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Training Staff
Myndie Berka
Owner/Pitching Instructor
Myndie Berka is the owner and pitching instructor of
BreakThrew Fastpitch. She has taught hundreds of girls since
she started training pitchers in 1996. Myndie has been
fortunate to get the opportunity to work closely with many
top coaches and athletes in the game today including over 5
years with world-renowed pitching coach, Cheri Kempf and
3-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Lisa Fernandez.
Prior to establishing BreakThrew Fastpitch, Berka was
employed by Worth Club K. Her responsibilities there
included: developing and implementing the Off-Site Lesson
Program; teaching pitching to athletes in IA, MO, KS, IL,
TN, AL, KY, GA, MS & AK and organizing and instructing at
camps/clinics throughout the southeast and midwest.
Myndie had a strong playing career at Iowa State University
as a pitcher and was recognized three years as an Academic
All-Big 8 Conference First Team selection. In 1989, she was
recognized as the state of Iowa’s Player of the Year. She is
a 1993 graduate of Iowa State University (BS – Exercise
Physiology) and a 1996 graduate of Des Moines University (MS
– Health Care Administration).
Doreen Denmon
Catching Instructor, Worth Club K
Doreen (Doe) Denmon is the catching instructor for Worth
Club K in Nashville, TN. Doe’s playing career in amateur
softball began and ended with the greatest team in the
history of amateur softball and the most successful dynasty
of any sport – The World Famous Raybesto’s Brakettes. Over
an 18 year career in Women’s Major Softball (and a combined
record of 1139-91); Doe amassed 9 Major Women’s Championship
titles, 9 International Championship titles, and 6 National
Runner-up placements. She was an 8-time ASA All-American and
a 2-time All-World selection, making her the most successful
catcher in ASA history. As a catcher, she caught pitching
greats such as Hall of Famers, Kathy Arendsen and Barb
Reinalda, along with Olympic Gold Medalists Lisa Fernandez,
Michelle Granger and Lori Harrigan to mention just a few.
Doe has been recognized for her softball accomplishments by
the State of Connecticut as they inducted her into their
Hall of Fame in 2005. She has been an advisor for Team USA
in the specific position of catching, and she is one of the
nations most sought after speakers and clinicians.
Jessica Draemel
Hitting, Slapping and
Utility Instructor
Jessica Draemel presently works as an Academic Success
Counselor in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
at Creighton University. Prior to her work as a counselor,
Draemel spent five seasons as an assistant coach on the
Creighton softball staff and saw the Bluejays advance to
NCAA post-season play four out of her five years.
Additionally, Draemel is a personal trainer for Optimum
Fitness Omaha.
A 2002 graduate of Stanford, Draemel acquired her degree in
psychology after a two-year stint on the Cardinal softball
team. The outfielder transferred to Stanford after attending
classes and playing two seasons at the University of
Nebraska. In 2001, the Cardinal advanced to the College
World Series where she contributed to Stanford’s third-place
finish. While at Stanford, she was a scholar-athlete both
seasons and earned Pac-10 All-Academic First-Team honors as
a senior.
Draemel was a National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA)
All-America Scholar-Athlete her entire four-year career. She
also was tabbed to the Big 12 All-Academic First-Team twice
and appeared in the College World Series with the Huskers.
The three-time high school All-American also earned Dean’s
List notice, Big 12 Honor Roll notice and UNL
Student-Athlete Advisory Board Honor Roll accolades.
The 1997 graduate of Millard South High School, served as an
academic advising intern at Stanford upon graduation. As the
academic advising intern she helped coordinate freshmen
student-athlete orientation and assisted with the daily
operations of the academic advisor. She has also worked in
both compliance and academic advising during her time in the
Creighton athletic department.
Draemel works several collegiate camps across the country
each year, and served as the director of camps and clinics
during her time as an assistant coach.
She received her master’s degree in College Counseling and
Student Development Services from Creighton in 2005. Draemel
is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS)
as recognized by the NSCA. |
