Parent Testimonials

"Dan’s students get the best he has to offer. His knowledge about pitching and the way he delivers that to his students is a huge advantage to his girls. But his instruction is not just on mechanics. Dan has a passion for the sport of softball that is unrelenting. He passes that to his students and instills a desire to compete and to win. He teaches the mental toughness it takes to be a pitcher.  He demands a solid work ethic and commitment. He promotes responsibility, both on the field and off.  To her parents he provides insight and guidance as they help their daughter succeed. I cannot say how many times I have relied on Dan’s wisdom over the years. To call him a coach does not do him justice. Dan is a mentor for my daughter and a friend to me. In my opinion there is no one else to whom I would entrust my daughter’s pitching future."

Joanne Koch (mother of Maggie Koch), December 2009

"Dan, you are an absolutely WONDERFUL Teacher, Coach, and Mentor to the girls.  You really understand each of your students’ strengths, weaknesses, goals, aspirations, etc.  You are the best at what you do."

I have watched Mere develop as as pitcher and young woman over the 3 years she has been working with you.  Her poise and self-confidence continue to grow with lesson and game as she pushes herself to try and reach her maximum.  It is such a pleasure watching your child grow toward adulthood."

Brian Katona (father of Meredith Katona), June 2011

"Driving almost 2 hours for pitching lessons?  Some people would say I was crazy! But after only one lesson with my daughter I knew we had made the right decision in coming down from North-East PA to have Dan coach my daughter. His knowledge, coaching experience and track record of producing great/quality pitchers is simply the best around!  He knows how to push my daughter to encourage her to be the best she can be.  He corrects her when she does something wrong and pats her on the back when she does something right!  That’s exactly what my daughter needs from a pitching coach.  He stresses fundamental Mechanics, repetition and speed to make his pitchers throw as hard as possible first, then progressing to accuracy and breaking pitches. 

I was worried when starting out with a new coach with what to expect.  At her first lesson, I talked to 3 different parents who all told me the same thing.  They had all been with Dan for more than a year, Their daughter had responded well to Dan’s Coaching and most important their pitching had improved dramatically through Dan’s coaching and the technique he was teaching. 

I have no doubt in my mind that with Dan’s coaching and her hard work that she can be the best pitcher she can be!  If you want the best for your daughters pitching career and you want her to reach her full potential up to including a collegiate pitching career, then Dan is the coach for you!"

 Greg Smith, Tunkhannock, PA, December 2010

As a travel coach and parent I have been exposed to many pitching coaches, parents and pitchers over the years.  I have attended clinics that have been associated with the highest profile people in softball; Candrea, Finch, Erickson, Fernandez, Enquist and many others.  The fact is there is a very short list of people in the South Eastern PA/Mid-Atlantic region who truly understand pitching mechanics, pitching philosophy and have the ability to teach it.  Dan DeMarco is that person.

The fact is nobody can ever guarantee what a girl may develop into as a softball player.  However with Dan you can be sure that if your daughter is truly invested in the game and puts the work into pitching Dan will provide the foundation for her to have a long successful relationship with the circle regardless of her stature or size.  You see the only thing Dan loves more than softball are his students.  Dan takes just as much pride in developing the girl that that is 4’11” and achieves her full potential as he does his student that becomes National Honda Player of the Year at the DII level and eventually becomes a professional.  He teaches them both every day the only way he knows how, with commitment, passion, coddling and tough love when they need it.

 Being a great pitcher doesn’t guarantee you to be a great coach.  (Reference, LaRussa, Charlie Manuel or vice versa any Hall of Fame pitcher)  Just some of the unique characteristics great coaches possess are:

• The ability to break down mechanics to the most finite level
• The ability to understand the player’s body, both gifts and limitations
• Knowledge and understanding of player’s emotions at game speed
• Knowledge of the finer details of the game and how it impacts the player’s thoughts and tactics

But the #1 thing a great coach needs to have is the ability and willingness to communicate the same principle a multitude of ways until the student comprehends the lesson.  Among Dan’s many strength’s this may be his greatest.

 If you are that parent that is looking for a pitching coach for your daughter I wholeheartedly encourage you to seek out Dan.  He is simply the best.  If you wish to ask me detailed questions about my experiences please don’t hesitate.

Hal Galdi, Father of Maddie Galdi, OJR 2012, Student of Dan DeMarco since 2006

With Dan Demarco, you get a lot more than just a pitching coach! He has been an outstanding instructor to my daughter.  We come from NY, a 5 hour drive one way, to work with him and its well worth the trip!  He has always gone out of his way to accommodate us whether it is a scheduled appt or we decide to drive down last minute.  But then again, that is Dan, he’s about developing the girls into better, stronger pitchers and his actions definitely reflect that.

Dan’s tough, but a good tough! He is committed to ensuring his students learn the correct mechanics which will ensure their success at the next level. In the last 9 months, Dan has gone above and beyond just the mechanics of pitching and continued to prepare Lindsey to excel as a confident and strong pitcher.

Without a doubt, Dan Demarco has given my daughter the poise, preparation and the mental toughness it takes to be very competitive and confidant pitcher. I wish we could get to PA, more often! I can’t even imagine what Lindsey would be like if we were able to see him weekly! 

“My best advice to anyone who would love to have your daughter become a pitcher, not just a good pitcher but a great pitcher, take the time to meet with Dan. You will be so glad you did and so will your softball player."

Jodi Larkin

Dan Demarco has been a great influence on my daughter Sarah and a great friend to me.  I have known Dan for about 10 years and I have never met anyone who cares more about his students and has a sincere and genuine interest in their success.  This does not come without a mutual respect for hard work from his students that he helps to instill in them.  Dan gives himself unconditionally to his "girls" and in return he only asks that they work hard and respect the game and the gifts they are working to perfect.  Playing softball at the collegiate level is a special reward for those who are willing to put in the time on their own and with Dan's help and guidance.  Dan is always there for his girls that work the hardest.  He travels to watch them play he is available 24/7 on the phone for them to help guide them in softball and as a friend too.  He has the ability to bring out the best in his students with his knowledge, wisdom of the sport, and expertise with pitching techniques.  My daughter was given a physical gift of the body of a pitcher with  height and strength but put in tireless hours with Dan to get her to the D1 college level.  We love you  Dan and you will always be a part of our family.  Thank you for all you do!

Julie Reynolds

" My daughter has been with Dan since the sixth grade. It has been a privilege to watch, listen and learn from someone who I consider to be one of the finest pitching coaches the sport has to offer. Coaches are teachers, and my daughter has learned so much from Dan besides the pitching mechanics. Proper preperation, how to practice, patience and a strong work ethic are some of the positive lessons she has learned from Dan. Now that she is a college freshman, these lessons have even more meaning. Girls who are determined to work hard, and and be the best they can be as pitchers are doing themselves a disservice by not working with Dan -  He is a MASTER!"

 David King, father of Kelly King / IUP

      Devon has been a pitcher since she was 9 years old, loving softball, but not planning on playing in college.  In the summer between her 9th and 10th grade years, she realized that she truly did want to play softball in college, but felt she needed to "step up" her game.  She had been told for years how hard it was to make it in college, why she wouldn't be able to play, etc. Pam DelPizzo sent her to Dan DeMarco and he truly changed her life.  He watched Devon throw and told her, "You have ability...right now you will be a successful high school pitcher, but with hard work, you can play college ball."  He threw down the challenge of what she needed to do to prepare, Devon followed his path and Dan was with her every step of the way.  He did not baby her or sugar coat anything; he made her work harder than she ever had before in softball.
      Dan gave Devon the tools to prepare physically and mentally for the game of college softball.  He did not offer fixes to succeed quickly; he taught her proper mechanics and prepared her for long term success.  The impact that Dan has had not only on Devon's softball career, but also on her as a person is "priceless".  Dan supported her through her college search, encouraging her to choose a school that she would love, not where others thought she should be.  He treats his pitchers as important people whom he wants to see happy and successful in all areas of their lives. Devon is now entering her sophomore year at West Chester University, loving college and college softball.
  The best reference is that after seeing how successful and happy Devon was working with him, my brother now drives my niece an hour each way to work with Dan!
 

Thanks Dan!  Love, Sue Utterback, mother of Devon Utterback, West Chester University

I am writing this letter of recommendation for my good friend and coach of my daughter.  I have known Dan for over 14 years and he has directly coached Kristin for over 12 years.  During this time he has molded Kristin into the player and person she is today.  Yes he taught her the mechanics of pitching, but he taught her much more that made her a professional softball player and three time national champion. 

 Throughout the years he talked about and taught that there is more to pitching then throwing a ball.  He taught her how to be mentally tough, how to adapt when you don’t have your “A” game and how to be a winner.  While she was learning new pitches he showed different techniques for each pitch.   That way she could adapt the technique that were best for her. 

He also taught her the value of hard work.  Learning to pitch is not a once a week activity.  He was always pushing her to be the best she could be and yes at times he was tough on her.  This in turn made her ready for any situation that she was in. 

 Dan was always there for her if she was having a problem or just wanted to talk.   If Kristin requested an extra lesson he always fit her in, even if this meant he had to stay late.  He would sometimes drive to meet her if she could not meet with him.  If you “run thru a brick wall” for him, he will do the same for you.

 Dave Erb, father of Kristin Erb

After taking my daughter to a few different pitching coaches for about 2 years we were again in need of a new coach.  My husband was given Dan's name from a fellow co-worker who highly recommended him.  The first time I met Dan he said he wanted to strip my daughter back down to the basics.  I was like "WHAT"?  2 years of lessons and we're starting over?"  I was really no longer interested but my husband insisted we give Dan a try.  For the first time in 18 years I had to admit that he was right!  After a lengthy commute from Center City Philadelphia I drive 1 1/2 hours home to pick up both my girls (my younger daughter is also now taking lessons too) then drive an hour to Dan's new facility.  

My older daughter has never had more confidence since working with Dan, she is focused and practices daily.  This is her first year participating in travel softball and she was offered pitching positions on 4 different teams, she tried out for 5.  This is because Dan knows how to teach the teenage mind and believe me they listen!  

My younger daughter is still very new and she has surprised me by how dedicated she is to practicing and wanting to get to her next lesson.  Both our girls earn their time with Dan, meaning, I'm not killing myself driving and I'm not wasting Dan's time.  Each of my daughters have saved their own money and have given me one lessons worth of funds. If they do not practice, they can pay for that weeks  lesson and I will cancel lessons with Dan.  I've been holding these funds for my older daughter for over a year now.

I spend so much time in my car but I wouldn't go anywhere else!  If Dan moved, we'd commute that much farther.  He's worth the drive, gas and the time.  Plain and simple I wouldn't take my girls anywhere else.

Jenn Bauer, daughters Gwen and Alicia
Honey Brook, PA

 

My daughter had plenty of success coming up through school and travel ball, and even in her first two seasons of college, but she was struggling and, after a few years of not having a pitching coach, we thought she needed a tune-up, so to speak.

Then she met Dan DeMarco. And how things have changed. He didn’t make suggestions, clean up a few bad habits or do a tune-up, he did a complete overhaul. He broke down everything she had learned over the years and then built her back up.

He changed everything – her motion, her pitches, her mindset and her attitude – then pushed and pushed to make her better. He built up her confidence by teaching her not only how to pitch, but how to be mentally strong on the mound while pitching in one of the most competitive college conferences in the country.

And this isn’t just 45 minutes, one day a week, he’s there for his pitchers whenever they need him – offseason, preseason, before a game, after a game or late at night whether it’s in person, by phone or, yes, text message – for anything, not just pitching.

The transformation, to say the least, has been stunning and the results amazing.

I’ve tried to stay away from thoughts of ‘what if’ Erin had met Dan even just a couple of years earlier, not to mention as a really young pitcher.

As a pitcher’s dad and a former coach, I know it’s not easy, but get out of the way and let Dan do his work. There’s no doubt you’ll be pleased with the results. His long list of successful pitchers speaks for itself. He’s the best.

Thanks Dan.

Dave Holloway, daughter Erin Holloway IUP 2011

If you ask Kaylee what her passion is, without hesitation she will always say “softball”.  Kaylee is now 13 years old and like most girls that love the game, she began playing when she was very young.  I would guess this was around the age of 7.  It did not take very long for her to realize that she wanted to focus her energy on being a pitcher.  At that age, standing around waiting for a ball to come your way on defense did not appeal to her.  She wanted to be more involved.  I have seen girls throw underhand, so how hard can that really be?

 I began doing my best version of “Bucket Dad” as we started the long process of teaching her the “art” of fastpitch softball pitching.  As time goes on, the arguments soar and the tears flow, many times resulting in her walking away or me picking up the bucket and heading into the house. I soon realize that I cannot coach my own daughter alone.  Besides, what did I really know about the sport?  I am a Chiropractor.   So I did what most of us have done, start taking her to pitching clinics and locals that are much more of an expert in the field than I was.  I think I am doing the right thing.

This process continued until about the age of 12.  I was watching her get frustrated as each clinic and each coach would tell her something different.  It was getting to the point that I thought her days of being on the mound were over. 

 In the winter of 2010, like I had done every year, I sit down with my darling daughter and ask her if she still wants to be a pitcher.  And every year I get the same answer “of course Dad”.  We hit a few more clinics and once again I could see her frustration with me telling her one thing and each pitching coaches telling her something different.

 Meanwhile, our good friends had told us about a pitching coach they found in the Reading area.  I wasn’t quite ready to make the near hour long trip for pitching lessons.  (And their trip was much farther than ours would be.)  I slowly watched as his daughter transformed into a very solid and confident pitcher and she made it look effortless.

 I begin doing my own research on the mechanics of fastpitch pitching.  I watched countless videos and read what the best in the world did, and to my surprise, what my daughter was learning at some of the pitching clinics was quite a bit different than what the likes of Uneo, Finch, Hillhouse and others were doing.  As I try and change my daughters mechanics to what I was learning, the “Bucket Dad Syndrome” returned and the frustrations of too many voices telling Kaylee what to do was in full force.

 I mention my concerns with my softball buddy and he says “why don’t you take a ride with us and visit Dan, our pitching coach”.  After some thought and planning, I agree to join them.  Kaylee and I make the short trip to Shoemakersville with our friends.  I say short because the drive was full of softball talk and the time just flew by.

 In just the brief period of time I spent watching, listening and talking with Mr. Dan Demarco, I realize that we found our new pitching coach.  Coach Demarco was saying some of the same things that I had been reading and he was also applying many of the things I had learned and applied in my career.

 I graduated from Chiropractic College in 1988.  Early on in my career, I began working with various local athletes and eventually worked with several professional athletes.  I began specializing in sports injuries and rehabilitation.  I studied more on the functional mechanics of the musculoskeletal system and how the nervous system integrated with it, and by training both the nervous system and musculoskeletal system together, patients healed faster and you also helped prevent further injury.  I then began traveling across the country, including Canada, England and Ireland teaching my colleagues on these rehabilitation techniques.  At the same time, I was fortunate enough to aid in the design of a rehabilitation product that is now being used in the rehabilitation, physical therapy and sports training market all over the world.  (www.hydroworx.com)  I worked with physical therapists and sports medicine physicians and built a very good understanding of working as a team. 

 Fast forward to January, 2011.  My own daughter, Kaylee, develops lower back pain while pitching softball.  It was like clock-work.  Every time she would pitch and push off the rubber, her lower back would hurt.  At first, with a simple chiropractic treatment, things would settle down.  Once she was back on the mound it would hurt again.  I could not resolve my own daughters back pain.  About this time we begin our first lesson with Mr. Dan Demarco.  I did not initially tell him about Kaylee’s back problem as I figured I would be able to get it under control.  It was after the second or third lesson that I contact Dan and explain to him Kaylee has been experiencing back pain during and for a period of time after she was pitching.

 Dan spent 20-30 minutes of Kaylee’s next session watching her, and it didn’t take him long to come to me and say he figured out why she was hurting.   You see, I know any coach cannot change the mechanics of a pitcher in a few sessions, but Dan realized he had to fix this mechanical problem first so she stops hurting herself, and then he can work on the other mechanics.  That very day, Kaylee walked out of pitching lessons for the first time in months with no back pain.  And on only 1 other occasion, when she was at home throwing and not concentrating on what Dan had told her, she started to feel the discomfort again.

 Dan combines his expertise on pitching, proprioception and mechanics to train his students. He used these techniques, some of which I had studied for years, to help my daughter. It makes them better athletes and reduces the chance of injury, therefore giving them a longer career in the sport.  I know it will take more effort outside his pitching palace for her to excel however I feel confident that she is in good hands with someone that knows the proper and most efficient method of the fastpitch mechanics.

 Kaylee, her Mother Amy and I love softball.  We love the life lessons it teaches her, the sportsmanship, teamwork and dedication.

 My goal with Kaylee and softball are these life lessons.  I know that Mr. Demarco has other goals for his “kids” including scholarship opportunities, and I feel he has the knowledge and skills to get this for many of his students.  Kaylee will probably not inherit the genes to be a 6 foot tall girl with the ability to throw a ball 60+ miles per hour.  But to me, she loves this game.  And I know she will love it more the more she can win.  And with the help of Coach Demarco, I know this will happen.  And I am thankful that he helped fix her back pain!

Scott Toner, Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, daughter Kaylee Toner

For the past 20 years I have dedicated myself to the study of teaching and learning.  During that time I have had the opportunity to observe the practice and development of many teachers and their learners. 

I have always believed that the effectiveness of any teacher is best demonstrated by the performance of their learners.  It was indeed the students of Dan Demarco that pointed to his outstanding abilities as a pitching coach/teacher.  It is not hard to spot a “Dan Demarco pitcher”.  They are the standouts, the tenacious, well-schooled, strategic pitchers who outthink and outpitch their opponents at every level.  They are the ones on the mound smiling and confident in their mental and physical preparation. 

I have had the pleasure of watching Dan develop many promising athletes into outstanding pitchers.  Additionally, I have also watched Dan take students that other pitching coaches wouldn’t, and I have smiled as he has helped them realize a potential no one else could see.  His ability to build and cultivate positive relationships with his students motivates them in and out of his presence and extends far beyond last inning into their everyday lives.  This is because Dan doesn’t just develop pitchers, he develops people.

If you’re looking for a pitching coach, there are many from which to choose.  If you’re looking for someone who will respect, teach, and be truly concerned about the development of your child as person and athlete… there is only one choice… Dan Demarco.

Dr. Cathy L. Taschner, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Susquehanna Township School District