About Atlanta Premier Fastpitch Organization
About Us
Atlanta Premier Fastpitch
Atlanta Premier Fastpitch is a premier fastpitch softball organization committed to excellence both on and off the field. We strive to develop athletes through expert coaching, elite competition, and a supportive environment—preparing our players to excel in high school, earn college scholarships, and succeed beyond softball.
Our mission is to develop confident, skilled, and resilient athletes through elite-level softball training, competitive opportunities, and character-building experiences.
Our vision is to be a nationally recognized leader in player development and college recruitment, creating a culture where athletes thrive both as competitors and individuals.
We are guided by core values that shape every aspect of our program: Excellence, Integrity, Teamwork, Accountability, and Growth.
Competitive Teams
College Scholarships
Championship Wins
Years of Excellence
AP Fastpitch Board of Directors
The AP Fastpitch Board of Directors is a dedicated group of individuals committed to the growth and success of the AP Fastpitch organization. Comprised of experienced coaches, former athletes, and community leaders, the board provides strategic guidance, ensures organizational integrity, and supports the development of players both on and off the field. With a shared passion for youth softball, the board works to uphold AP Fastpitch’s mission of fostering competitive excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship in every athlete.
Jon Stewart
President
Jon Stewart serves as the President of AP Fastpitch, bringing strong leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to the growth of youth softball. With a background in coaching and organizational development, Jon plays a central role in guiding the long-term strategy of the program while ensuring it remains true to its core values of integrity, competitiveness, and player-focused development. Under Jon’s leadership, AP Fastpitch has continued to expand its reach and impact, offering more opportunities for athletes to develop their skills and pursue their goals. His hands-on approach, clear communication, and unwavering dedication to the sport help create an environment where players, coaches, and families can thrive.
Robbie Brogden
Director of Recruitment
Robbie Brogdon is the Head Coach of AP Gold 18U, the Recruiting Coordinator for Atlanta Premier, and a proud board member of Atlanta Premier, contributing to the growth and success of one of the Southeast’s premier softball organizations. With over a decade of experience in travel softball coaching and recruiting, Robbie is a trusted leader on and off the field. His teams have competed at the highest levels nationally, boasting:
- Two Top 5 finishes at USA Softball Nationals
- One Top 10 finish at USA Softball Nationals
- The 2025 Power 50 National Championship
Robbie coached at Terrell Academy from 2018 to 2020, where he earned Albany Herald Coach of the Year in 2019, and further refined his skills as an assistant coach at Albany State University during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. As Recruiting Coordinator, he has helped over 90 players commit to NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and JUCO programs nationwide. Known for his honest evaluations, strong recruiting network, and unwavering dedication, Robbie has become a cornerstone of Atlanta Premier’s commitment to excellence.
Keith Belfanti
Director of Compliance
Keith was born in Tampa FL and raised in Satellite Beach. He played baseball up through high school before attending Florida State University. He transferred to Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina graduating with honors. After college, Keith played semi-pro softball across the country until getting married to his wife, Jenna. He’s coached baseball and softball for over 15 years. Keith has been a
part of the Atlanta Premier Organization for 4 years. He’s a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association; Positive Coaching Alliance; and an AP board member.
Tory Acheson
Team Placement
Tory Acheson brings decades of experience in fastpitch softball to his role on the AP Fastpitch Board of Directors. As the Team Placement Coordinator, Tory plays a key role in ensuring that each athlete is placed on a team that matches their skill level, developmental goals, and competitive aspirations. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his commitment to athlete growth, makes him an invaluable asset to the organization. A longtime coach, mentor, and advocate for youth sports, Tory is passionate about helping players reach their full potential both on and off the field.
Claudia Cooper
Director of Training
Claudia Cooper serves as the Director of Training for AP Fastpitch, where she leads the development and implementation of player training programs across all age levels. With a strong background in athletic performance, skill development, and fastpitch fundamentals, Claudia is committed to helping athletes reach their full potential through structured, high-impact training. Claudia brings years of experience as both a coach and former player, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of how to motivate and mentor young athletes. She designs training plans that are both challenging and supportive, focusing on building strong foundations while pushing players to grow in all areas of the game.
Manny Varela
Director of Communications
Manny Varela serves as the Director of Communications for AP Fastpitch, where he oversees all aspects of internal and external communication for the organization. With a strong background in media, public relations, and community engagement, Manny plays a vital role in shaping the AP Fastpitch brand and ensuring clear, consistent messaging across all platforms. From managing social media and website content to coordinating with families, players, and partners, Manny is dedicated to keeping the AP Fastpitch community informed, connected, and inspired. His thoughtful approach to communication helps build trust and transparency while highlighting the stories, achievements, and values that define the organization.
