OLATHE, Kan. — TPH Academy Kansas City at Homefield is proud to announce its baseball staff for the 2026-27 school year, assembling an accomplished group of former professional players, collegiate standouts, and experienced instructors dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes.

Opening for the 2026-27 school year at Homefield KC in Olathe, TPH Academy Kansas City at Homefield provides an academy-style environment where student-athletes seamlessly integrate academics, daily training, performance development, and mentorship into a single intentional schedule.

The baseball program will be led by a staff that brings decades of playing, coaching, and player development experience to Kansas City student-athletes.

Baseball Staff at a Glance

• Former Major League Baseball experience
• Former professional players from the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals organizations
• 60+ years of combined coaching and player development experience
• Collegiate and professional advancement expertise
• Daily access to sport-specific training, mentorship, and individualized development

Together, this staff reflects TPH Academy’s commitment to providing student-athletes with daily access to experienced mentors, intentional training, and a development environment designed to maximize their potential both on and off the field.

Jeremy Jones

A standout catcher, Jeremy Jones played two seasons at Mesa Community College before transferring to Arizona State University, where he was named Defensive Player of the Year. Drafted twice during college, Jones signed with the Texas Rangers and played five professional seasons within the organization. He later transitioned into full-time coaching, driven by a passion for player development and building championship cultures.

Gerry Cope

Gerry Cope brings more than 15 years of experience as an infield and hitting instructor. He was instrumental in creating Kansas City’s premier fielding class, a program that has successfully developed multiple players who have advanced to collegiate and professional baseball careers. His technical precision and commitment to player development make him a valuable asset to the academy.

Jose Pena

Jose Pena has been a dedicated instructor and coach for more than 10 years. He played professionally for five seasons within the St. Louis Cardinals organization as both a pitcher and outfielder. Peña has a proven track record of developing top amateur pitchers, many of whom have gone on to play college baseball, with several earning opportunities through the draft process.

Josh Smith

Josh Smith brings more than a decade of coaching experience and a career’s worth of elite playing experience. He played Major League Baseball with the Miami Marlins and Cleveland Guardians after being drafted out of Wichita State University, where he excelled as a pitcher. His professional background and passion for player development make him an invaluable addition to the academy.

Austin Brownell

Austin Brownell has coached since 2020 and previously served on the coaching staff at Coffeyville Community College. As a player, he excelled as a pitcher at both Seminole State College and Pittsburg State University, bringing valuable experience and expertise to his student-athletes.

Hunter Hisky

A standout catcher and first baseman, Hunter Hisky enjoyed a decorated collegiate career at Southwest Baptist University, where he batted .336 with 25 home runs and 180 RBIs over four seasons. Known for his leadership behind the plate, Hisky brings elite playing experience and player development expertise to help student-athletes reach their full potential.

Applications are now open for the 2026-27 school year. TPH Academy Kansas City at Homefield will serve baseball, softball, volleyball, and basketball student-athletes in grades 6 through 12, offering a customized educational experience paired with daily training and specialized coaching, all within a schedule designed to give families their evenings back.

Families interested in learning more are encouraged to visit tphacademy.com/kansas-city-homefield, attend an upcoming virtual information session, or connect directly with the TPH Academy Kansas City at Homefield team.