Who are we?
Coach Leigh
Coach Leigh is the co-founder of Foundation Performance Co. and a lifelong softball player, experienced instructor, and passionate mentor who has dedicated her career to helping athletes reach their full potential. A standout hitter and catcher at Naperville Central High School, Leigh continued her playing career with two of the area's premier travel organizations, the Downers Grove Dolls and DuPage Power. She went on to compete at both the NCAA Division I and NJCAA levels, playing for the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Kankakee Community College, and the University of Illinois. During her collegiate career, Leigh earned NJCAA Catcher of the Year honors and was recognized as a two-time First Team All-American. Following college, she continued competing at a high level with the nationally recognized Pekin Lettes Amateur Softball Association team.
Throughout her playing career, Leigh also faced and overcame numerous injuries—experiences that shaped her coaching philosophy and deepened her commitment to long-term athlete development. Today, she specializes in coaching catchers, hitters, and defensive fielding, while emphasizing efficient mechanics, proper movement patterns, and injury prevention whenever possible. Leigh believes athletes perform their best when they build a strong foundation of sound technique and healthy movement that allows them to compete with confidence for years to come.
As both a coach and a mom of two boys, Leigh understands that success in sports extends far beyond wins and statistics. She currently provides private softball instruction throughout the Chicagoland area, including at All-American Softball in Aurora, where she is known for building meaningful relationships with athletes while helping them grow in both skill and confidence. Leigh takes tremendous pride in the success of every athlete she coaches, celebrating not only their accomplishments on the field but also the character, resilience, and work ethic they develop along the way.
Why I Coach:
"Softball has given me lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and lessons that extend far beyond the field. My goal is to help every athlete develop the confidence, skills, and love for the game that shaped my own journey, while reminding them that who they become is even more important than the wins they achieve."
Coach Casey
Coach Casey is the co-founder of Foundation Performance Co. and the driving force behind its mission to develop confident, resilient athletes through a whole-athlete approach to performance. A former power hitter and third baseman at West Chicago Community High School, Casey competed for several respected travel softball organizations, including the Winfield Wolverines, DuPage Power, West Chicago Wildcats, and Glenside Raiders, before continuing her softball career at Augustana College.
Like many athletes, Casey's playing career was unexpectedly cut short by injury. That experience became the foundation for her passion to help young athletes prepare their bodies, strengthen their minds, and reduce their risk of injury through quality movement, intentional preparation, and long-term athlete development. She believes every athlete deserves the opportunity to pursue their goals with confidence, supported by coaches who care about who they are as people—not just how they perform on the field.
As a Certified School Nurse and mother of two boys, Casey brings a unique perspective to youth sports. Every day, she works with children in the school setting, helping them navigate not only their physical health but also the emotional and social challenges that come with growing up. At Foundation Performance Co., she combines that experience with years of coaching youth softball, basketball, and swimming to support the whole athlete. Casey leads the organization's athlete movement assessments, mindset and goal-setting programs, clinic development, and coach collaboration, ensuring every athlete receives thoughtful, individualized support from a team that shares a common purpose.
More than anything, Casey is passionate about bringing exceptional coaches together to create an environment where athletes feel challenged, supported, and inspired to become the best version of themselves. Her vision for Foundation Performance Co. extends beyond developing stronger athletes—it is about building confident young people who carry the lessons they learn through sports into every aspect of their lives.
Why I Coach:
"Sports changed my life—and showed me how quickly it can all be taken away. After my career ended due to injury, I realized great coaching goes beyond skills. It’s about helping athletes move well, build resilience, and grow in confidence. Foundation Performance Co. exists to support athletes as people first. If we can help even one athlete stay healthy, believe in themselves, and keep chasing their dreams, that means more than any win."
Coach Ashley
Coach Ashley is one of Chicagoland's rising softball athletes and brings high-level playing experience, energy, and a passion for athlete development to Foundation Performance Co. A native of Chicago's Avondale neighborhood, Ashley recently graduated from Amundsen High School and currently competes for the nationally ranked Chicago Cheetahs Connolly 18U program. This fall, she will continue her softball career at the NCAA Division I level as a student-athlete at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).
As a versatile utility player with primary experience at catcher and third base, Ashley specializes in catching instruction, defensive development, hitting, and base running. She primarily works with middle and high school athletes but has experience coaching players as young as eight through clinics at the Bo Jackson Dome. Known throughout the Chicagoland softball community for her ability to build genuine relationships with athletes, Ashley creates a positive, encouraging learning environment while maximizing every lesson to help players gain confidence and make measurable improvements. Her goal is to help every athlete leave feeling more prepared, more confident, and excited to continue growing both on and off the field.
Why I Coach:
"I love helping athletes build confidence, develop their skills, and realize they're capable of more than they thought possible."
More Coaches Coming soon!
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More Coaches Coming soon! 〰️
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