Experienced. Invested. Focused on the Future.
Our Thunder coaching staffs are built with intention — bringing together a powerful blend of former players, alumni, and parents with extensive playing and coaching experience. This mix ensures each team benefits from a well-rounded combination of strategy, mentorship, and player development rooted in real fastpitch experience.
Thunder has also grown into an unofficial feeder program for several area high schools, including Buffalo Grove, Hersey, Prospect, Rolling Meadows, St. Viator, and Wheeling. Through these strong relationships within the District 214 community, we’ve gained a deep understanding of the local softball landscape.
This insight helps us better prepare our athletes for the next level—giving them the tools, training, and confidence they need to thrive when they step onto their high school fields.
Inclusive Learning Environment
At Thunder, we value community and believe that great development comes from shared effort. We proudly welcome parent volunteers who want to contribute to practices and training sessions. To ensure consistency and alignment across all teams, we regularly host coaching clinics so that every instructor—whether a head coach or parent helper—is equipped to support our athletes in reaching their full potential.
If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to your team’s coaching staff to learn more!
Family Isn't Just a Motto -- It's How We Train
At Thunder, Family is more than a theme — it’s part of our everyday approach. You’ll often see players from our older teams working directly with younger athletes during practices and training sessions. These moments of mentorship are intentional.
We believe younger players grow faster and gain confidence when they learn from those who have walked the same path. By fostering these cross-team connections, we build a stronger, more supportive Thunder Family—one that lifts each other up on and off the field.
Love Softball? Want to Make an Impact?
If you’re passionate about the game and committed to helping young athletes grow both on and off the field, we’d love to hear from you! Thunder Fastpitch is always looking for team coaches and player development coaches to join our experienced, supportive, and fun-loving coaching staff.
Whether you're a former player looking to get started in coaching or someone with a background in youth development, we provide a welcoming environment where you can make a real difference.
Interested? Reach out to us at boom@ahthunder.com to explore how you can start your coaching journey with Thunder Fastpitch.
Meet Our Coaches
Assistant Coach
13U Teal & Premier
Colleen Palczynski
"Coach Pal"
Player Development · Recruiting
Coaching Experience
6+ Years
Specialties
Hitting
Infield
Mental Performance
Team Development
Recruiting Guidance
High School: Prospect High School |
College: Illinois Wesleyan University
Coach Pal is a teacher and coach at Buffalo Grove High School with 4 years of high school coaching experience at both Prospect and BG. #FightOn!
"We have so many different opportunities for every age and skill level, as well as coaches that want to help each player improve each season."
Head Coach
Thunder Premier
Amanda Strapko
Thunder Premier
Coaching Experience
6+ Years
Specialties
Hitting
Infield
Outfield
Mental Performance
Team Development
High School: Glenbrook South High School |
College: Viterbo University
"Being a role model and connecting with the girls is my favorite part of being a coach."
Head Coach
16U Teal
Kayliegh McGovern
16U Teal
Coaching Experience
1–2 Years
Specialties
Hitting
Catching
Infield
Mental Performance
Team Development
High School: Stevenson High School |
College: College of Lake County; club at NIU
"Softball is just as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Talent and hard work are important, but believing you can compete at the highest level is what allows players to reach their full potential. Confidence, preparation, and a growth mindset help athletes trust their abilities, embrace challenges, and continue improving."
Player Development
13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 18U
Jackie Orel
Player Development
Coaching Experience
6+ Years
Specialties
Hitting
Catching
Outfield
Team Development
High School: Prospect High School |
College: Elmhurst University
"Building relationships with players and watching them grow as players and people over the years."
Head Coach
14U Teal
Izzy McGuinnis
Hitting · Pitching · Mental Performance · Recruiting
Coaching Experience
6+ Years
Specialties
Hitting
Pitching
Mental Performance
Team Development
Recruiting Guidance
High School: Hersey High School |
College: Harper / Dominican
Head Coach
16U Black & 10U Black
Asia Luboyeski
Thunder 16U Black & 10U Black
Coaching Experience
3–5 Years
Specialties
Outfield
Team Development
High School: Hersey High School
Asia's coaching philosophy centers on helping players build confidence on and off the field through a positive, supportive environment. She loves the game of softball — but players always come first.
"The best part is getting to know each athlete as a person, not just a player — and watching them grow over time."
Assistant Coach
12U Teal
Amanda Turofsky
12U Teal
Current College Softball Player · University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Coaching Experience
3–5 Years
Specialties
Hitting
Catching
Infield
Mental Performance
Recruiting Guidance
High School: Adlai E. Stevenson High School |
College: University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Amanda brings a person-first, player-second philosophy to everything she does — believing that who athletes become off the field matters just as much as what they accomplish on it. As a current college softball player, she offers athletes a unique perspective and firsthand insight into the recruiting process and what it takes to compete at the next level.
"Watching each player grow and gain confidence throughout their softball journey is why I coach. I love sharing my passion for the game while helping athletes develop their skills, leadership, resilience, and love for competition."
I absolutely love being part of the Thunder family — ThunderBOOM! ⚡
Inclusive Learning Environment
