Ryan Rullo –Founder, Ultimate Baseball Academy | Director, USA Scout Carolinas

Ryan Rullo is a passionate and dedicated figure in youth and high school athletics, serving as the Founder and Managing Partner of Ultimate Baseball Academy and Coach for USA Scout Carolinas Team Nike 16u. With an extensive background as both a player and coach, Ryan brings a deep understanding and love for the game to the athletes he mentors.

A true dual-sport athlete, Ryan excelled in both baseball and basketball at the high school and collegiate levels. His baseball prowess earned him a full scholarship to St. Vincent College, where he was a four-year starter for the NAIA Division 1 program. As a skilled middle infielder, he was a four-year letterman and was honored by being elected team captain, demonstrating his leadership qualities early in his career.

Ryan's transition into coaching has spanned 16 years, where he has imparted his knowledge in both baseball and basketball from youth leagues through competitive varsity levels. His coaching philosophy is centered on holistic player development, emphasizing the importance of building character and leadership skills alongside athletic prowess. He strives to create an environment where players can learn, grow, and compete at a high level, fostering a culture of teamwork and diligent effort both on and off the field.

Currently, Ryan serves as the Varsity and Middle School Baseball Coach at Ultimate Prep Baseball Academy. His coaching experience also includes a former role as the High School Varsity and JV basketball coach for the South Charlotte Thunder.

In 2021, Ryan founded the NC/SC Ultimate Baseball Academy and the 1776 Braves, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality baseball opportunities. Under his leadership, the academy has successfully fielded middle school, high school varsity, and travel teams over the past several years. A key component of this vision is the Ultimate Prep Academy, an alternative high school baseball program designed to offer a focused athletic and academic experience, with aspirations to expand into other boys' and girls' high school sports in the near future.

Coach Rullo's mission is clear: to help student-athletes develop into well-rounded individuals, not just skilled players. He is dedicated to preparing them for future success, whether that path leads to collegiate athletics, professional sports, or other endeavors in their lives.

Ron Espinosa – Co-founder, Ultimate Baseball Academy | Director, USA Scout Carolinas

Ron Espinosa brings a wealth of experience and a deep-seated passion for athletic development to his coaching roles with Ultimate Baseball, USA Scout, and USA Football. Currently based in Weddington, North Carolina, Coach Espinosa's journey in sports leadership has spanned multiple regions, including a significant tenure in New York.

With a coaching philosophy centered on developing the whole child, Ron is dedicated to helping young athletes reach their full potential both on and off the field. His involvement with premier organizations like Ultimate Baseball and USA Scout underscores his commitment to high-level training and competition in baseball, while his affiliation with USA Football, as a Master Trainer, demonstrates his versatility and dedication to the broader landscape of youth sports.

Coach Espinosa is known for demanding the best from his athletes and bringing unwavering commitment to them. He believes in fostering an environment where athletes are challenged to grow, learn, and develop a lifelong love for the game.

Trey Hathaway | Assistant Coach & Player Development Specialist

Trey Hathaway is a dedicated baseball coach and strength/conditioning specialist with a proven track record of developing high-level athletes. Originally from Edgewood, Maryland, Trey was a decorated student-athlete, playing at the NCAA DI, DIII, and NAIA collegiate levels. He finished his career as a .300 hitter, earning SSAC 1st Team honors and an opportunity to play in the semi-pro circuit with a Tampa Bay Rays affiliate after being mentored by professional coaches like Al Bumbry (Baltimore Orioles).

Now in his third year as an Assistant Coach at Charlotte Latin High School, Trey also leads the off-season Strength & Conditioning program for the Varsity and JV teams. For over five years, he has been a key figure in Charlotte’s youth baseball community, coaching elite travel teams to over 20 championships and an 84-26 overall record with his Carolina Blue program.

Coach Hathaway’s mission is to develop the complete athlete by focusing on fundamentals, skill progression, and a competitive yet positive learning environment. He integrates modern, data-driven techniques into his training, utilizing plyo-ball power drills, rotational exercises, and Blast Motion sensor analysis to provide detailed feedback on swing mechanics, bat speed, and exit velocity. His passion is helping shape the next generation of young men on and off the field.