Kari Baltz

Kari coaches girls’ softball from age five through high school — pitching and catching, the two positions that most reward being taught properly and taught early. Younger players are welcome. She has been coaching youth softball for more than twenty years. A talented left-handed pitcher originally from Southern Oregon, Kari’s high school career was distinguished by multiple accolades, including 2nd Team All-Conference honors during both her junior and senior years, as well as the Most Valuable Player award. Her exceptional skills on the mound earned her a spot at Western Oregon University, where she continued her softball career and graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health & Physical Education, alongside a teaching endorsement for middle through high school levels.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Kari transitioned into teaching and coaching, beginning her career at the middle school level and then moving on to coaching high school softball at McKay High, West Salem High, and Centennial High. During this time, she pursued further education, earning a Master’s in Administrative Leadership from Concordia University in 2005. Her advanced degree equipped her with valuable leadership skills, allowing her to take on a variety of roles in the education and coaching fields.

Throughout her career, Kari has shown a commitment to developing young athletes, not only in softball but across multiple sports. Her coaching portfolio includes time spent leading youth teams in volleyball and basketball, showcasing her versatility and dedication to youth sports. She believes in creating a positive and supportive environment that encourages players to grow, both as athletes and individuals.

Kari also coaches a 503 Club Softball team through the summer season, bringing her pitching and catching expertise to a full roster rather than one player at a time, and she plans to run a team again next summer. Her deep understanding of the game and ability to teach fundamental skills have made her a respected mentor to many aspiring athletes. Kari is excited to contribute to the growth of the softball program at the 503 Academy, where she is committed to helping each player reach their fullest potential.

What a first lesson looks like

The first session is mostly about getting to know each other. Kari will want to meet the player and the parents and find out what they are hoping for — what they want to work on now, and what they are aiming at further out. Then she starts from where the player actually is. A five-year-old picking up a glove and a high schooler working on her drop ball are not the same lesson, and she does not treat them as though they are.

Booking with Kari

Hour-long individual sessions, and buddy sessions for two players. Current openings and prices are on the Camps and Clinics page, which reads straight from our booking system.

When she’s not coaching, Kari enjoys spending time with her three children, who are all active in sports themselves. She takes pride in cheering them on from the sidelines and capturing their special moments through her love of photography. Her dedication to both her family and the game of softball exemplifies her passion for sports and youth development, making her an invaluable asset to the 503 Academy community.