PLAYERS ACADEMY

The PCBS Players Academy serves our community with local, individualized, high-quality training to improve the skill and confidence of our players. Whether you are hoping to improve long-term skills, prepping for an upcoming tryout or just knocking the rust off in preparation for the season, our instructors can help.

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A stand-alone 30-minute lesson provides the perfect amount of time to provide swing adjustments, fielding techniques or tweaks to throwing mechanics.
The PCBS instructors can also make suggestions for tips and drills to continue the development at home or in the backyard.
The Players Academy also offers parents the option of creating a series of appointments to create a more comprehensive improvement plan. This plan results from the collaboration of the player, parent and instructor. Together, they aim to identify a player’s strengths and weaknesses and develop a long-term plan for growth.
The PCBS Players Academy is now accepting appointments for the winter and spring of 2026. Players must be registered for house ball in the spring 2026 season to participate.

All Players Academy sessions take place on the West Shelf of the Palatine Community Center, located at 250 E. Wood St.
The cost for a 30-minute session is $40.00.
Sessions can be for an individual player or for small groups of up to six players at a time.
Please see the links on the PCBS homepage for more information about appointment opportunities, our instructors and their specialties.
The Players Academy is recommended only for players who are in our competitive leagues (2nd grade – Pinto or Minors softball leagues and up).

INSTRUCTORS

Jake Barnett, BASEBALL TRAINER

Jake Barnett has played baseball since he was five years old and is currently a senior pitcher at Fremd High School, where he has contributed on the mound throughout all four years of his high-school career. Known for his smart pitch selection, ability to locate effectively, and a confident mix of breaking pitches, Jake brings a high baseball IQ and a calm, strategic presence to every inning.

For the past four years, Jake has been actively coaching within the Palatine Pride program and currently serves on the coaching staff for the Pride 13U/14U team. His experience working with developing athletes has shaped his coaching philosophy: a strong focus on pitching fundamentals, sound mechanics, confidence building, and mental toughness. Jake is especially passionate about helping young pitchers understand not just how to pitch—but why things work, blending his analytical mind with his love of the game.

Parents consistently describe Jake as patient, prepared, and a natural teacher. An honors student who will be pursuing engineering in college, Jake brings the same curiosity, discipline, and attention to detail to coaching that he applies in the classroom. He has been involved with Palatine Community Baseball and Softball from a young age and is proud to give back to the program that helped shape his own baseball journey.

Outside of baseball, Jake is a die-hard Cubs fan, loves understanding how things work, and is a family-first kind of kid. His combination of playing experience, coaching background, technical expertise, and enthusiasm for developing young athletes makes him an outstanding choice for pitchers looking to elevate their game.

Jake is available on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:45 – 8:45pm.

William Graba, BASEBALL TRAINER

Will is a dedicated athlete whose lifelong love for baseball. Starting in tee ball and continuing to this day has shaped his approach to the game. His standout performance in the MSL earned him Conference Player of the Year, reflecting both his talent and his commitment. Beyond his own accomplishments, Will brings that same passion to training younger players, helping them build strong fundamentals while encouraging confidence and enjoyment. Known for his steady leadership and genuine care for developing athletes, he has become a trusted mentor and a positive influence in the baseball community.

William is available on Monday and Wednesday from 6:45-8:45pm

Emma Langer, Softball Trainer

Emma Langer has been in or around the softball world since she was 3 years old. She played PCBS growing up, as well as travel and high school softball. She played at the NCAA DIII school Rivier University, where she was a pitcher and 1st baseman. She has also played in a AAA softball league located in downtown Chicago and played a few games in Italy versus Olympic softball players. Emma has been an active member of the PCBS board since graduating college. She has been the commissioner of the Juniors, Majors, and high school league as well as helping as the pitching coach for the 12U Stingrays. She currently head coaches a 13U softball team in Arlington Heights.

When she is not playing softball, Emma is an educator. Between her knowledge as an educator and her knowledge of the game, mechanics, and fundamentals of softball, pitching, and hitting, Emma is able to work with all levels of softball players and help them grow. From the basics to refining higher level mechanics, she is able to help young girls understand not just what to do, but why to do it. Emma works with both recreational and travel level players to get them to the next step in their game!

She is currently available for pitching, hitting, or fielding lessons on Sunday mornings from 9:45-12:45 (30-minute time slots).

BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR FOR PCBS

We are always looking for great people to expand our Players Academy offerings. If you know someone who would be a good fit as an instructor for baseball or softball, please let us know!

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