When I first started taking lessons from Russ over 5 years ago, I would have never thought that he would be as influential in my life as he has been. He has not only managed to elevate my baseball to a whole new level, but has also changed my life for the better in countless ways. I’ve had lots of coaches and mentors over the years, but I have never had one who cared so much for me as a person outside of sports as Russ has. Whether it is something as simple as talking about life while I’m warming up, or sending me a text to see how my season is going, he has always been there for me outside of our lessons.

Russ is able to understand me as a person outside of athletics, which is something most other coaches would never even think to do. He has taught me how to handle defeat and shortcomings both in baseball and in life. Whenever I am feeling doubtful or uncertain about something, he is always there to talk about it and help me get through it. I can tell that he wants me to succeed in all parts of my life, no matter how unrelated to baseball they may be. Russ is truly a caring and compassionate person, a perfect role model, and someone who has without a doubt helped me grow into the person I am today. I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done to make me a better person- both on and off the field. 

-Buren Bradley, Hume Fogg High School 2024