Meet Our Coaches

Mitch Wylie

Program Director

Drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1995, Mitch chose the collegiate route at St. Ambrose before being drafted by the Chicago White Sox. Over 15 years in MLB organizations and independent leagues, he honed his craft — and as a coach has guided numerous Iowa players to the MLB draft and Division I baseball.

Pros developed: Brandon Kintzler (11-year MLB career), Dovydas Neverauskas (MLB debut 2017), John Swanda (Angels 4th-round pick, Triple-A), Brody Brecht (Rockies, 38th overall, 2024).

David Conrad

General Manager & Director of College Placement

With over seven years across collegiate, high school, and youth levels, David has developed countless college athletes through personalized training. His time with the Iowa Sticks built a deep recruiting network, and his coaching career began at North Polk mentoring state champions. He also leads recruiting consultations for Prospects families.

Luke Eldred

High School & High School Prep Director

Freshman All-American at Dallas Baptist, then the West Virginia Black Bears. Son of MLB pitcher Cal Eldred, Luke brings a family baseball legacy to pitching instruction and player development.

Cole McDonald

Strength Director & Pitching Instructor

A Division I baseball player and MLB draftee who spent time in the Houston Astros organization, Cole oversees strength and conditioning across all Iowa Prospects programs. His focus on arm care, mental preparation, and pitch development benefits athletes of every age in the organization.

John Swanda

Director of Player Development

A Des Moines native and Iowa’s 2017 Gatorade Player of the Year, John was a two-way standout at Roosevelt before the Los Angeles Angels drafted him in the fourth round. He pitched his way to Triple-A in the Angels organization, and brings that pro-development experience to Prospects players.

Shelby Lackey

Director of Player Development

A right-handed pitcher out of the University of the Pacific, where he led the staff with a 3.48 ERA, Shelby was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2018 and pitched up to Double-A in their system. He now channels that college and pro experience into developing Prospects arms.