STAFF | Upper Deck BA

Meet the dedicated team at Upper Deck Baseball Academy.

We are passionate about helping players develop their skills and reach their full potential. With a strong focus on teamwork and a commitment to excellence, our team is here to provide the best training and support for our athletes.

Jeff Lyons

General Manager - Upper Deck

Director of Stone Crabs Baseball

Jeff brings plenty of experience with him to Upper Deck, as an All-State player at Lincoln High School, then playing two years for the Nationally ranked C.C.R.I Baseball Teams in 1986 & 1987, being selected as Captain in 1987. After his playing career, Jeff was an Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach at Lincoln High School for five years. Jeff is currently an active board member and coach in the Cumberland Youth Baseball and Softball League.

COACHES

Jay Grenier - Baseball Hitting Instructor

Coach Grenier was the former Hitting Coach for Bryant University Bulldogs and the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod Baseball League. Coach Grenier was also a former batting practice pitcher for the Pawtucket Red Sox. Coach Grenier previously served as the Head Baseball Coach at RIC and the Community College of Rhode Island. He was named the NJCAA Coach of the Year twice and was the Louisville Slugger Region 2 Coach of the Year three times. We are fortunate to have someone of his experience and caliber working on our staff.

Wade Briggs - Baseball Pitching Instructor

Coach Briggs was a four year pitcher at Rhode Island College. He was consistently in the top of the rotation during his college career. In 2005, Coach Briggs was able to lead his team to the Little East Conference Championship. Upon the completion of his playing career, he coached the highly successful 15u New England Lightening team to a 32- 10 record. Coach Briggs provides a structured program for the the high school pitcher looking to take his game to the next level.

Brandon Kelly - Baseball Pitching Instructor

Coach Kelly is the Lincoln High School Varsity Pitching Coach with a unique background and skill set that makes him an excellent mentor for aspiring baseball players. As a former 4-year pitcher at Lincoln High School (2014-2018) and a member of the Upper Deck Senior Legion State Championship Team (2018), he knows from first-hand experience what it takes to succeed in the league. Brandon was previously a pitcher at Rivier University (2018-2022), he has broken various records for appearances, saves, and strikeouts. Working with our team, you will have access to unparalleled resources to improve your skills and performance.

Jarrid Tapley - Baseball Instructor

Coach Tapley is our newest instructor at Upper Deck. Jarrid is a former 3 sport Cumberland High School All-State Athlete graduating class of 2003 and a Cumberland High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2021 inductee. After high school Jarrid played at CCRI in the fall season of 2003 as a starting outfielder and pitched as a closer for the Knights. Tapley brings his knowledge and grit to the Academy focusing on the fundamentals, mechanics and strengthening the weaknesses of young ball players.

Giselle Jeffrey - Softball Pitching Instructor

Coach Giselle has been pitching on the travel ball circuit, pitching for the Rhode Island Thunder 14U National Team, 18U Thunder teams, and also pitched for Fire & Ice 18U club. Coach Giselle pitched in High School for both Bay View Academy, and The Prout School. In her Freshman year at Bay View, Coach Giselle helped guide the team to the D2 State finals, where they ultimately finished 2nd. Along with being a Pitcher, Coach Giselle has also played 1b and outfield. Coach Giselle is excited to work with young athletes and share her pitching knowledge.

Nick Raposo - Baseball Catching/Hitting Instructor

A 2016 Johnston High School graduate, four year catcher at Wheaton College, and current catcher in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Nick is looking forward to helping kids reach their baseball goals at the plate and catchers behind the plate. Nick has a passion for sharing knowledge down to younger kids and helping them grow as a player but more importantly a person.

Olivia Petrillo - Softball Instructor

Coach Olivia is a Senior at King Philip High School with a Providence College Division 1 Big East Softball commitment. She played on the RI Thunder 14U & 16U National teams as a MIF and was a top place finisher at PGF Nationals in California. As a player, Olivia started as a freshman, and in two seasons, lost only four games. During her sophomore season, Olivia hit 8 home runs, finishing top 5 in the state and adding another 7 during club season. Olivia is looking forward to working with young softball players to improve their skill on the field and at the plate!

Christine Alleyn - Softball Instructor

Coach Alleyn is a lifelong resident of Cumberland and is currently the JV head and assistant varsity coach at Cumberland High School. Christine is a former multiple All-State and division athlete (1999-2001) and a graduate of Cumberland High School. In 2001 Christine won the Gatorade Player of the Year in softball for the state of Rhode Island and is a Cumberland High School Hall of Fame Class of 2013 inductee. Christine still holds the best career ERA of. 34 from CHS and was also part of the team in 1999, that came in second place in the Eastern Regional Tournament in Orange, CT. After graduating from CHS, Christine earned a top career record ERA of 3.67 and was also named one of the top 20 pitchers of the NE-10 conference in 2002. Coach Alleyn is looking forward to sharing her years of knowledge with the next generation of athletes.

Addison Kopack - Baseball Catching/Hitting Instructor

Addison Kopack played 4 years of division 1 baseball at the University of Rhode Island and currently plays professionally with the San Diego Padres Organization. At URI he was able to garner first team all conference honors, first team all New England, all north-east, as well as pre-season All-American honors, as well as being named a top 40 catcher in the nation. At the same time, gaining a degree in Kinesiology, Addison has an adept understanding of human movement, function, as well as biomechanics- hoping to help advanced players reach a new level of understanding. As a Cumberland local, he also hopes to inspire and teach the youth how to enjoy and love the game while also getting better.