Coach Cutter delves into the upcoming baseball season

The LCC baseball team kicks off their season on Feb. 19 playing against Richard Bland College at the Petersburg Sports Complex in Petersburg, Va. Although the baseball team’s season begins in February, there’s rarely a day of the year you won’t find the Stars training.

The team is going into its fifth season under the direction of Head Coach Stephen Cutter. Cutter was named NJCAA Regional Coach of the year in 2022 and 2023 and led the Stars to their most wins in a single season in the history of the program in 2023 with 50 wins. We asked Coach Cutter questions about his upcoming season, what he’s looking to work toward, team culture, leadership and more.

You have practice seven days a week. What does that look like? How are your practices structured, and have you tried other routines in the past?

We practice every day because development is daily. That does not mean we go full speed every day. We structure practices with intent. We open with a short mental or leadership segment, then dynamic movement, throwing progression, and we move into skill work. Hitting, defense, pitching, base running, and situational work are all mapped out weeks in advance. Some days are high intensity. Some are recovery and refinement. We have tried different weekly structures in the past, but we found that consistent daily touch points build better habits and keep everyone aligned. The key is controlling volume and energy, not just hours at practice.

What led you to the current practice regimen you keep now?

Results and observation. We track data, study performance, and examine how players respond physically and mentally. When we saw improvements in velocity, swing metrics, and game execution from daily structured reps, we stuck with it. The goal is not to practice more. The goal is to practice with purpose.

Is there anything unusual about your team’s culture or practices that your team partakes in? If so, why?

We have a practice called Sunday Silence. No talking. Players lead through action, eye contact, and body language. It forces accountability and awareness. We also spend time on identity and leadership, not just baseball. We want athletes who can think, communicate, and handle adversity, not just throw or hit.

Going into this season, what are you really looking to focus on?

Execution and consistency. Strike percentage for pitchers. Quality at-bats for hitters. Defensive efficiency. We also place heavy emphasis on decision-making and emotional control. Morale comes from preparation and trust, not speeches.

Are there any titles held from previous years that the team will be defending?

We have multiple conference championships and two World Series appearances in recent seasons. Our focus is not on defending a title. Our focus is on earning the next one.

Your season will start in March, but when does the team start training together?

We begin training together in August. The offseason is not downtime for us. It is development season. By the time February arrives, we are not introducing systems. We are sharpening them.

What do you look for in the players you recruit?

Work ethic, coachability, and competitiveness. Talent matters, but mindset matters more. We look for players who ask questions, take ownership, and show up consistently. We can develop skills. Character is harder to build from scratch.

Is there anything that stands out to you or excites you about the players this season?

Their curiosity and willingness to be coached. They are asking better questions and holding each other accountable. This team is fully committed, and the environment they cultivate is fun to be around.

What would a general overview of last season sound like coming from you, and what are you looking to keep the same? Anything you're looking to change?

Last season was competitive. We were the Western Conference champions. We went 44-13 and finished the season ranked #9 nationally. We executed well in key moments and sent 16 players on to the next level.

What does leadership among the team look like? Do you let players do a lot of leading for the team, or do you try to keep all the players at a similar position?

Leadership is shared but earned. Our culture is coach-fed and player-led. We give players space to lead, but leadership is tied to daily behavior. It is not a title. It is action. We expect everyone to show leadership skills.

Is there anyone on the team returning from last year that you're expecting to have an extraordinary season? If so, why?

We have several returners positioned for strong seasons because they understand our systems and expectations. On the pitching side, Braden Slogor, Matthew Whiteman, Caden Besco, Christian Douglass, Wade Sommers, and Oliver Raczynski all return with vital experience from last season. On the position player side, Bryce Wiggins (OF), Parker Vaughn (IF), and Korbin Smith (OF) return with game experience.

Is there anyone on the team for the first season that you're expecting to do well? If so, why?

Yes. We have the most talented group of freshmen we have ever had, with players showcasing eye-popping numbers in the fall season. Our newcomers bring energy and skill sets that fit our culture. When a first-year player shows discipline and adaptability early, that is a strong sign they will contribute quickly.

Are there any matchups this season that you're expecting a great game out of?

Conference matchups are always competitive. We also have early-season travel games that test us right away. With stops in Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida, those environments reveal a lot about a team’s readiness.

Who’s pitching, and what stands out about them?

Our pitching group is built on depth and strike throwing. We emphasize velocity development, pitch design, and command. What stands out is their willingness to learn and compete in the zone. With 10 pitchers throwing 90 mph+, we have many standouts on this side of the ball who will help provide the most depth we have seen in recent seasons.

Who’s playing infield, and what stands out about them?

Our infield is athletic and detail-oriented, led by Parker Vaughn, Jace Davis, Jake Norton, JT Youngblood, and Ryan Louch.

Who’s on outfield, and what stands out about them?

Our outfielders are very fast this season. They will help solidify the defense and provide a true no-fly zone in the outfield gaps. Bryce Wiggins and Korbin Smith have the most experience, but we have a handful of freshmen with the skill set and drive to move into starting roles. [What stands out is their] speed and range. Our outfielders cover ground well and understand angles. They also contribute offensively, which is critical.

Anyone else you’re expecting to perform really well in a role, and if so, why?

Our catchers and utility players are vital. Kaiden Kapa and Carson Sweet both will see time behind the plate this season. They are both freshman with incredible game knowledge and power bats. They both manage the game, control tempo, and lead communication. We also have three two-way players. With the new roster limits in effect, players like these guys are a hot commodity at the next level (D1). Gavin Wegneke, Griffin DeVooght, and Jadon Ford are utility players who give us flexibility and depth, which often decides close games.

With high expectations and months of practice under their belts, the LCC Baseball team is expecting a fierce and competitive season with a great performance from every member of the team. The LCC Stars begin their season on Feb. 19 and have over 55 games scheduled through May.