About Coaches Connection

Rob Smith

Executive Director · Co-Founder & CEO, College Coaches Skills Camp

Rob Smith has spent more than three decades in collegiate baseball as a coach, leader, and advocate for the game's continued growth. His coaching career includes serving as Head Baseball Coach at Ohio University, Associate Head Baseball Coach at Creighton University, and Pitching Coach at Purdue University, where he earned a reputation for developing players, building successful programs, and mentoring student-athletes both on and off the field. Today, Smith is the Co-Founder and CEO of College Coaches Skills Camp and serves as Executive Director of Coaches Connection, continuing his commitment to advancing collegiate baseball by connecting coaches, educating athletes, and creating opportunities for the next generation of players.

Mike Rooney

ESPN College Baseball Analyst · D1Baseball

Mike Rooney is one of the most respected voices in college baseball, bringing decades of experience as a player, coach, and national analyst. A former standout at the University of Notre Dame, Rooney coached at Arizona State University and served as the head coach at Phoenix College before transitioning into broadcasting. As a longtime ESPN college baseball analyst and contributor to D1Baseball, he is widely recognized for his in-depth knowledge of the game, insightful analysis, and passion for developing student-athletes and growing college baseball.

Ryan White

Executive Director, Razorback Foundation

Ryan White serves as the Executive Director of the Razorback Foundation, where he leads the organization's fundraising and philanthropic efforts in support of the University of Arkansas Athletics Department. Appointed in 2023 following a national search, White brings more than two decades of experience in collegiate athletic development, including leadership roles at the University of Kansas, the University of Virginia, North Carolina State University, and Ohio University. A recognized leader in college athletics fundraising and former president of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD), White is known for building strong donor relationships and advancing strategic initiatives that enhance the student-athlete experience.

Derek Ponamsky

Vice President, Alliance Sports Management

Derek Ponamsky is Vice President of Coaches & Executives at Alliance Sports Management, where he specializes in representing collegiate coaches, athletic administrators, and sports executives. Widely respected throughout the college athletics industry, Ponamsky brings a unique blend of experience in leadership, communications, and program management, having previously served as Special Assistant to LSU Head Football Coach Ed Orgeron during the Tigers' 2019 National Championship season. Today, Ponamsky advises coaches and executives on career strategy, contract negotiations, and long-term professional development while helping clients navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics.

Jason Maddox

Board Member · Robert Bosch Tool Corporation

Jason Maddox brings more than 15 years of baseball coaching experience and over two decades of sales leadership to the Coaches Connection Board of Directors. Throughout his coaching career, Jason has been committed to developing student-athletes both on and off the field. Professionally, he serves in a senior leadership role with Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, where he leads high-performing teams, develops talent, and drives strategic business growth across multiple markets. Jason is passionate about investing in the next generation of coaches and leaders, driven by his belief that strong mentorship and meaningful professional development are essential to building successful coaching careers — and that empowering coaches ultimately creates a lasting positive impact on the student-athletes they serve.