Wilson Valera

Wilson Valera is a seasoned baseball professional with extensive experience as a player and coach. He played eight seasons of Minor League Baseball as a shortstop with the Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, and Chicago White Sox organizations. Notably, Valera was part of the inaugural South Bend White Sox team in 1988, where he was known as Wilson Uribe. 

After his playing career, Valera served as the bullpen catcher for the San Francisco Giants from 1989 to 1993 and for the Cincinnati Reds in 1994 and 1995. He transitioned into coaching, working in the Dominican Summer League with the DSL Twins in 1996 and the DSL Diamondbacks from 2008 to 2010. In 2011, Valera joined the Arizona Diamondbacks' coaching staff, later becoming the hitting coach for the Missoula Osprey in 2013.  In 2023, Valera was appointed as the first Head Field Manager of the Elkhart County Miracle. Under his leadership, the Miracle secured the 2024 Northern League Championship, marking a significant achievement in the team's early history. 

Valera's extensive background as a player and coach at various levels of professional baseball, including his MLB experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his current role here at McKee's. His international experience and leadership have been instrumental in developing talent and achieving success on the field. 

 
Judah Zickafoose 

Coach Judah began his baseball journey in Middlebury Little League, where he helped his team secure four state titles in five years and a World Series appearance in 2009 in Taylor, Michigan.  

At Westview Jr-Sr High School, he excelled in both baseball and basketball, playing four years of varsity baseball and three years of varsity basketball. His achievements include: Tying the single-season home run​ record (2013), Earning a spot on the Indiana All-State Team(2013).  

Continuing his career at Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU), he made a significant impact, earning: GAC 2nd Team All-Conference (2018-2019), Team leader in slugging percentage, home runs, on-base percentage (OBP), triples, and total bases (2018-2019).

 

Kaitlyn Frost 

Coach Frost was a 'defensive stalwart' (middle infield) during her four-year varsity career at Lakeland High School, where she earned multiple NECC All-Conference honors. She competed in the Indiana North/South All-Star Game, set a school record with  six (6) hits in a single game, and wrapped up her high school career with a .456 batting average. Her contributions on the field earned her the titles of Offensive and Defensive MVP. During her high school summers, Kaitlyn competed the Indiana Avalanche Travel Team, where she contributed to winning two state championships and securing multiple World Series qualifications.

In 2007, she achieved the extraordinary honor of representing Team USA in the Australian International Softball Series through USSAI, standing out as one of only two high school athletes on a roster dominated by collegiate-level players. Frost earned an NCAA Division 1 athletic scholarship to Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). As a versatile switch-hitter and career leader in fielding percentage, shemade an impact on the field and in the classroom, earning Summit League All-Academic Team honors. 

Her coaching career began at Westview High School as an assistant varsity and head JV coach. Kaitlyn joined the Michiana Lady Scrappers travel organization's inaugural season as a Head Coach in 2013, where she coached for 8 years (at multiple levels, 12U–18U) and served as the Director of Softball Operations for the Organization for 4 years. Coach Frost has assisted with numerous camps, including the prestigious Notre Dame Elite Day Camp, and provided private instruction to athletes of all levels. In 2021, she became the General Manager at D-BAT Elkhart, overseeing operations, lesson scheduling, memberships, events, and staff management. Frost specializes in Fielding and Hitting instruction. 

 

 

 
 
Lilly Thorn
 
 
Coach Lilly has been passionate about softball from a young age, developing a deep love for the game alongside her father. Their shared enthusiasm for the sport was a special bond, and after his passing, she has kept that love alive in both her personal life and in honor of her father.
 
C oach Lilly played 8 years of travel ball and continued at Penn High School, where she played as an outfielder for 4 years. She then pursued her athletic career further at Indiana University South Bend.
 
H er coaching career started with the Scrappers, where she spent 3 seasons coaching travel softball. Coach Lilly also had the opportunity to coach middle school baseball at Dickinson Middle School in South Bend, before taking on her current role as the Varsity Assistant Coach at John Adams High School, where she is now in her 3rd season. Throughout her career, Coach Lilly has remained dedicated to the sport she loves, honoring both her personal passion and the memory of her father. She hopes to pass along all of her knowledge and passion for the game as well! We are proud to welcome her and continue building the softball program.
 

 

 

 

Tyra Marcum 

Coach Marcum is a standout softball instructor from Goshen, Indiana, currently entering her junior year at Trine University. A powerful and consistent presence at the plate and in the field, Tyra is a 2× NCAA All-American, most recently earning the honor in June 2025. She played a key role in helping Trine secure back-to-back NCAA Division III National Championships in 2024 and 2025. Known for her strong work ethic and competitive drive, Tyra brings high-level experience and a championship mindset to every lesson. Prior to college, she was a multi-sport Goshen RedHawk athlete, where she earned 2× All-State honors and set an incredible nine school records during her high school softball career. With her elite playing background and passion for the game, Tyra is dedicated to helping the next generation of athletes grow both on and off the field.

 

 

 

 
 
Meridith Frey
 
 
Coach  Frey is a dynamic and record-setting softball talent from Goshen, Indiana, who began her high school career at Northridge before transferring to Goshen High School, where she played her senior season. Over the past two years, Meridith competed at the collegiate level with North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), where she delivered standout performances on the national stage. In one exceptional season, she stole 63 bases, earning the prestigious NFCA Golden Shoe Award as the best base stealer in NJCAA Division III. She was also named NJCAA Player of the Week for February 17–22. Her achievements gained further recognition with NFCA First-Team All-American honors and a spot on the All-Region Tournament Team, culminating in capturing the 2025 NJCAA Division III National Championship.

Next year, Meridith will advance her softball journey at Northwood University in Michigan, continuing to bring speed, skill, and championship experience to the program.

 
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