I have had a love and passion for softball for as long as I can remember. I have continued that passion through playing and now coaching. I always enjoy helping grow a player’s skills and knowledge of the game. Your success is my goal.

(2022-Present) Assistant Softball Coach Quinlan Ford High School
*Bi District Champions & Area Runner Up (2022)


(2019-2022) Attended and played at Northwestern Oklahoma State University (D2)
*Pitcher


Select Team: Texas Glory (Shelton)


(2014-2018) Attended Quinlan Ford High School
*Freshman of the Year
*Varsity MVP all 4 years
*1st Team All District as a Sophomore, Junior, and Senior

About Me:

Hey there! I’m Stephany Dietz, and softball has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I’ve spent over 22 years on the mound, pitching my heart out. From playing in select league softball as a child and traveling all over the country to competing at the collegiate level with the University of the Ozarks, I’ve lived and breathed this sport.

My Coaching Philosophy:

I believe in making softball fun and exciting for kids. My goal is to help them love the game as much as I do while teaching them the skills they need to succeed. I focus on the basics of pitching, building confidence, and encouraging every player to find their unique style.

Playing Highlights:

(2003-2006) Westside High School:

*First Team All-Conference (4yrs)
*Played in the Arkansas Junior Classic (2005)
*All Region Team (2005, 2006)
*Played in the 49th Annual Arkansas All-Star Game (2006)
*Gatorade Player of the Year Selection (2006)
*All-State (2006)

(2007-2010) University of the Ozarks:

*First Team All-Conference (2007)
*ASC Newcomer of the Year (2007)
*ASC Pitcher of the Week (2010)
*Second in most career wins in university history (record still held)
*First in most appearances/games started/innings pitched (record still held)
*Third in career strikeouts (record still held)

Want to see more about my collegiate career? Check out this article from my university.

Durable Henson Magnifies Opportunity – University of the Ozarks

I started baseball as soon as I could lift a bat. Played from little league, select teams and through highschool and was an outfielder and catcher. I stepped away from baseball when I had the opportunity to play college football at Missouri Valley College but that was cut short after my freshman year due to injuries. I went on to play some club league baseball and slow pitch softball in Missouri after college. I got into coaching when my son started to play. I have helped coach at all different levels from rec league to now AAA levels for the last 9 years. I have a passion for baseball that has never gone away. I love teaching and helping players grow and achieve their goals while still having fun.

Keith Thompson

*30+ years of hitting instruction as well as pitching and fielding

*32 years as a Texas high school coach and administrator

*30+ years of select baseball coaching

“I have given my life to working with kids as an educator and coach. I want to give something back to the game and provide kids the skill set needed to maximize their talent and HAVE FUN!  Contact me directly for very reasonable rates and availability. I would love to help!”

Keith pictured with his son, Jake Thompson, representing the USA at the Pan Am Games in Toronto in 2015. Jake went on to make his major league debut in 2016.

ENDORSEMENTS

“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Keith for a long time (since I was 12), and his dedication to the game is undeniable. His passion for developing players shows in the way he teaches the fundamentals, builds a winning mindset, and instills a strong work ethic. His knowledge, leadership, and love for baseball make him a great coach for anyone looking to improve and succeed”.

Jeremy Barnes

NY Mets MLB Hitting Coach (current)

Houston Astros Minor League Hitting Coordinator

“I have known Keith for over 20 years, and he’s always had a great dedication to the game. His passion for developing young players is evident in the success of his own sons who were both excellent baseball players; one of whom even made it to MLB. His knowledge, leadership, and love for baseball make him an outstanding coach and mentor”.

Tim LaMonte

Cincinnati Reds MLB Assistant Hitting Coach

Houston Astros MiLB Hitting Coordinator

LaMonte Performance Baseball

“I not only had the privilege of working with Keith Thompson as a coach and private instructor, but he is also my dad.  With his help and support, I became a stronger and more confident player and turned that success into a professional career. Keith is very passionate about the game and all his players. His knowledge and dedication made me fall in love with baseball and that will stay with me forever.”

Jake Thompson

Philadelphia Phillies – MLB

91^st selection in 2012 MLB draft (Detroit Tigers)

3 time All American Rockwall Heath HS

UIL TX State Champions 2012

“Keith Thompson, father of former MLB pitcher Jake Thompson, is a seasoned hitting instructor ready to help you refine your swing and elevate your confidence at the plate. Jake, a standout on the 2012 State Champion Rockwall-Heath High School baseball team, was one of the best high school hitters anyone had ever seen, and Keith was a key part of his development. With a deep understanding of the game and a focus on individual player needs, Keith tailors every lesson to help you improve your mechanics, master your swing, and hit with power. Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the best. Sign up today and take your hitting to the next level!”

Greg Harvey

Head Baseball Coach

Rockwall-Heath HS

UIL State Champs 2012 & 2021

“Keith Thompson is a baseball man with a baseball bloodline.  His ability to develop players while paying attention to the details is something that not only helped his son Jake get to the MLB but others as well.  Reaching a player’s full potential is a priority for Keith and that’s where he gets respect from so many in the game.”

James Vilade

Prestonwood Academy Head Coach

Former Hitting Coach Frisco Roughriders

UT-Tyler/University of Dallas Head Coach

(2^nd highest winning percentage in TX NCAA history)

My love for sports began at a young age, starting with tee-ball and progressing all the way through high school baseball. After high school, I was granted the opportunity to play football at Tyler Junior College, where I redshirted.

My coaching journey began when I took on roles with the YSA for Lone Oak Baseball where I spent several years shaping young athletes. Then, I dedicated a year to coaching 8U softball in Mineola and later started my own 8U select baseball team. This passion for coaching and developing young talent eventually brought me to The Fastball Academy, where I found a permanent home. Now, I am a proud member of the coaching staff for a 10U team through The Fastball Academy.

I love helping kids improve their skills and achieve their athletic goals. My commitment to their development is unwavering, and I always look forward to watching them grow and succeed in the future.

I started playing baseball when I was just 5 years old, and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the game. By the time I was 10, I was playing in the Majors division of select baseball, which pushed me to get better every day. One of the highlights of my early career was playing in the 13U Super Series Tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma against baseball great, Clayton Kershaw! Those experiences were unforgettable and really helped shape my love for the sport.

In high school, I played at Rowlett High School, where I had the chance to compete at a high level and really fine-tune my skills. After graduation, I continued my baseball journey at the University of the Ozarks, where I played four years of college ball. It was there that I learned a lot about what it takes to succeed both on and off the field. In college I received American Southwest Conference (ASC) Player of the Week and ASC Hitter of the Week in 2010 as well as ASC First Team All-Conference in 2008 and 2010. I finished college with a career average of .353 and a career fielding percentage of .983.

Now, as a coach, I’m passionate about sharing everything I’ve learned with my players—helping them develop not just as athletes, but as people. I love seeing players grow, push their limits, and, most importantly, have fun while doing it. Baseball’s been a huge part of my life, and I’m excited to pass that love and knowledge on to the next generation.

Positions: Catcher, First Base, Third Base

(2007-2010) University of the Ozarks:

*First Team All-Conference (Catcher)- 2008, 2010

*ASC Hitter of the Week- 2010

*ASC Player of the Week – 2010

*Career Batting Average- .353

*Career Fielding Percentage- .983

My love of softball and baseball began before I was old enough for organized sports. My Dad, a former college baseball player for University of New Mexico, passed down his love of the game down to me.

Before long I was playing on top travel teams and qualifying yearly for the highest level at the time, Invitation only ASA National Tournaments. One of my biggest achievements was going 17/21 at bats at a National Tournament in Seattle, Washington. I also had many invites to individual skill Showcases, College Showcase Tournaments, and Showcase tournaments to qualify for the Exhibition game against Team. I had the privilege of training under former Texas Ranger, Mark McLemore for hitting lessons, including slap hitting. I was a starting Varsity softball player all 4 years of high school with district honors of 1st Team All-District for 3 years, 2nd Team All-District for 1 year, Defensive Player of the Year, District New Comer, and team MVP.