Rob Taormina is the Co-Founder of R3 Athlete Performance, former D1 full scholarship pitcher at NY Tech, and the creator of the Positive Grit Method, a groundbreaking training philosophy that blends mental conditioning, skill development, and data-driven performance. With over two decades of experience as a coach, entrepreneur, and mentor, Rob has dedicated his career to transforming how young athletes are trained — focusing not just on mechanics, but on mindset, confidence, and purpose.
As a lifelong baseball coach and the Executive Director of a Long Island based athletic association, Rob has helped thousands of athletes and families across Long Island develop a love for the game and a foundation for success that extends beyond the field.
At R3, Rob leads with the core philosophy of “Reps. Recovery. Results.” — teaching athletes that greatness isn’t just built on empty reps, but on how they respond to challenges, recover from setbacks, and refocus on growth. His passion for athlete development continues to shape R3’s programs, from Private Lessons and Small Group Clinics to Prospect Metric Testing and Performance Camps, helping young athletes learn, play, and grow in an environment built for long-term success.
Rick Nasta is the Co-Founder of R3 Athlete Performance and former D3 starting catcher at Arcadia University and former Jr. Olympic Baseball Player.
Rick authored the catchers training program called CatcherProX
Crystal Johnson
Softball Pitching & Hitting Instructor
Rich Conner - former college coach at St. Josephs College
Kate McGuire
2022 Bayport-Blue Point Graduate
Current D1 Softball player at Fordham University
Kate McGuire is a current NCAA Division 1 softball player at Fordham University. A 2025 Second-Team All-Conference selection, she has been a consistent starter throughout her career, appearing in 137 games across three seasons. She posted a .303 average in 2025 with nine multi-hit and four multi-RBI performances. In 2024, she started all 55 games, hitting .299 with 41 hits, nine doubles, and 30 runs scored. As a freshman in 2023, she made 43 starts, delivered multiple key offensive performances, and earned A-10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll recognition.
Kate is currently the general manager of the Junior Phantoms softball organization.
Before Fordham, she was a standout at Bayport Blue Point High School, earning First Team All-State, All-County, Field Player of the Year, and Melissa Marchese Memorial Small School Field Player of the Year honors
Angie Oquendo | Pitching Instructor
Angie Oquendo joins the R3 team following a standout collegiate career at Mercy University. As a recent alumna of the Mavericks’ softball program, Angie brings a fresh, competitive perspective on what it takes to excel at the highest levels of the game.
During her sessions, Angie focuses on a comprehensive approach to the mound, blending technical mastery—grip, stance, and windup—with the development of elite movement pitches. Understanding that the circle is as much a mental battlefield as a physical one, she integrates pressure-management strategies and confidence-building into every lesson. Angie is dedicated to helping the next generation of pitchers harness their full potential through disciplined practice and a deep understanding of the craft.
Chris Perez
Coach CP graduated from Kings Park High School and furthered his education with a full ride to New York Institute of Technology. Coach CP began coaching with DBA in 2014 and has been with us since. His goals as a coach are. Some of his baseball achievements are:
- All-County, All-League and Long Island Champions at Kings Park High School
- Conference pitcher of the year at NYIT
- D-1 Northeast All Region Team
- Played for the Kalamazoo Kings in the Frontier League
- Signed with the San Diego Padres in 2008 (Eugene Emeralds A-)
- Tigres de Cartagena-Indios de Cartagena / Colombian Professional Baseball League
- 20 years of coaching experience
