Marc Weekly Expands Hitting Academy in Knoxville, Tennessee

The Marc Weekly Hitting Academy (“MWHA”), founded by former University of Tennessee Lady Vol hitting coach and son of SEC softball legend, Ralph Weekly, is expanding into a new aspect of the game: catching!

Through the years, Marc Weekly has had a hand in sending more than 300 athletes to the next level, and has an impressive repertoire of accolades under his belt, including three Division II Class A TSSAA State Championships at The Kings Academy, a 2019 Junior Olympic Cup coaching the Tennessee Fury Premier squad, and has made seven trips to the Women’s College World Series with the Lady Vols during his 12-year stint, prior to taking a break to coach his daughter.

Marc rejoined the SEC team in 2019 to work with the powerful hitters. During his time back with the Vols, the team finished in the Top 4 in the conference for batting average, and Top 20 nationally in various offensive categories, which is a testament to the coach’s philosophy at the plate and commitment to developing athletes.

“I learned very early that I wanted to be more of a teacher than a coach, even though I was experiencing success in coaching,” shared Marc in regards to his transition from Tennessee to private lessons.

Noticing a need for foundational development in the technique of developing catchers in his academy, Coach Weekly wanted to zone in on what he believes is the most important part of the position: throwing people out.

After repeatedly witnessing athletes discuss pop times, often tested in controlled environments with lenient stopwatches, but not seeing the results translate onto the field, he had an idea to break it down to the basics, and posted a sign-up for the first-ever session of the Marc Weekly Catching Academy.

“It doesn’t matter if you have a 1.7 pop time if you can’t throw it near the bag. A good runner is never going to slide straight into a tag, and pitchers aren’t always going to hit their spots,” commented Coach Weekly. “At the end of the day, throwing people out is only about one thing, and that is transitions—how fast can you get the ball from your glove and out of your hand?”

“Arm strength is great, but it is all about transition and accuracy,” continued the instructor. “We are focusing from the beginning on teaching the kids how to have incredible balance, how to release the ball from a lot of different angles—because the pitcher isn’t always going to throw a great ball—, and the importance of being accurate.”

Hear what two collegiate catchers who trained under Coach Weekly have to say about his impact on their performance behind the plate:

“I loved having Coach Weekly as my head coach growing up. I have never had a coach push me so hard, and still be able to give me a hug after the games. He had held me at a high standard during my catching/third base career with him. As a catcher he had always pushed me to build my leadership skills, understand and control the pace of the game. This was a challenge but it prepared me for my collegiate softball career.”
Kaili Phillips, Former Lady Vol Catcher, University of Tennessee—Chattanooga Transfer

“I owe a lot of my success behind the plate to Coach Marc Weekly. He really took the time to teach me the fundamentals, and really pushes me to be the best catcher I can be. From the time I was 10 years old going to his catching camps, to now being a Sophomore at Campbell University, I still reach out to him and work with him to continue to grow my game. His knowledge and care for the game is unmatched. I am forever grateful for the things he has taught me both on and off the field.”
Stacey Deputy, Sophomore Catcher at Campbell University, 2022 Junior Olympic Cup Champion

Currently only taking 20 kids for the year, the slots filled up quickly, with 70% of the catching students coming directly from Marc’s hitting lessons, having had a great experience already with the coach.

The catching academy will operate solely in his Knoxville, Tennessee location, compared with the hitting lessons, which occur weekly in the Knoxville and Nashville areas.

The Knoxville location is right in Coach Weekly’s backyard—literally. In October of 2020, Marc built the facility that now hosts more than 130 kids each week during the one hour group sessions. No more than eight athletes per lesson, the academy operates on the mentality of, “Iron sharpens iron,” allowing the girls to learn from one another alongside the excellent instruction.

Marc is assisted by Mark Webber, his long-time friend and fellow coach, who offers a left-handed perspective for the hitters.

“One of the great things about Mark is that he has been with me since both of our daughters were seven years old, through all the ASA and PGF Nationals, three TSSAA state championships—all of it,” said Coach Weekly on his right-hand man. “He’s very knowledgable about exactly what we want to do with the academy, and we work very well together.”

Besides Marc and Mark, the athletes at the academy are often treated with instruction from former collegiate athletes, such as Amanda Ayala and Maddie Webber, two former Lady Vol softball players. Additionally, at the Nashville location, Duane Lowe, a decorated high school softball coach at Friendship Christian School, is a great help at promoting the MWHA hitting philosophy.

At the Academy, athletes begin as early as 10 years old, a time when the development of fundamental techniques is crucial.

“It is important to work with a player at whatever level they are at, because where the arrow is for a 9^th grader is not where it’s going to land later on. Sometimes the best collegiate athletes were not the best players at the age of 12 and 13—they develop, and that’s the key to what we do. All you have to do is show up and be willing to work.”

“What makes me unique is that I have coached at all levels, including the highest level, so I’ve been around recruiting for more than 20 years,” shared Coach Weekly. “In that time, we’ve developed a great network of coaches, and we know what they are looking for. With that, we can help our athletes figure out what is the best fit for them academically and athletically, and help prepare them for when they get there. At that point, it is up to them to see if they have what it takes.”

When asked why he enjoys giving back to the softball community—as his prices are extremely affordable and he works to make sure no athlete who is committed to taking lessons can’t attend due to external factors—Coach Weekly simply responded, “I do it because I love it.”

“I got a phone call from a player that I’ve given lessons to for a while now. She had a long day at an official visit where she was offered, and was so excited and thanking me for my help throughout the process,” commented Marc.

“I get so much joy when I get a text from a parent telling me their daughter, who I’d worked with through middle school, made the high school team and is so excited,” continued Coach Weekly. “I’m like, ‘That’s great, but I knew she was going to make the high school team because I know she can rake because she’s been doing exactly what she is supposed to do.’ It’s not just about kids going to college, it’s about making them better softball players at whatever stage they are at.”

The MWHA does not have the goal of expanding, but instead just wants to continue meeting the need for instruction when possible, and the new catching initiative is an example of that.

“I have a certain amount of kids I take, we aren’t trying to grow the place—if you are in with us, then you’re in and we will do everything it takes to get you to your goal, if you are willing to work. Going to college, winning PGF, playing state championships—it is all a byproduct of having a great consistent process, so that when adversity hits and they are struggling, they can be like, ‘Okay, that at-bat is over, let’s get ready for the next one.’ It’s about being just a little bit better than everyone else.”

With the success of his hitting academy, the Marc Weekly Catching Academy is bound to be a productive environment for several rising catchers in the Knoxville and surrounding areas.

Continue reading for some statements on how Coach Weekly has benefited several rising stars at the plate, and keep up with the academy on Instagram (@MarcWeeklyHitting) and Facebook.

How has the MWHA helped you prepare for recruitment and collegiate softball?

“MWHA has helped me prepare for collegiate softball through elite training, informed feedback, and networking with coaches. Marc has challenged me to raise my standard of success. He constantly provides drills and hitting adjustments that have significantly improved my at bats, hitting confidence, and power at the plate. I feel confident entering the recruiting process with Marc as my hitting instructor. His extensive knowledge of the game and who he knows in the softball world is very helpful for making informed decisions about my future! I can’t wait to hit with Marc every week.If you aren’t hitting with him… you are missing out.”
— Halle Kate Bailey (Daughter of Lady Vol Legend Sara Fekete)

“I met Coach Marc late in the recruiting process. He immediately helped me narrow down several schools and helped me navigate those options. Being a former SEC coach and current hitting specialist, he helped me recognize my strengths and instilled confidence in my abilities. He is teaching me what pitches opposing college pitchers will use to try and get me out, and how to use that to my advantage. He personally talked to college coaches on my behalf, and I am so very thankful for him and our relationship.”
— Faith Brown, University of Memphis Commit

“I think that the MWHA has helped me prepare for every aspect of recruiting and collegiate softball. Due to having a former NCAA softball coach’s experience and a former collegiate player helping us, you really know what is looked for in a hitter. Lately, we have worked on being disciplined when batting because they know that that is a key aspect in being a successful hitter. Also, we do a lot of competitions in lessons and you are always trying to beat someone or be the best of the night. You are always pushed to the best of your abilities because that is how it will be in college. On the recruitment side, Coach Marc helps me understand how to speak to coaches. Also, since he knows so many coaches, he knows exactly what those coaches and programs want from a student and athlete. He really helps us understand what school would be our best fit.”
— Addison Oberbreckling, #92 on Extra Elite Top 100 for the Class of 2025

“The MWHA was a true blessing when it came to picking colleges to pursue. As soon as I mentioned a school I was interested in, all the coaches would give me different inputs and Coach Marc would be on the phone with them as soon as possible. Every coach at the MWHA gave me honest input about where I would succeed the most for the future. I am now committed to play at Tusculum University starting in the fall of 2024 and could not be happier with my decision.”
— Hailey Nichols, Tusculum University Commit

“MWHA has prepared me for collegiate softball because of how intentional each drill is. Everything has a purpose and Coach Weekly explains how everything works together to be an elite hitter. Not only do we work on the mechanical side of hitting, we work on the mental side and our approach to every single at bat. The drills we do are not easy and the front toss challenges we do aren’t either, so I have learned a lot on how to respond to failure positively.”
— Kyla Hill, Harding University Commit

Would you recommend the academy to other athletes? If so, why?

“I would recommend the MWHA to other athletes because the coaches are so knowledgeable on the game. They pick out every little thing you do wrong and make sure you understand what to do to fix it. Not only do you get helpful tips on your swing but you also get so much help on recruitment. All the coaches will give you honest feedback about where they think you would be the most successful.”
— Hailey Nichols, Tusculum University Commit

“I would most definitely recommend the academy! I have been going to Coach Weekly since I was in 8th grade and I am now a senior heading to play at the next level. Coach Weekly and Coach Webber have done nothing but believe in me and pour into me over the past 4-5 years. They wanted the best for me not just in the softball side of my life, but my personal life as well! They saw as more than just another player! Coach Weekly is one of the hardest working and most genuine coaches out there, and will do whatever it takes to make you the best athlete and person you can be to get to the next level!”
— Kyla Hill, Harding University Commit

“I would 100% recommend the MWHA! His knowledge of the game and the art of hitting are amazing, and his teaching techniques are encouraging and effective. I have truly enjoyed my time with Coach Marc, and wish I could’ve started with him earlier.”
— Faith Brown, University of Memphis Commit

What has your experience at the MWHA been like?

“I have been with the MWHA since I was nine years. I have maintained a .450 batting average or higher consistently! MWHA has provided me with the skills, technique, confidence and knowledge to perform in games and college camps under stressful conditions. It’s a great combination of mechanical teaching, along with situational drills, to go with all the mental and game, IQ training. Marc has a limitless amount of knowledge in the college recruitment process as well as connections with the college coaches which enables them to communicate with the coaches directly about any of us that are associated with MWHA. MWHA is not just a one hour hitting lesson a few times a week, it’s a family. Marc Weekly, Mark Webber and the other instructors really care about each of us! They go the extra mile for each of us! I know when I’m not performing to the level they know I’m capable of that they will call me out on it and challenge me to tell them what I’m doing wrong and them implement fixing it! ]They don’t sugar coat or baby us but they give praise when earned and firm instruction when needed! I attribute a large portion of my softball career success to the MWHA and will be continuing my softball career in college in 2025!”
— Izzy Wilson

“I have had an amazing time practicing at MWHA. This hitting academy has pushed me to be better every week. The constant check-ins from the coaches is something I’ve never experienced from a hitting academy before. If you tell them about a camp or school you are interested in, they will do everything to make sure they know who you are before you get there. This helped my recruiting process a lot and took some pressure off, and as soon as you make your commitment to a college, they are so supportive and express over and over how proud they are of you, not just on the field but in the classroom. You can tell how much they care about each athlete. I would 100% recommend MWHA to everyone. It is a great experience, and you won’t be disappointed!”
— Cadence Jarrett, Trevecca Nazarene University Commit

Now for some video of the action!

— Brentt Eads/Extra Inning Softball