- Who are we? -

We believe that providing proper instruction and training is the key to developing and empowering athletes, and by doing so, the impact of our program reaches far beyond the field of competition. At the Dollhouse, we emphasize life skills including the importance of education, teamwork, commitment, and perseverance.
​It is our hope to provide lifelong character development and memories to our athletes, as well as advance the level of competition in our community.

Learn about our area awards & recognition

Trish Gardini 

Trish started her softball career at Lakeshore High School. She went to Coastal Carolina where she was an Academic All American for each of the four years. Upon her return to Southwest Michigan, she was the Varsity softball coach at New Buffalo High school and named Regional Coach of the Year in 2012. Most recently, she was highlighted in the Michiana Life magazine as one of the Gamechangers of 2016. In 2008 she began with 10 local girls wanting instruction on pitching and hitting and has grown Dugout Dolls to over 125 girls a week that pitch and/or hit or do beginning fielding skills. 
           
Trish's impact is easy to see, she has created a place that allows girls from neighboring communities to become friends off the field and competitors on the field. Her greatest achievement to date is the successes of her athletes receiving college scholarships for softball. She has had athletes receiving scholarships to Junior colleges, Div I, II and III softball programs. This is the ultimate reward for years of hard work.
 
Trish's impact on the softball community has been tremendous, she and her team of former college softball players, local travel and high school coaches and college coaches offer many local communities, clinics for their coaching staff and recreational departments.

​The creation of Dugout Dolls has increased female athletic participation as well as created a place in SW Michigan where young women can not only become exemplary softball players but can grow into young women full of confidence, determination and tenacity.

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The Crew

Amber Layman

Our resident goofball, began her high level softball journey playing for the New Jersey Mystics in the summer of 1997. She went on to compete at the collegiate level as both a Co-Ed Competitive Cheerleader and softball player.
Amber began coaching both cheer & softball in 2003.  As a dual sport collegiate athlete and now coach, Amber recognizes and hones in on the "detail" work it takes to get to the next level. Her softball coaching superpowers are slapping and defense.
​Amber is married and a mother of 2-  living the dream as a Baseball mom!
DD staff member since 2010

FUN FACTS:
Loves Corn-dogs and Donuts 
Favorite movie is Little Giants 
Favorite player is Michelle Smith (1996 & 2000 Gold medal Olympian) 

John Jewell

Coach John told his daughter that he would never coach and  23 years later he's still at it! 
He states he has a great perspective on the game after playing fast pitch softball for 10 years. John is currently the head coach at Lake Michigan College and recently retired from the Sherriff's department.   
Coach John is our resident "Poppa Bear" who gives the best hugs and brings in treats too! 
DD staff member since 2014

FUN FACTS:
Favorite Music, 60"s and 70"s
Favorite Team, Chicago White Sox
Favorite Player, Mark Buehrle.

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Colby Wittman

Colby graduated from Saint Joseph High School in 2011.  There, she was a four year varsity starter behind the plate and contributed to the state’s top ranking in their 2010 and 2011 campaign. She continued her softball career at Ferris State University.  
After graduating college, she continued her softball journey as a travel coach and umpire. We are blessed to have Colby as a hitting and catching instructor here at the Dollhouse!
DD staff member since 2016
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​FUN FACTS:
Avid Backpacker
HUGE Yankees Fans 
Has a irrational dislike of cotton balls

Rich Johnson

Rich is a high-energy softball coach with over 18 years experience as a coach. He was an award winning high school Varsity athlete which has since translated into successes as a coach by leading his teams to multiple Michigan state championships in recreation ball and a Michigan State Championship team in Travel ball.
Currently Rich is the President of Niles Nitro Softball
Club and the Senior Road Patrol Sergeant with the Berrien County Sheriff's Department. 
DD staff member since 2016

FUN FACT:
invited to try out for the 1992 Olympics

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Mark Young

Mark Young is about to begin his 14th year in coaching both baseball & softball.  Mark has a huge passion for the game which is reflected in his mantra, "Respect the game, respect your team mates, & respect your coaches".  He lives in Niles, Michigan and currently is head coach for Niles Nitro 14U Young.
DD staff member since 2017

FUN FACTS:
Lifelong Cubs fan. 
Favorite movie is Bull Durham. 
Favorite player was Pete Rose.

Ange Johnson

Ange is not only a coach but a Dugout Doll mom! After becoming involved with DD as a spectator, Ange quickly moved into a coaching role in order to learn more about the game and help out when needed. She is a gem and we are so grateful for her
DD staff member since 2016

FUN FACTS:
In a Motorcycle gang that bakes cookies

Mary Florian

Mary has been off raising babies for a few years but we are so excited to welcome her back into the Dollhouse with open arms! 
DD staff member since 2013

FUN FACTS:
Favorite movie " League of their own"
Lakeshore Varsity Softball Player

Anna Castelluccio

Anna has graduated from student to coach! Anna has been a student at the dollhouse since 2010. As she starts her collegiate softball career at Lake Michigan College, she will switching roles from student to coach!
DD staff member since 2017

FUN FACTS:
Played travel softball for Torco (2009), Browns fastpitch (2010-2012), Lake Michigan Shock (2012-2015) and the Kalamazoo klash (2016-2017). 4 years varsity softball at Paw Paw high school (2014-2018) and playing college softball at Lake Michigan College

Student Instructors

These dedicated ladies have had the honor to be tabbed as student instructors for displaying leadership skills, advanced knowledge of the game, & coach-ability while also balancing being a student-athlete and continuing their lessons with the Senior Staff. 

Brooke​

Pitching

Caitlin ​

Catching

Natalee

Field & Hit and Pitching