Meet Coach Kyler Blades
The founder of Blades Athletic Performance Academy, Kyler Blades grew up loving anything athletic. Playing basketball, football, golf, and baseball growing up, he stuck to baseball through college. Finishing as a captain at the nationally ranked Pacific Lutheran University, Kyler studied Exercise Science and Business. Upon finishing his college baseball career, Coach Blades assisted both the Legion Baseball programs in the Flathead Valley. Since then, Kyler has formed his Flathead A’s club baseball team and has been named the Whitefish Baseball coach starting in 2023. He hopes to bring a new level of competition with his unique approach to baseball. Keeping kids playing longer, and enjoying this beautiful game.
Favorite Baseball Team: Angels
Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake
Who do you look up to? Driveline group, Eric Cressey, and the Starting Strength group
What do you do when you’re not at the gym or field? Golfing or playing with my dog, Rocco
Meet Coach Kurt Blades
This nickname stuck. Dubbed “Coach Dad” by our very own Coach Jena Willis. Growing up here in Flathead Valley, Coach Dad was a standout for Columbia Falls High School playing football, basketball, track and baseball. While he played basketball at Montana State, Coach Dad grew his knowledge and love of baseball in his post-playing days. An Optometrist in his free time, he has served on many community boards, including Project Whitefish Kids. The mastermind behind our "Sandlot Days" during the summer, Coach Dad just loves to see kids playing and having fun. A great supporter of youth athletics. A great role model for young people. Coach Dad is synonymous with community.
Favorite Baseball Player: Rod Carew - Go Twins!
Go-To Meal: Tacos
Favorite Sport to Watch: College Basketball
Best Vacation Spot: Hawaii
Meet Coach Forrest Kobelt
Born and raised in Whitefish Montana, Coach Forrest was a member of the 2014 regional championship Babe Ruth team, as well as the 2018 Legion regional championship. The left handed pitcher played for the St. Olaf Oles out of Northfield Minnesota and served as a team captain his senior year. After an unusual route through college due to Covid-19, Forrest has moved back to the Flathead Valley and immediately looked to get into baseball. His charisma combined with knowledge and youth make it easy for him to connect with young players. He understands the amount of hours and repetitions it takes to master a skill like pitching, but also gets that the environment needs to be filled with enjoyment. Coach Forrest blends competitiveness, understanding, and preparation to be an elite level coach for youth baseball players.
Favorite Candy: Kit Kat
Favorite Hobby: Skiing
Favorite Baseball Team: Red Sox
Fun Fact: Never been on a roller coaster
Meet Coach Evette Morgan
Coach Evette is a former Division 1 collegiate softball player for Stetson University in Florida. We are lucky to have her available for private lessons and to help grow softball and baseball within the valley!
One of her favorite memories playing college softball was breaking up a no hitter with a home run against the #8 team in the country, Florida Gators as well as her walk-off home runs throughout her career. She earned a bachelors degree in Health Sciences while also minoring in Education. Her main goal is to teach athletes the skills and fundamentals, but also emphasize the life lessons, work ethic, and opportunities that come with playing sports.
Favorite Hobby: Hiking with my dog
Favorite Candy: Reeses
Who do you look up to? My brother, Matthew Morgan
Meet Coach Kyle Yogodzinski
Kids will call him Coach Yogi! Kyle grew up playing baseball, football and basketball originally from Pittsburg and moved to the Flathead as a teen. He played baseball through high school for the Glacier Twins where he was primarily a pitcher and first baseman. Yogi had a devastating curveball that he would use at the most opportune times while a player. He has extensive experience coaching all ages of kids having been a snowboard instructor at Whitefish Mountain Resort the past five winters. When he is not snowboarding or coaching, Kyle likes to watch his Atlanta Braves play baseball! He is excited to get back into coaching with the Flathead A’s!
Teams: Atlanta Braves and the Florida Gators
Hobby: Golf
Meet Coach Murphy Wick
Coach Murphy is a Whitefish native graduating from WHS in 2017. He attended MSU in Bozeman for the next four years before returning home to Whitefish in 2021. His childhood was largely spent watching or playing baseball, basketball, and football. Murphy played Varsity Basketball for WHS and was a captain his senior year. Coach Murph is stoked to get back into sports in a youth coach setting especially in his hometown. You may see Coach Murph around town taking care of our parks in Whitefish as the Head Groundskeeper for the City of Whitefish. In his free time he enjoys hiking, fishing, and skiing in the winter. He is also a season ticket holder the University of Montana Grizzlies…GO GRIZ!
Favorite Baseball Team: Minnesota Twins
Favorite Food: Steak
Player he idolized: Joe Mauer
Meet Coach Maddie Moultray
Coach Maddie grew up in Columbia Falls and participated in volleyball, swim, basketball, and softball throughout high school. Softball was her most prominent sport. She led her team to two state titles her junior and senior year, not only pitching but also hitting. She continued her softball journey at St. Mary-of-the-Woods in Indiana, a private NAIA school her freshmen year of college. Coach Maddie is majoring in Nursing.
She has participated in many lessons and camps through Blades over her career and can’t wait to share her softball knowledge!
Favorite Hobby: Road trips with her mom and spending time with her dog Charlie
Favorite Candy: Snickers
Fun fact: Coach Maddie won a softball tournament in Australia
Meet Coach Hunter Miller
Coach Hunter has a true passion for baseball and athletics, bringing energy and dedication to every athlete he works with. He grew up playing high school and travel baseball in Texas and later continued competing in South Florida. Hunter loves helping players of all ages improve their skills, build confidence, and have fun on the field.
When he’s not on the field, you can usually find him mountain biking, hiking, or staying active outdoors. Coach Hunter’s goal is to inspire athletes to grow not just as players, but as individuals—learning lessons in perseverance, discipline, and character that carry well beyond the field.
Favorite Hobby: Mountain Biking
Favorite Baseball Team: Miami Marlins
Favorite Player : Tim Lincecum
Favorite Snack: Rice Crispy