DSC Coaches
Experienced Coaches - Proven Success
President
Matt Laney

A natural-born winner in the game of baseball, Matt Laney brings a wealth of experience as a player, coach, and leader. A former collegiate standout, he played at East Carolina University, Miami Dade College, and Coastal Carolina University from 2008 to 2011. In 2009, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies before continuing his collegiate career. During his college playing days, he competed in three NCAA Regionals and one Super Regional. In 2010, he ranked in the top 10 in both games pitched and strikeouts per nine innings, and in 2011, he again finished in the top 10 in strikeouts per nine innings. After his collegiate success, Laney signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, playing professionally from 2011 to 2013. During his rookie season, he was named the Dodgers’ Organization Player of the Month and went on to win the Arizona League Championship. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, serving as the Pitching Coach at Lander University, where he helped guide the team to a Division II World Series appearance. Under his leadership, the Lander pitching staff produced a Freshman of the Year, two All-Conference players, and an All-American Honorable Mention. He also led teams in the Coastal Plains Summer Collegiate League as a head coach, continuing his track record of success. Under his leadership, 15 players have gone on to play professional baseball, with one reaching the Major Leagues. From 2015 to 2024, Laney served as Director of Operations, overseeing player development, coaching staff, and program growth. Laney has won everywhere he has ever been, and now, as the Owner and leader of the baseball organization, he continues to shape the next generation of athletes, bringing a modern, professional approach to the game.
General Manager / Pitching Coordinator
Tyler Kane

Tyler Kane has been the head coach of the Hanover High School baseball team since the 2018-2019 school year, compiling a 90-19 record with two state championships in 2022 and 2023, and a runner-up finish in 2021. He previously served as an assistant coach at Hanover from 2012 to 2018. In addition to his high school coaching, Tyler has coached showcase baseball for the past 13 years, providing opportunities for athletes to develop and compete at the highest levels. He has also contributed to player development through his work with MPH Performance, where he helps run throwing and hitting development classes. Tyler coached American Legion baseball for Post 175, leading the team to its best season in history, finishing second in the state of Virginia. A former pitcher at Randolph-Macon College, he has guided eight players to be drafted and more than 100 players to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level.
Head Coach / Infield Coordinator / Hitting Coordinator
Charlie Dragum

Coach Dragum is a native of Medford, NJ, and a former baseball player at Cherokee High School. He went on to play baseball at Virginia Commonwealth University from 1987 to 1990. Shortly after college, Coach Dragum began his teaching and coaching career at Lee-Davis High School in Mechanicsville, VA. During his nine years at Lee-Davis, he served as an assistant coach under Kenny Lewis, helping the team secure the 1997 VHSL State Championship. In 1999, Coach Dragum transitioned to a head coaching role at Atlee High School in Mechanicsville, where he coached for three years before being presented with the opportunity to establish a new program at Hanover High School. From 2003 to 2018, he built the Hanover baseball program from the ground up. Coach Dragum retired from high school coaching in 2018, having accumulated a remarkable record of 328 wins and only 99 losses. Under his leadership, the Hawks won ten district championships, four regional titles, and appeared in the AAA state championship finals in 2009 and 2017. In 2013, his team clinched the AAA state championship, followed by back-to-back 4A state titles in 2014 and 2016. Coach Dragum has earned over ten Coach of the Year honors and has sent more than 100 players on to play at the college and professional levels.
Director of Analytics
Hunter Hoy

Assistant Coach
Justin Walton

Justin Walton is a dedicated and accomplished baseball coach and player who has made significant contributions to the sport at various levels. A native of Glen Allen, Virginia, Justin first garnered attention on the diamond as a standout pitcher at Glen Allen High School, where he was awarded the prestigious "Pitcher of the Year" title in 2018. His remarkable skills on the mound earned him a First-team All-Region 5B selection and a Second-team All-State recognition. Additionally, his talent was recognized by the Richmond Times Dispatch, which awarded him All-Metro honors, highlighting his impact in high school baseball. Following his impressive high school career, Justin took his talents to Norfolk State University, where he pitched from 2019 to 2022. During his collegiate career, he showcased his pitching prowess, logging an impressive 141 innings pitched at the Division I level. His tenure at Norfolk State was marked by significant achievements, including being a member of the 2021 MEAC Champion team. Justin also played a key role in leading the team to the 2021 Greenville Regional, further solidifying his reputation as a competitive and skilled athlete. In 2023, Justin expanded his experience by pitching for Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), adding another layer to his already impressive baseball resume. His journey through various levels of competition has equipped him with valuable insights and skills that he now passes on to the next generation of players. Currently, Justin serves as the head coach at Ironbridge Academy, where he is responsible for developing young talent and fostering a love for the game. His role as a private instructor at Ironbridge Academy allows him to provide personalized training and mentorship to aspiring athletes, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in baseball. In addition to his coaching and instructional roles, Justin is a proud member of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), which reflects his commitment to professional development and staying current with best practices in coaching and player development. His passion for baseball and dedication to coaching make him a respected figure in the baseball community. Through his achievements as a player and his ongoing contributions as a coach and instructor, Justin Walton exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence in baseball. He remains committed to inspiring young athletes and helping them reach their full potential on and off the field.
Assistant Coach
Jack Dragum

Coach Dragum brings an impressive playing and coaching background to DSC. A standout at UNC Charlotte, he was a two-time NCAA All-Regional Team selection (Clemson Regional, Greenville Regional), earned First Team All-Conference USA honors in 2022, followed by All-Conference USA and C-USA All-Tournament Team recognition in 2023. Over his three-year career as a starter, he played in more than 180 games, collected nearly 200 hits, and posted a career batting average over .300 with 30+ home runs, 130+ RBIs, and 30+ doubles. Following college, Coach Dragum continued his career in professional baseball with the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association, and has also served as an assistant coach at Camden County Community College. With elite experience both at the plate and in the dugout, Coach Dragum is passionate about helping players unlock their full potential and take their game to the next level.
Support Staff / Pitching Coach
Joe Burris

Joe Burris committed to Virginia Tech after his junior year of HS. He was the #6 ranked LHP in the state of Virginia and was also named a 2012 PG Preseason Underclassman All American and 2013 Rawlings Preseason All-American. He was named the Commonwealth District POY as a Senior. He posted an 8-2 record with one save, 95 strikeouts and a 0.84 ERA in 65 innings. Joe was a standout pitcher for Christopher Newport University (CNU) after transferring from Virginia Tech after his freshman year. Over his four-year career, he established himself as one of the program’s most reliable arms, earning multiple accolades for his performance on the mound. A two-time All-Conference, All-State, and All-Region relief pitcher, Burris consistently delivered in high-pressure situations. His dominance out of the bullpen helped him set the Capital Athletic Conference career record for pitching appearances (79). He had a career record of 10-2 with 9 saves and a career ERA of 3.52. His 2017 campaign, where he posted a 1.11 ERA and .143 BAA was one of the finest seasons for a reliever in program history. At CNU, he ranks in the top 10 for Appearances, Saves and K Per 9. Since graduating, Burris has dedicated himself to developing the next generation of athletes. As a coach/instructor at Ironbridge Academy, he works with players of all ages, helping them refine their skills and reach their athletic goals. His passion for the game and commitment to player development make him a valuable mentor both on and off the field.
Support Staff / Hitting Coach
Patrick Long

Patrick Long is a former standout baseball player at Hanover High School (2006) and Georgia Tech (2010). As a player, he was known for his athleticism, leadership, and positional versatility. At Georgia Tech, he played in 129 games, splitting time at second, third and shortstop and hit .275 with 44 RBIs and 24 stolen bases. Over his last two seasons, he sported a 3.18 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 34 innings across 38 appearances as a pitcher. During the summer seasons, he played in the Cape Cod, Coastal Plains and Cal Ripken Sr. Leagues. Prior to his time at Georgia Tech, he served as an infielder and pitcher at Hanover High School, where he was an All-State, All-Metro, All-Region and All-District performer. After his playing career, Long transitioned to coaching, first spending two years as a volunteer assistant at the University of Tennessee at Martin (UT-Martin), where he worked with the hitters and outfielders and contributed to the team's most successful seasons to date at the Division 1 level. He later joined High Point University’s coaching staff in 2017 and mentored two outfielders to All-Big South honors. Long’s coaching experience also includes leading the Peninsula Pilots to back to back Coastal Plains league championships and a victory over the USA Collegiate National Team.
College Advisor
Sean Pico


DSC Educators
High school students are enrolled in Liberty University Online Academy, a internationally accredited (ACIS) and regionally accredited (SACA CASI division of Cognia), K-12 Program with courses approved by the NCAA for Division 1 athletic program participation. Learn More

Sally Walton
Academics Coordinator

Charlie Dragum
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Hunter Hoy
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Tyler Kane
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Sally Walton is DSC's liaison to Liberty University Online Academy. Sally earned her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia. With deep experience in the homeschool landscape, she has homeschooled her children ever since they were preschool age. She serves as director for a Richmond, VA area homeschool co-op and has been a tutor for more than 8 years.
want to learn more
Dominion Sports Collective is now accepting student applications for the Spring 2026 semester. The application deadline is December 15th, 2025.
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Applications are also open for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters, with a submission deadline of May 1st, 2026.


