly helped organize a Summer League for her daughter's All- Star team and coached them through an undefeated season and Championship. 

AMANDA ARCESE

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Catching Development Coordinator

Coach Amanda Arcese serves as an Assistant Coach for both the New York Cobras 12U Red and 14U Black teams, while also leading the organization's catching instruction program. A longtime member of the Cobras family, Amanda has been involved with the organization for nearly a decade, first as a player and now as a coach dedicated to developing the next generation of athletes.

A former collegiate softball player at Farmingdale State College, Amanda brings valuable playing experience, strong fundamentals, and a deep understanding of the game to every practice and training session. Her passion for player development is especially evident in her work with catchers, where she focuses on building confidence, technique, game awareness, and leadership behind the plate.

Beyond softball, Amanda is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Education. Her background in teaching and learning allows her to connect with athletes in meaningful ways, helping them grow not only as players, but as young people. Amanda's commitment, knowledge, and positive influence make her an invaluable part of the New York Cobras coaching staff.

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