JAYS STAFF
RYAN CURRY | PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Downers Grove South Alum and 4 year starter at Bradley University (2003-2007). Ryan was drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2007 in the 21st round and played professional baseball from 2007-2012. Won best 2nd basemen in AA in 2010 and was voted within the organization as the best 2B in the system. Ryan is a member of the DGS and Bradley University Athletic Hall of Fames. He has been involved with youth and player development since 2007 and has had over 200 players who have moved on to play at the college and/or professional levels.
MAX HUFNAGLE |player development director | Instructor
Max Hufnagle serves as the Player Development Director for Illinois Jays Baseball and has been leading the program since its inception. With over a decade of experience in travel baseball and youth development, Max brings a proven track record of building strong, well-rounded athletes. His focus on attention to detail, cultivating a positive mindset, and developing players both on and off the field has been instrumental in the growth and success of the Jays program.
TONY HOLLOWAY | COACH / Instructor
Coach Tony has been involved with the Illinois Jays Program from the start. Tony has been involved in travel baseball and youth instruction for 10+ years. Developing hitters with a simple approach to mechanics sets hitters apart at a young age level. Coach Tony creates a positive environment where players grow through strong fundamentals and a focused mental approach, setting them up for long-term success at every level.
Coach Tony provides private instruction for all players. Contact Tony directly: (630)207-5748
MAX AIELLO |COACH | Instructor - OUTFIELD
Max started coaching high school baseball at Willowbrook in 2012. Max coached 11 seasons for both Willowbrook High School and Glenbard South High School combined. Max has extensive experience in youth development and travel baseball as well. Max started his coaching and instruction in 2012 and has been doing it ever since. Max is a lead instructor for the Illinois Jays Outfield Program, coaches a Jays high school team, and has a large role with the Jays player development system.
JAMES SHELDON |COACH | Instructor
James is a 2013 Graduate from Downers Grove North High School. After High School he played OF for Mesa CC and College of Lake County. James brings knowledge and experience both on the playing field and in the dugout. James started coaching in 2019 and has coached the youth and high school age levels. His versatility have continued to bring players to the next level and help the Illinois Jays development program.
NICK GENOVA |COACH | Instructor - CATCHING
Nick played college baseball at Quincy University and is one of the lead catching instructors and a coach for Jays Baseball. Nick joined the Illinois Jays in 2023 and brings college and youth coaching experiences. Nick is innovative in his training approach and brings new ideas and skills to the entire Jays program.
MARK LIS | Instructor - PITCHING
Mark is one of the Jays lead pitching instructors and brings years of experience and knowledge. Mark played high school baseball at Montini and continued his playing career at Elmhurst University. Mark has coached travel baseball for over 15 years and brings 5+ years of individual pitching instruction to the Jays program. Mark has helped implement new training programs and technology for the Jays development systems.
DANNY HOLLOWAY |COACH | Instructor
Danny played baseball at Willowbrook High School and went on to play two years at College of DuPage and three years at Roosevelt University. Danny is one of our lead infield instructors and a coach for Jays Baseball. He brings over five years of experience as an instructor and travel baseball coach. Danny is now a Graduate Assistant Coach at the University of St. Francis, where he will bring his knowledge and expertise to the college level.
RYAN MINTZ |COACH | Instructor
Ryan has a lot of versatility when it comes to his playing and coaching experiences. Ryan went to Willowbrook HS where he was a standout on the mound and in the infield. He was voted as the West Suburban Conference Gold Pitcher of the Year in 2019. Ryan went on to pitch at Valpo and Villanova (2019-2024) and had a very successful college career. Ryan joins the Illinois Jays to bring his knowledge and expertise to the program and all Jays players.
JOE MOORE | COACH |Instructor
Joe grew up locally and played travel baseball for Pirates Baseball and 3 years on varsity at Glenbard East High School. Joe started coaching in 2022 and has been a crucial part of the Jays development program at both the youth and high school age levels. Joe shows a lot of versatility in teaching and training all positions on the field.
ANGELO FOSCO |COACH
Angelo brings over 20 years of coaching experience to the Illinois Jays program. Angelo played at the high school level and went on to play 2 years of semi-pro baseball. His experience at the youth level is pivotal to helping young athletes grow as players and as people. Angelo brings great perspective and expertise to travel baseball and is a vital part of the Jays development system.
BRENDAN LAWRY |COACH | Instructor
Brendan played at Lyons Township High School and excelled as a 2-way player throughout his high school career. Brendan went on to pitch at Eckerd College, and will be finishing up his senior season at Lewis University in 2025. Brendan started coaching in 2021 and has been a crucial part of the pitching and youth development programs. Brendan has helped youth teams, and has also been a big part of the high school programs.