Instructors
Sarah Piening
Coach Sarah Piening specializes exclusively in private pitching instruction, bringing over a decade of elite experience to her athletes. She currently serves as Head Softball Coach at John Jay College in New York City, following her two-year head coaching job at Saint Mary High School (Rutherford) where she was also their Dean of Admissions. Her coaching background also includes impactful roles at Immaculate Conception High School (Lodi) and Saint Elizabeth University.
In addition to her scholastic and collegiate coaching, Coach Sarah is the Northeast Director for EC Bullets Fastpitch, a nationally ranked competitive club program, where she develops and mentors high-level athletes.
Before transitioning into coaching, Coach Sarah built a distinguished playing career. At Immaculate Conception High School (Lodi), she became the first and only pitcher to win four consecutive state championships, recording over 250 strikeouts per season. She continued her academic and athletic journey at Division II Rollins College before completing her collegiate career at Division I University of Delaware, earning degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology.
Known for her disciplined, athlete-centered approach, Coach Sarah is deeply committed to developing confident, resilient, and high-integrity young women, guiding them toward success both on the field and at the next level.
Pitching Coach
Andee Lupica
Coach Andee Lupica is a highly skilled pitching instructor who specializes in internal rotation mechanics, bringing over five years of dedicated coaching experience to her athletes. Her coaching background includes impactful roles at Immaculate Conception (Lodi), Saint Mary High School (Rutherford), and with the EC Bullets Fastpitch. She currently serves as the Head Coach of the newly established varsity softball program at Dwight-Englewood, where she is building a culture rooted in development, discipline, and competitive excellence.
Before transitioning into coaching, Coach Andee was a standout player at Immaculate Conception High School, playing a key role in multiple state championship runs through her contributions both offensively and defensively. Alongside Coach Sarah, she became part of the first group of athletes in program history to win four consecutive state championships.
She continued her collegiate career at William Paterson University, where she was a four-year starter as a right-handed pitcher and second baseman, and a consistent, impactful presence in the Pioneers’ lineup.
In addition to her coaching, Coach Andee is a physical education and health teacher, bringing a well-rounded, athlete-first approach to her instruction. She is deeply committed to developing not only the physical abilities of her players, but also their mental toughness, confidence, and overall character. Her energy and passion make her a driving force in helping athletes reach their full potential both in the circle and beyond the game.
Pitching, Defense and Agility Coach
Olivia Gilbert
Olivia Gilbert was a cornerstone of the lineup at Seton Hall University, where she started at first base for four years and established herself as one of the program’s premier offensive threats. A two-time All-Big East selection and a key contributor to the 2023 Big East Championship team, Olivia combined consistency and power at the plate throughout her collegiate career.
She holds Seton Hall’s single-season RBI record with 57 and concluded her career with an impressive 170 hits and 140 RBIs, cementing her legacy among the program’s top producers. Prior to her collegiate success, Olivia was a standout at La Salle Academy in Providence, Rhode Island, earning All-State honors all four years.
Today, Olivia remains deeply connected to the game as a USA Softball Umpire and Youth Instructor. She is passionate about giving back to the sport, using her experience and leadership to inspire, develop, and empower the next generation of athletes.
Hitting Coach
Tara Kelly
Tara Kelly serves as an Assistant Coach at John Jay College and as a head coach within the EC Bullets Fastpitch organization, where she brings a dynamic, player-centered approach rooted in both her athletic background and her foundation in mental health. With experience across team coaching, clinics, and private instruction, Tara is dedicated to developing well-rounded athletes by emphasizing strong fundamentals, mental performance, and individualized growth.
A native of Essex County, New Jersey, Tara was a standout at Glen Ridge High School, where she excelled as both a dominant pitcher and a power hitter. She played a key role in leading her team to a North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 championship appearance. She went on to compete at the collegiate level for both the University of Kentucky and the University of Colorado, contributing as a pitcher and third baseman while consistently producing at the plate with a .400 batting average. She graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Psychology.
Known for her thoughtful and athlete-first coaching style, Tara is committed to building confident, self-aware players who understand the game at a high level. She creates a supportive, growth-focused environment that challenges athletes to elevate both their physical performance and mental approach.
Hitting and Pitching Coach
