GSG Sports Academy - 501(c)3 non-profit Corporation
Our Philosophy
At GSG, we believe that winning baseball is more than just the final score. It’s about cultivating a mindset, honing skills, and fostering teamwork. Our coaches and staff are dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of the game, encouraging sportsmanship, and developing each player's potential. We aim to instill the values of hard work, dedication, and resilience in every player.
The Art of Winning Baseball
Mastering the balance between individual excellence and collective harmony. It's about understanding that the true victory lies in the triumph of the team, where every player's effort contributes to a shared glory that is greater than any single achievement. Our teams play with passion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in each other, embodying the essence of what it means to be a winning team.
Our Community
We are proud to be a part of the team sports community. Winning in baseball is not merely about talent or strategy; it is about synergy. When every player gives 100% to their teammates, the team becomes an unbreakable force. They develop a trust and camaraderie that makes them formidable, regardless of who is in the other dugout.
Raptors 2025 Uniforms
About GSG Sports Academy
Director of Baseball Operations
Director of Baseball Player Development
Director of Baseball Player Development
Michiel van Kampen, Director, Baseball Operations. Michiel begins his third season as the pitching and strength coach of the Boise Hawks. Prior to the Hawks, Michiel was on the coaching staff at Boise State University. Michiel's was recruited to pitch at Treasure Valley Community College. The Haarlem, Netherlands native finished his colle
Michiel van Kampen, Director, Baseball Operations. Michiel begins his third season as the pitching and strength coach of the Boise Hawks. Prior to the Hawks, Michiel was on the coaching staff at Boise State University. Michiel's was recruited to pitch at Treasure Valley Community College. The Haarlem, Netherlands native finished his college career at the College of Idaho were he earned his bachelor's degree in international business and business administration.
Michiel returned home to start his professional career in the Dutch Professional League from 1998-2010. During that time, he was a member of the Netherlands National Team, was part of six European Cups, four World Cups, three Intercontinental Cups, two World Baseball Classics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Michiel and his wife, Renae, who he met at Treasure Valley Community College, moved to Boise in 2010.
Director of Baseball Player Development
Director of Baseball Player Development
Director of Baseball Player Development
Garrett Stephenson: Major League Baseball Pitcher and Mentor. Garrett Stephenson is the lead member of our Advisory Board.
Garrett is a retired Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who enjoyed a successful career spanning over a decade. Renowned for his commanding presence on the mound, his precision pitching, and his unwavering work ethi
Garrett Stephenson: Major League Baseball Pitcher and Mentor. Garrett Stephenson is the lead member of our Advisory Board.
Garrett is a retired Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who enjoyed a successful career spanning over a decade. Renowned for his commanding presence on the mound, his precision pitching, and his unwavering work ethic, Garrett's career has left a lasting impression on fans and fellow players alike.
Garrett began his professional baseball career when he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 18th round of the 1992 MLB June Amateur Draft. He made his MLB debut on July 25, 1996. In 1999, Garrett joined the St. Louis Cardinals, he played a pivotal role in the team's success, particularly in the 1999 and 2000 seasons. In the 2000 season, Garrett posted a career-high 16 wins, helping to propel the Cardinals to the playoffs.
TJ Anson - Head Coach
Aaron Kowal - Head Coach
Aaron Kowal - Head Coach
Coach TJ Anson has carved out a reputation as a transformative figure in the sport, known for his ability to elevate players from promising talents to professional athletes.
El Paso Community College: Coach Anson's role as Hitting Coach and 3rd Base Coach was pivotal.
Anchorage Glacier Pilots: As a coach with the Glacier Pilots, TJ's exper
Coach TJ Anson has carved out a reputation as a transformative figure in the sport, known for his ability to elevate players from promising talents to professional athletes.
El Paso Community College: Coach Anson's role as Hitting Coach and 3rd Base Coach was pivotal.
Anchorage Glacier Pilots: As a coach with the Glacier Pilots, TJ's expertise extended beyond hitting, covering outfield and catching.
High School Coaching: Coach Anson's influence at the high school level as a Varsity Hitting Coordinator, coupled with his focus on outfield and catching, has been profound.
Playing Background: TJ's playing days at a state-ranked high school in Texas and at the College of Southwestern, an NAIA top 25 program.
Professional Achievements: Under Coach Anson's tutelage, numerous players have been drafted into professional baseball, with several making it to the Major Leagues.
Coach TJ Anson's approach to baseball is holistic, focusing on the complete development of players. His goal is not just to win games but to prepare athletes for a career in baseball, ensuring they are ready for the challenges.
Aaron Kowal - Head Coach
Aaron Kowal - Head Coach
Aaron Kowal - Head Coach
Coach Aaron Kowal brings a wealth of baseball experience to his coaching career, rooted in his extensive playing background across high school, travel ball, and collegiate levels in the Chicagoland area. A graduate of Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, Kowal competed in baseball and golf for all four years. He continued his baseball car
Coach Aaron Kowal brings a wealth of baseball experience to his coaching career, rooted in his extensive playing background across high school, travel ball, and collegiate levels in the Chicagoland area. A graduate of Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, Kowal competed in baseball and golf for all four years. He continued his baseball career at Saint Xavier University for two years before transferring to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where he redshirted and later stepped away due to medical circumstances. Kowal ultimately earned his bachelor’s degree from Boise State University in 2016.
In recent years, Coach Kowal has built an impressive coaching resume. He served as head coach for MYB for three years, followed by two years as an assistant coach at the Boise Baseball Academy (BBA). He then took on the role of head coach at BBA for one year and spent an additional year as an assistant coach with the Idaho Raptors, showcasing his dedication to developing young athletes.
Our Book "The Art of Winning Baseball" available on Amazon!
Here is an excerpt:
Baseball, often referred to as America's pastime, embodies a journey of continuous growth and evolution for players at every level. From Little League to the Majors, the quest for improvement never ceases. As parents, understanding this perpetual development is crucial in supporting and nurturing your child's journey through baseball.
Embracing Lifelong Learning Baseball is unique in its demand for ongoing development.
Skills that are foundational in youth baseball, such as hitting, fielding, pitching, and base running, continue to evolve as players advance through different levels of competition. The game's complexity expands with age, requiring players to refine techniques, adapt strategies, and enhance their physical and mental capabilities continuously.
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