COACHING STAFF
Andy Evans - Head Coach
Andy brings over 17 years of coaching experience to the Firecrackers OH program, including four years at the travel level with respected organizations such as Bo Jackson Blast and Ohio Hit Dogs.
His coaching résumé also includes middle school softball at St. Paul the Apostle (Westerville) and eight years of high school football at St. Francis DeSales, where he has helped shape well-rounded, disciplined athletes focused on effort, commitment to the team, and resiliency.
As a travel softball coach, Andy’s teams have found tremendous success, placing first in the Marengo Tango, Liberty-Benton Eagles Classic, and Moonshot Madness tournaments, with 2 additional 3rd place finishes in the Mid-Ohio Buckeye Cup and School’s Out Shootout Tournaments.
Coach Evans is known for his ability to foster athletic versatility and confidence, with a coaching style built on trust, growth, and grit.
Eric Lauterbach - Assistant Coach
Eric has been coaching alongside Andy for the past three seasons, including tenures with Bo Jackson Blast and Ohio Hit Dogs. In addition to his role as assistant coach for the Firecrackers OH 14U team, He currently serves as the head 8th grade softball coach at Dublin Grizzell Middle School and has several years’ experience coaching travel baseball. His calm demeanor and ability to connect with young athletes make him a vital part of the staff.
Brent Purdom - Assistant Coach
Brent joined the staff in 2024, focused on mental and physical skill development and fundamentals, having coached softball for many years prior to joining Andy’s staff. He brings a team-first mentality and an emphasis on effort, fundamentals, and steady improvement.
TRAINING STRUCTURE
Andy and his staff plan to compete at the B Level in 2025/26. They emphasize hard work, fundamentals, and player development, supported by a structured year-round training schedule that adapts to school and multi-sport commitments. Firecrackers OH 14U Team trains and plays year-round:
- • Fall season is comprised of 2 team practices focused on fielding/pitching and hitting, and 3 at-home workouts per week, along with 3 scheduled tournaments plus friendlies/league play totaling 20-25 games.
- • Winter season with weekly practices focused on fundamentals and technique, and 1-2 indoor tournaments, with a break from mid-December through early January, and a school ball break in mid/late February.
- • Spring/Summer Season beginning in May includes 2 practices per week plus at-home training, with 9-10 tournaments including 2 out of state events in Michigan and Tennessee.
PROGRAM VISION AND PHILOSOPHY
Coach Evans and his staff are committed to developing multi-sport, well-rounded athletes.
"I believe athletes can love more than one sport and shouldn't have to choose which one they want to play at a high level." – Andy Evans
The coaching approach is rooted in mastering fundamentals first, then building advanced, game-ready skills. Players are encouraged to embrace discomfort, work hard, and grow through challenge—building character as much as talent.