Alex Hale

Owner/Co-Founder

Alex Hale, the founder and head coach at CHIPS Performance Training, brings over 15 years of high-level competitive baseball coaching experience to the field. As a former Division I two-way player and MLB Draft pick, Coach Hale combines top-tier athletic experience with a proven track record of developing high school, college, and professional baseball players.

Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Hale was a standout high school catcher, starting three years on a varsity team that won two state championships. He was named Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior, earning a Division I scholarship to play for the University of Richmond Spiders. As a true freshman, he started at catcher, hit .292, and threw out 44% of base stealers (an incredible 77% in conference play), all while serving as a relief pitcher with a 1.64 ERA.

Coach Hale went on to compete in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League, where many future pros sharpen their skills, and was drafted by both the Anaheim Angels and Boston Red Sox.

At CHIPS, Coach Hale specializes in Catching instruction, Pitching development, Hitting mechanics, and Baseball-specific strength and conditioning. With deep knowledge of the mental game of baseball, Hale focuses on building confident, resilient athletes ready to perform at the next level—whether that’s varsity, college, or pro.

You can read more about him here.

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Ryan Ahart

Co-Founder/Director of Player Development

Ryan Ahart, co-founder of CHIPS Performance Training, is one of the most respected infield coaching specialists in the Midwest. With over 20 years of baseball coaching experience, Ahart is known for his elite-level infield development, and also brings extensive expertise in Hitting and Pitching instruction for youth, high school, and college-level players.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Ahart played his high school baseball for the Ralston Rams, where his passion for the game and commitment to fundamentals began. Today, he’s recognized as one of the top infield coaches in the region, training hundreds of athletes every year to become sharper, more confident defenders and complete players.

Beyond player development, Coach Ahart plays a key leadership role at CHIPS, overseeing video analysis, data tracking, website management, and helping shape the programming and training systems that set CHIPS apart from other baseball training facilities.

His impact extends beyond the walls of CHIPS. Ahart currently serves as:

Assistant Varsity Coach for Elkhorn South High School
Infield Coordinator for the Nebraska Prospects
A trusted youth baseball coach and mentor for teams across the Omaha area

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Syd Driggs

Chief of Staff & Head of Strategic Partnerships

Syd Driggs is the powerhouse behind the scenes at CHIPS Performance Training, serving as our Chief of Staff and Head of Strategic Partnerships. A proud and passionate Philadelphia sports fan, Syd brings unmatched energy, organization, and strategic vision to everything she touches.

Before joining CHIPS, Syd was the Director for the Papillion LaVista Schools Foundation, where she honed her skills in leadership, operations, and community impact. Now, at CHIPS, she’s the engine that keeps the day-to-day running at full speed. Syd oversees daily operations at the facility, including the coordination of training sessions, player evaluations, camps, and workouts, ensuring every athlete’s experience is seamless and high-impact.

In her expanded role, Syd leads all brand partnerships and integration, working closely with trusted baseball companies to create meaningful collaborations that align with the CHIPS mission. She also manages all CHIPS social media platforms, driving growth, engagement, and brand presence across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and beyond.

Syd is also at the forefront of our data capture and performance tracking systems, playing a critical role in the implementation of our player development programs. Her ability to balance creativity with execution makes her an essential part of our leadership team.

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Darrell Parks

Director of Hitting Performance & Advanced Analysis

Darrell Parks is one of the most respected and experienced hitting coaches in the country, bringing over 40 years of baseball coaching excellence to the CHIPS Performance Training team. With a reputation for developing elite hitters and well-rounded athletes, Coach Parks is a cornerstone of CHIPS’ player development system.

Darrell’s coaching journey includes 14 seasons as an assistant coach at Millard West High School, where he worked under the legendary Frank Ryan, helping shape one of Nebraska’s most successful programs. He also served as a professional scout for the Atlanta Braves, giving him a sharp eye for talent and an unmatched understanding of what it takes to succeed at the next level. Currently, Darrell coaches with the Nebraska Prospects, one of the top club baseball organizations in the Midwest.

At CHIPS, Coach Parks leads the charge on all things Hitting. He directs our hitting protocols and programming, working with athletes to refine mechanics, approach, and mindset in the batter’s box. He also oversees video analysis and swing capture data, using advanced tools to assess performance and track improvement over time.

In addition to his hitting expertise, Darrell contributes to strength & conditioning programming and delivers high-level mental skills training, helping players become more confident, focused, and game-ready.

Travis Baily

Director of Athlete OnBoarding & Performance Training

Travis serves as the Director of Athlete Onboarding & Performance Training at CHIPS Performance Training, where he plays a pivotal role in helping new athletes get started on the right foot and develop in every area of the game. As CHIPS’ primary intake coordinator, Travis leads our athlete evaluations and ensures each player is placed on a personalized path to success from day one.

A versatile coach, Travis oversees Strength & Conditioning, Hitting, Catching, and Pitching instruction, bringing a holistic approach to player development. Whether it’s building power in the weight room or fine-tuning swing mechanics, he meets each athlete where they are—then helps them level up.

A native of Elkhorn, Nebraska, Travis played his high school baseball at Elkhorn High School before continuing his academic and athletic career at Wayne State College. His love for baseball and the gym runs deep, fueled by a strong family foundation that has always emphasized hard work and putting others first.

At CHIPS, Travis has built a reputation for being deeply invested in his players’ progress—mentally, physically, and emotionally. His athlete-first mindset and energy make him a cornerstone of the CHIPS coaching staff.

Gabe Shemwell

Performance & Skill Development Coordinator

Gabe Shemwell is our Performance & Skill Development Coordinator at CHIPS Performance Training, where he plays a key role in Hitting, Pitching, and Infielding instruction. Known for his calm presence and high-level understanding of the game, Gabe helps players slow things down, see the field more clearly, and perform with confidence under pressure.

A Gretna, Nebraska native, Shemwell was a standout three-sport athlete at Gretna High School, excelling in baseball, football, and basketball. He went on to play college baseball as a two-way player at the University of Sioux Falls (USF), gaining valuable experience both on the mound and at the plate.

While still competing at the college level, Shemwell began coaching at his alma mater, helping lead Gretna High School to a remarkable 176-42 record over six seasons. He currently coaches with both Elkhorn South High School and the Nebraska Prospects, continuing to shape high-level athletes across the state.

At CHIPS, Gabe specializes in:

Hitting development – with a focus on swing mechanics, approach, and plate presence
Pitching training – helping arms improve both physically and mentally
Infield skill development – teaching precision footwork, clean glove work, and defensive instincts
Mental game coaching – empowering players to slow the game down and play with purpose

With a deep understanding of all sides of the game, Gabe is a vital part of the CHIPS coaching staff, helping athletes make breakthroughs both physically and mentally.