"A good coach can make you a better player.. a great coach can make you a better human."
OUR STORY
Zion Baseball Program
Zion Baseball, formerly known as Elevar (Spanish for "elevate") Sport, is a Christ-centered organization dedicated to inspiring athletes to aim high, build camaraderie, and find connection through the sport of baseball.
We love baseball and see it as an avenue for learning and growth. Our name was inspired by Mount Zion, a symbol of triumph, strength, and safety. Our purpose is for our athletes to be challenged and cared for as we experience the highs and lows of winning and losing together as one team. We welcome families from all backgrounds.
Our coaching style is based on honesty and candor. We believe this is necessary to help athletes build skills that will help them both on and off the field. We value trust and upholding a good name above all else when it comes to our vision as an organization.
Just like the mountain range in our logo, there are going to be ups and downs in all aspects of life - even in baseball. When you're up, stay humble. When you're down, stay hopeful!
THE TEAM
Meet Our Experts
Jay Alvarez
Pitching Development Specialist
With more than 13 years of playing experience, including Division 1 and professional levels, along with over 5 years of player development expertise, Jay has established an undeniable track record of success for his athletes. By combining genuine care for his athletes—treating them as if they were his own sons (he has two, Josiah and Mateus)—with holistic training techniques inspired by the traditions of his native islands, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, which consistently produce the best players in the world. With never having sustained a significant pitching injury throughout his career, it is Jay's mission to address the crisis of young pitchers getting injured more and more often these days. Jay offers a distinctive yet straightforward approach that ensures success for those who seek it.
Willie Hodgins
Catching/Hitting Specialist
Brian “Willie” Hodgins is a proud graduate of Summit Preparatory Charter High School (Class of 2008), having also attended Sequoia High School. He walked on as a redshirt freshman at Sonoma State University, where he spent two years developing as a collegiate athlete. After college, Willie dedicated himself fully to the game of baseball, training under the guidance of respected professionals across the Bay Area and Arizona.
In pursuit of continuous improvement and high-level competition, he played in adult leagues throughout Silicon Valley, Las Vegas, and Arizona. His drive to compete internationally led him to showcase events in San Diego, where a pivotal opportunity emerged. In 2015, he was drafted to play professionally in Japan.
Playing in Japan not only elevated his game but also provided a transformative cultural experience—allowing him to study and embrace the eastern approach to baseball. This chapter expanded both his athletic and personal perspective, reinforcing his commitment to excellence, adaptability, and lifelong learning through sport.
