Coaches

 

Jacob Buffa - Owner

After graduating from Westminster High School, Buffa took his background in baseball and Weightlifting and went on to Missouri State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science.  While there, he spent time working with the MSU Strength and Conditioning Staff, until he eventually started his first athletic development program as a Junior in college.  Since starting that program, he has had the opportunity to work with numerous high school, collegiate, and professional athletes, and currently serves as the Director of Performance Science for the Houston Astros.  Buffa has a specialty in anatomy and human movement that allows him to simultaneously prioritize injury prevention and increasing strength, speed, and power. 

Buffa@Elitebaseballacademy.net

 

Credentials:

  • Sports Science Analyst for the Houston Astros

  • Former Strength & Conditioning Coach for Jefferson College

  • USAW Sports Performance

  • Reflexive Performance Restoration

  • Precision Nutrition Coach

 
 

Denton McNamee - Co-Founder

Denton grew up in St. Louis, MO, and attended CBC high school. He went on to attend Rockhurst University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and a Business Certificate. Next, he achieved his MBA in Management from Rockhurst University.  

In 2019, Denton worked for the Houston Astros in their Player Development department. He was stationed with the Quad Cities River Bandits, an Astros affiliate. There he helped them win the MWL first half championship and lead the league in fielding % and stolen bases. The River Bandits also saw 9 MLB players come through their affiliate throughout the season.

He served as the Maryville pitching coach for 3 seasons, leading them to their first regional and national ranking in 2023. His pitching staff set win records in back to back seasons (2022,2023) and broke the single season strikeout record in 2022. He had 5 pitchers earn all conference honors while also breaking numerous single season records. He currently serves as the Lindenwood pitching coach.

denton@elitebaseballacademy.net

Credentials:

  • Precision Nutrition Coach

  • Certified Speed and Agility Coach

  • K-Motion Lvl 1 Baseball

 

Zeb Roos - Head of Performance, Chesterfield Location

Zeb Roos is a highly accomplished and driven athlete with a passion for baseball and a commitment to success both on and off the field. Born in 2000, Zeb attended Lindbergh High School and graduated in 2018. It was during these formative years that Zeb’s talent and love for baseball became evident, setting the stage for an impressive collegiate and post-collegiate career.

Upon graduation, Zeb’s baseball career began at Heartland Community College, where he played for two years, honing his skills and making a name for himself as a formidable player. With dedication and hard work, his talent attracted the attention of scouts, leading him to transfer to Wofford College to compete at the NCAA Division I level.

At Wofford, his contributions were very prominent. Over the course of two years, he played a crucial role in helping the team to not one but two regular-season championships in the Southern Conference.

Following his time at Wofford, Zeb transferred to Maryville University to further his academic and athletic pursuits. There, he continued to excel both in the classroom and on the baseball diamond. Majoring in sociology, he displayed an unwavering commitment to their studies and earned a Bachelor's degree from Maryville University.

On the field, his talent continued to shine. With 37 stolen bases and an impressive OPS of .940, he played a pivotal role in leading Maryville to its first-ever regional appearance in the program's history. He also helped the Traverse City Pit Spitters win the Northwoods title which is one of the top summer collegiate leagues and was named the Most Valuable Player in the Palm Springs Collegiate League.

Having accomplished so much in his baseball career, Zeb remains deeply invested in the sport. Now, as he embarks on a new chapter, he is set to assist Maryville University in the upcoming season in outfield play, baserunning, and hitting. 

 

Brady Nowak - Head of Performance, All Star Location

Brady earned his Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise Science and Psychology at Missouri Valley College, where he was a pitcher on the baseball team.  He then became a graduate assistant coach at MOVAL, working with the outfielders and running the S&C training for the baseball program while getting his Master’s Degree in Exercise Science at Central Missouri.

Prior to joining EBA, Brady spent a year as a S&C coach working with soldiers in the US Army at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX, 3 years as a S&C coach/personal trainer in the STL area, and a semester-long stint as an intern at the University of North Florida.

Brady’s experience and passion stem from his days as an athlete and years of experience working with athletes of all ages.


Credentials:

  • NSCA-CSCS*d

  • TPI Level 2 Fitness

About Our Program

EBA believes that no two athletes are the same, and our program reflects that.  In a state of the art 23,000sq. ft. facility, we offer both private and semi-private training for youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes.  Each athlete goes through a detailed screening process to both determine what exactly they need, as well as take measurable baseline numbers to measure improvements.   Whether its a return to sport post injury program, strength and conditioning, or baseball specific skill work, EBA has a program for you!