The Home Team
Coach Rafael Jr. - Hitting/Fielding
Rafael Figuereo Jr. brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game to Next Level Athlete Performance. A former John Jay Patriot, Rafael continued his baseball journey as a JUCO & Division II shortstop, where he developed a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics, strategy, and mental approach. Specializing in hitting and fielding, he uses his firsthand experience to help athletes refine their skills and elevate their game.
With over five years of coaching at the national level, Rafael has played a key role in developing athletes who have gone on to play collegiate baseball. His expertise has also led him to work as a hitting consultant for professional, collegiate, and high-level amateur players, offering advanced insights tailored to each athlete’s unique movement patterns and approach.
Coach Rafael Sr. - Owner
With over 15 years of coaching experience, including six years at the national level, Rafael Figuereo Sr. has dedicated his career to developing athletes and shaping the future of baseball in his community. As the owner of Next Level Athlete Performance, Rafael has built a program centered on integrity, hard work, and a commitment to individualized training, helping countless athletes not just reach their goals, but surpass them.
His passion for the game and deep knowledge of player development have allowed him to mentor and guide athletes to collegiate and professional baseball, preparing them for the next level with a strong foundation in both skill and mindset. His reputation as a trusted instructor and mentor has made him a staple in the baseball community, where he continues to impact players of all levels.
At Next Level Athlete Performance, Rafael leads with a hands-on approach, fostering a culture of discipline, dedication, and growth. Whether working with young players or advanced athletes, his focus remains the same—helping each individual maximize their potential, compete at a high level, and carry the lessons of hard work beyond the field.
John “JC” Ariza - Pitching
John “JC” Ariza brings a wealth of high-level pitching experience to Next Level Athlete Performance, helping athletes refine their skills and develop a professional approach to pitching. Hailing from Belleville, NJ, JC’s journey through the ranks of baseball is a testament to his dedication, adaptability, and deep understanding of the game.
A 2018 graduate of Seton Hall Prep, JC went on to compete at the collegiate level at Tulane University (2018), Howard College (2019-2020), and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (2021-2023). Across four college seasons, he logged 182 innings over 57 games (33 starts), striking out 168 batters while allowing just 78 walks, proving himself as both a starter and reliever.
JC turned pro in 2023, making his professional baseball debut in the MLB-partnered Pioneer League with the Rocky Mountain Vibes. In 2024, he continued his pro career in the Pioneer League, playing for the Yolo Highwheelers and Grand Junction Jackalopes.
At Next Level Athlete Performance, JC applies his elite-level knowledge of pitch development, mechanics, and game strategy to help pitchers increase velocity, improve command, and design effective pitch arsenals — while preparing them to compete at the highest levels with confidence, precision, and a winning mindset.
Coach Ben - Catching
Ben Avila brings high-level catching experience to Next Level Athlete Performance, offering elite instruction in throwing, blocking, receiving, and pitch calling. A former Division I catcher, Ben developed the skills, leadership, and knowledge necessary to excel behind the plate.
With years of experience handling elite pitching staffs and controlling the game from behind the dish, Ben understands that a great catcher is more than just a defender—it’s about commanding the field, managing pitchers, and making game-changing plays. His instruction focuses on refining mechanics, improving pop times, enhancing defensive efficiency, and mastering the mental side of pitch calling.
At Next Level Athlete Performance, Ben is dedicated to helping catchers reach their full potential, whether they are refining fundamentals or preparing for the next level. His hands-on, detailed coaching style ensures that every athlete receives personalized instruction, helping them become leaders on the field and difference-makers behind the plate.
Coach Ethan - Hitting/Fielding
Ethan Sarmiento brings a wealth of experience from multiple levels of collegiate baseball, giving him a deep understanding of the game’s demands and nuances. As a former corner infielder, Ethan knows firsthand what it takes to excel both offensively and defensively, making him a valuable resource for athletes looking to elevate their skills.
Ethan’s coaching philosophy centers around mechanics, barrel accuracy, timing, and approach at the plate, ensuring that hitters develop a repeatable, efficient swing that plays at higher levels. In the field, his expertise helps athletes refine their footwork, glove work, and reaction time, allowing them to make plays with confidence and precision.
Known for his high energy, relatability, and ability to create meaningful connections with athletes, Ethan brings a positive, competitive environment to every training session. At Next Level Athlete Performance, his goal is to help players build confidence, refine their craft, and develop a mindset that prepares them for success on and off the field.
Coach Franklin - Hitting/Fielding
Franklin Mundo is a former Division II middle infielder who brings a unique blend of energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to Next Level Athlete Performance. With years of experience at a high level, Franklin understands the demands of the game and knows how to help athletes develop the right approach and mentality to succeed.
What sets Franklin apart is his ability to simplify the mechanical side of hitting and fielding, making it easier for players to make adjustments and find consistency in their game. He specializes in developing a strong offensive approach, refining defensive skills, and building a mindset that breeds confidence and success.
Franklin’s lighthearted energy and passion for teaching create a fun, competitive, and engaging training environment where athletes are constantly pushed to take their game to the next level. His focus is not just on skill development, but also on helping players enjoy the process, stay motivated, and embrace the challenges that come with growth.
At Next Level Athlete Performance, Franklin is dedicated to helping athletes compete with confidence, play with purpose, and train with a smile—because when you love the game, improvement comes naturally.