Travel Ball Regional Coaching Staff of the Year - Region VII!

Coach Adam brings passion, leadership, and a proven track record to the Firecrackers Illinois – Ring softball program. With over 12 years of fastpitch head coaching experience, he is deeply committed to developing young athletes by building both their skills and character.

Coach Adam brings firsthand knowledge of the game’s demands, strategy, and heart - experience that now fuels his coaching and player development approach.

His recent 2025–2026 campaign was highlighted by a 60-23-4 record, three PGF championships, a runner-up finish at the PGF Super Select Fall Championship, and Top 8 finishes at both the TCS Sunshine Classic and TCS Colorado Sparkler (198 teams).

The season prior, at 13U, he led his team to a 91-32-5 record while competing within the nation’s most elite fastpitch associations - culminating in a USSSA Southeast Nationals Championship Title in July 2025.

Since originating at 10U, his team has compiled an outstanding 332-141 record and has secured 19 tournament championships. His success is built on a foundation of grit, heart, and a team-first culture that consistently drives performance and personal growth.

Coach Adam holds a Motor Preferences coaching certification, allowing him to tailor training to each athlete’s natural movement patterns and learning style - maximizing both development

and confidence. He is also committed to continuing education through programs such as the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and actively participates in premier fastpitch coaching networks to stay on the cutting edge of instruction, strategy, and leadership. He hosts local clinics and development programs, sharing his knowledge to strengthen the wider softball community.

His coaching philosophy emphasizes fundamentals, effort, and resilience. He fosters a positive yet competitive environment where players are encouraged to challenge themselves, support each other, and represent their team with pride.

Coach Adam leads his teams through a clearly defined set of Core Values. These values are essential in creating strong team chemistry, game IQ, and mental resilience.

Team-First: Putting the success of the team ahead of individual recognition. Every decision and action serves the group’s goals.

Outwork: Consistently giving maximum effort in practice and games, striving to be the hardest-working team on the field.

Kindness: Showing respect, support, and empathy toward teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials.

Fierce: Competing with intensity, determination, and focus - never backing down in pursuit of excellence.

Family: Creating a culture of trust and unity where players, coaches, and parents support one another on and off the field.

Fun: Enjoying the game, celebrating growth, and maintaining enthusiasm that fuels passion.

Thanks to his unwavering dedication and leadership, Firecrackers Illinois – Ring continues to grow into a well-respected and formidable program - defined by its strong culture, relentless work ethic, and love for the game.

“My goal is to build athletes who not only succeed on the field, but also develop the confidence, resilience, and teamwork that will serve them for life. At the same time, create a true sense of family throughout our entire program.” 

— Coach Adam

Coach Emma Fionda brings a former collegiate player’s perspective, technical knowledge, and a player-first approach to Firecrackers Illinois – Ring. Entering her fourth season coaching in 2026–2027, Emma is passionate about developing confident, knowledgeable, and resilient athletes while building lasting relationships with players and their families.

Emma’s softball career began at age seven and progressed through competitive travel softball with organizations including the Richmond Rockets, Northern Ice, and Northern Illinois Lightning. A versatile athlete throughout her playing career, she spent 11 years pitching while also competing across the infield and outfield. As a high school freshman, she transitioned from a right-handed hitter to a left-handed slapper—an experience that helped shape her appreciation for adaptability, individualized development, and finding the role in which an athlete can best help her team.

At the collegiate level, Emma played center field for Carroll University before transferring to the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where she became a starting left fielder for the Titans. During her first season at UW–Oshkosh, she contributed to the program’s deepest NCAA Division III Championship run in nearly a decade. Her experience competing at the collegiate level gives her firsthand understanding of the preparation, discipline, resilience, and team-first mentality required to succeed at the next level.

Emma has provided private softball instruction since 2019, working with athletes in pitching, defensive mechanics, hitting, and slapping. She began coaching travel softball in 2023 with Warren Wave – Ring and has continued with Firecrackers Illinois – Ring as the team progressed through the 13U and 14U levels and now into 15U.

As the team’s pitching coach and pitch caller, Emma works closely with pitchers and catchers to develop more than mechanics. Her approach emphasizes understanding hitters, sequencing pitches, making adjustments, controlling the running game, competing under pressure, and developing the confidence to take ownership of the circle. Drawing on her experience as both a longtime pitcher and collegiate position player, she also contributes to all areas of player development, including defensive instruction, hitting, softball IQ, game strategy, mental resilience, and recruiting preparation.

The 2025–2026 season marked another significant step in the team’s development, with a 60-23-4 record, three PGF championships, a runner-up finish at the PGF Super Select Fall Championship, and Top 8 finishes at both the TCS Sunshine Classic and TCS Colorado Sparkler. Emma is proud to be part of a coaching staff committed to preparing athletes to compete against elite competition while maintaining the culture, accountability, and relationships that define the program.

As players enter the increasingly important 15U recruiting years, Emma places particular emphasis on helping athletes understand what it takes to pursue opportunities beyond high school. Drawing from her own collegiate experience, she supports players and families through the recruiting process while encouraging athletes to become strong communicators, advocates for themselves, and make decisions based on the right academic, athletic, and personal fit.

Emma also brings a unique professional perspective to athlete development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a Healthcare emphasis and a Master’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety and works professionally as a Certified Safety Professional in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. She incorporates her knowledge of athlete health, heat and cold safety, hydration, nutrition, recovery, and overall well-being into her coaching approach to help athletes prepare and perform safely throughout demanding tournament seasons.

Committed to continued growth as a coach, Emma pursues ongoing education through the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and continually expands her knowledge of player development, pitching, strategy, recruiting, and the mental side of the game.

Coach Emma believes successful player development extends far beyond statistics and wins. Her goal is to help athletes become confident competitors, intelligent softball players, supportive teammates, and resilient young women. She strives to create an environment where athletes feel challenged enough to grow, supported enough to take risks, and empowered to take ownership of their development.

“I want every athlete I coach to understand that confidence is built through preparation, ownership, and learning how to respond when things don’t go perfectly. My goal is to help them become smarter competitors, stronger teammates, and young women who believe in what they’re capable of—on and off the field.” 

— Coach Emma

Rob Chapman has been coaching softball for 6 years and has developed a reputation for passion, dedication, and success on the field. During his time in the sport, Rob has helped guide his teams to 15 tournament championships. His ability to teach fundamentals, develop advanced skills, and prepare players for high-level competition has consistently resulted in strong team performances and individual player growth.

As an assistant coach for Firecrackers IL, Rob is heavily involved in all aspects of player development. He works closely with athletes to build confidence, strengthen fundamentals, and apply advanced game strategies in both practice and game situations. Rob takes pride in fostering a competitive but supportive environment where players are encouraged to push their limits, learn from challenges, and achieve their goals.

Away from the field, Rob is a Director of Operations for a large health system. His leadership in managing complex teams translates directly into his coaching, where organization, accountability, teamwork, and communication create an environment for players to thrive.