With a deep-rooted love for the game and years of firsthand experience behind the plate, Coach Rian brings a strong catching background, energy, and purpose to every athlete she trains. A longtime Challenge U. athlete who was trained by CU Owner Coach Lisa from the beginning of her softball journey, Rian understands the impact great instruction can have because she experienced it herself. Today, she has come full circle as a Challenge U. coach, helping develop the next generation of catchers and hitters.

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Catching has always been at the heart of Coach Rian’s game. A standout catcher throughout her high school career, Rian developed a strong understanding of the position both physically and mentally. From receiving, blocking, throwing, footwork, and framing to communication, leadership, and controlling the game from behind the plate, she understands that becoming a great catcher requires much more than simply learning the mechanics of the position.

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Although an injury ultimately prevented Rian from continuing her playing career as she had planned, it never took her away from the game. Instead, she turned her experience and knowledge into coaching, where she has developed a passion for teaching young athletes the position she knows so well.

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At Challenge U., Coach Rian specializes in catching and hitting instruction and has taken a leading role in CU catching clinics and catcher development. She works with athletes on building strong fundamentals behind the plate while also helping them understand the responsibilities and mindset that come with being a catcher. Her goal is to develop catchers who are technically sound, confident, vocal, tough, and capable of becoming leaders on the field.

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Her experience as a hitter also allows her to work with athletes on the offensive side of the game. Coach Rian focuses on developing strong mechanics, quality movement patterns, consistency, approach, and confidence at the plate. For athletes who both catch and hit, her ability to train both areas provides an opportunity to build a well-rounded skill set with one coach who understands their game.

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Having spent years training at Challenge U., Rian is also a proud product of the CUDIT® system and understands its methodology from the unique perspective of both athlete and coach. She isn't simply teaching a system she learned as an instructor—she is teaching principles that were part of her own development as a player.

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Known for her bright energy, relatability, and fun but focused coaching style, Coach Rian creates an environment where athletes feel comfortable being challenged. She emphasizes quality repetitions, attention to detail, communication, work ethic, and confidence while adapting her instruction to the individual athlete in front of her.

Most importantly, Coach Rian understands the special role catchers play within a team. She is passionate about helping young catchers take ownership of the position, find their voice behind the plate, develop confidence in their abilities, and embrace becoming leaders on the field.

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For Rian, coaching at Challenge U. is an opportunity to give back to the program that helped shape her own softball journey—and to help each athlete she works with experience those same breakthroughs in skill, confidence, and love for the game.​