Ryan Fitzgerald is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization, a former Division I athlete at Creighton University, and one of Iowa’s most respected baseball instructors, coaches, and developers of talent.
A Des Moines native, Fitzgerald established himself early as one of the state’s premier competitors at Dowling Catholic High School, where he captained both the baseball and swimming programs. He helped lead Dowling to a state baseball championship, earned First Team Elite All-State honors, and captured multiple individual state titles in swimming, a reflection of the discipline, consistency, and competitive standard that would define the rest of his career.
Fitzgerald continued his baseball career at Indian Hills Community College before advancing to Division I Creighton University, where he earned Second Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors while competing against some of the nation’s top collegiate talent. Following his senior season, he signed with the Chicago Cubs organization and began his professional career.
In his first season in professional baseball, Fitzgerald earned Arizona League All-Star honors and won the league batting title, quickly distinguishing himself through his preparation, competitiveness, and consistency.
Following his playing career, Fitzgerald returned to Des Moines and took over the Roosevelt High School baseball program, leading one of the most notable program turnarounds in the state. Under his leadership, Roosevelt became a conference champion, earned a state tournament berth, and set a program record for wins. He was twice named CIML Metro Conference Coach of the Year.
Over the past two decades, Fitzgerald has become known throughout Iowa baseball for his ability to develop athletes and build competitive, disciplined players. His experience spans every level of the game, from youth development to Division I prospects, with an approach rooted in professional standards, accountability, preparation, and long-term growth.
In addition to private instruction and mentorship, Fitzgerald has continued his commitment to the game through his leadership with the Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf, where he has served as a head coach since 2016.
Jordan Patton is a Des Moines native with a lifelong passion for baseball and a commitment to developing the next generation of athletes. His competitive playing career and extensive coaching experience have equipped him with the knowledge and leadership to help players maximize their potential both on and off the field.
A standout baseball player at Roosevelt High School, Jordan earned recognition for his athletic ability. His talent attracted interest from several Major League Baseball organizations, including the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox, along with additional professional opportunities following his high school career.
Jordan continued his baseball career at Indian Hills Community College, where he served as the starting shortstop and second baseman. During his freshman season, he earned All-Region honors, posted a .366 batting average, and led the team in stolen bases, establishing himself as one of the program's top performers.
Following college, Jordan continued pursuing professional baseball by attending professional workouts and showcases before signing with the East Coast Baseball Independent League, where he further developed his knowledge of the game while competing at the professional level.
As a Baseball Development Coach at Ascension Sports Club, Jordan specializes in hitting, infield play, defensive mechanics, baserunning, and overall baseball IQ. He has worked with athletes of all ages through private instruction, camps, clinics, team training, and academy programs, helping players build confidence, refine their skills, and develop a deeper understanding of the game.
Jordan's coaching philosophy centers on mastering fundamentals, competing with discipline, and creating a positive environment where athletes are challenged to grow. His passion for teaching, combined with his energy and ability to connect with players, makes him an invaluable mentor for athletes striving to reach the next level.
In addition to his work at Ascension, Jordan remains active in the baseball community by coaching club and academy teams while volunteering with the Iowa Deaf Baseball Camp. He is dedicated to helping young athletes develop not only as baseball players but as confident leaders both on and off the field.
Sam was a standout athlete during his playing career at Roosevelt High School, where he was a three-year varsity letter winner and spent the majority of his time behind the plate as a catcher. During his high school career, Sam helped lead Roosevelt to back-to-back substate final appearances during his junior and senior seasons.
After graduating from Roosevelt, Sam continued his baseball career at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), where he earned his associate degree while competing for the varsity baseball program. At DMACC, he continued to develop as a catcher while also contributing in the outfield.
Sam later transferred to Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he was a two-year letter winner for the Knights baseball program. During his time at Wartburg, Sam continued to catch while also seeing significant playing time in the outfield. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and currently serves his community as a police officer with the City of Des Moines.
Beyond his playing career, Sam has always enjoyed helping the next generation of athletes grow. He spent his college summers coaching freshman and sophomore players at Roosevelt High School and previously coached with other local club teams, working primarily with young athletes ages 6–12.
As a catching instructor at Ascension Sports Club, Sam will focus on helping players build strong fundamentals behind the plate, including receiving, blocking, throwing mechanics, defensive skills, and the leadership qualities required to become a successful catcher. His combination of playing experience, coaching background, and commitment to the game allows him to connect with athletes and help them reach their full potential.
A standout athlete at Dowling Catholic High School, Blackburn earned First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District honors while also being recognized as the Top Player on the Elite Team Class 4A. She continued her collegiate career at Indian Hills Community College, where she established herself as one of the nation's premier junior college catchers. During her career, she earned NJCAA All-American honors and was recognized as the Diamond Sports Catcher of the Year, one of the highest honors awarded to collegiate catchers.
Blackburn's experience spans multiple positions on the field. She began her softball career as a pitcher before transitioning behind the plate, where she developed a passion for catching and game management. As her collegiate career progressed, she also excelled at first base, giving her a well-rounded understanding of defensive play and player development.
Ashley is passionate about teaching the game the right way, helping athletes build strong fundamentals, confidence, and a competitive mindset. She believes every player can improve through hard work, dedication, and a love for the game, and she is committed to helping each athlete reach their fullest potential.
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