MEET the Team
COACH JEN MINEAU
Owner & Chief Research Officer
As Chief Research Officer, Jen Mineau's passion for pitching and coaching expertise are now reflected in BCF's clientele. She has dedicated her career to softball and to making its instruction both fun and safe, applying personal advanced research into female specific biomechanics and the effectiveness of fluidity in fastpitch pitching.
Jen is a 3-time All-American, a certified Tincher Pitching instructor, and an inductee into the Fordham University Athletic Hall of Fame and the New York State High School Hall of Fame. Her NCAA accolades include ranking #4 all time in career perfect games (5), #15 all time in career no-hitters (10), and #16 all time in career strike outs (1,390).
A four-year starter at Fordham University, Jen threw a record 81.2 consecutive scoreless innings, holds all school records with a 1.42 career ERA, and was honored by Sports Illustrated, as a freshman, for throwing a perfect game and a no-hitter in a single week.
Jen was drafted into the National Pro Fastpitch League and played for the Akron Racers, eventually retiring to coach. She has held positions as the Assistant Coach and Pitching Coach at Saint Joseph’s University (2014-2018), as well as Head Coach and Assistant Coach at Seton Hill University (2012-2014).
COACH LEIGH ELKO
Owner & Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer, Leigh Elko is responsible for the ins and outs of the daily operations at Black Cat Fastpitch, including business plans, procedures, and functional strategy. Leigh was at the helm of two infrastructure rebuilds of Black Cat Fastpitch, one after devastating financial losses due to pandemic related closures and the second of the facility after tragic flooding from Hurricane Ida destroyed the entire facility.
Leigh is a certified Tincher Pitching instructor and veteran catcher for some of the most elite competition on the East Coast and beyond.
Leigh is known for providing instruction and care beyond traditional skills. With two Master’s degrees in Clinical Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania, Leigh uses her background in psychology to address mental health, personal growth, development, attitude, accountability and much more.
Leigh's research in the development of softball athletes includes the incorporation of female specific biomechanics in the formation of hitting technique and the mental aspects of power hitting. Leigh also spearheads the company's dive into bringing the latest and greatest concepts to competitive catchers.
COACH ANGELINA SHERBA
Lead Staff Coach
As Lead Staff Coach, Angelina provides thought leadership in curriculum development and program design, assists in daily operations, and teaches pitching and hitting at Black Cat Fastpitch.
Angelina is a native of Doylestown, PA where she graduated from Central Bucks West HS in 2018. As a four-year varsity starter, she gained All-State and Carpenter Cup Honors, while playing for the Virginia Glory organization and posting a final season ERA of 1.60 before continuing her career at Division I Longwood University (Farmville, VA).
As the first Pennsylvania native to compete for the Lancers, Angelina filled her role as a lefty closer and cultural leader throughout her time. She graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. A canceled sophomore season due to the Covid-19 Pandemic led her to continue her softball and academic career while pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research at Division II Jefferson University (Philadelphia, PA). As a Ram, Angelina netted 21 pitching appearances and led the team in total season strikeouts.
Angelina is currently finishing her Master’s Degree (2024) while interning in the Jefferson University Athletics Department. She enjoys reading and walking her dog Kona, a pit-lab mix.
Comments from the Owners:
"Since 2016, Angelina has trained under Coach Jen and Coach Leigh at Black Cat Fastpitch, working tirelessly to perfect the crafts of pitching and hitting. Angelina has a unique knack for teaching the mental aspects of the game, combining her knowledge from both experience and training with us. She’s a desirable mix of Coach Jen and Coach Leigh in personality and approach, holding firm to our beliefs in the biomechanical systems we teach while appreciating the nuances and differences between athletes. Angelina is a fresh presence on our staff, and we are honored to have her."