Justin Feist has built his coaching career on a foundation of passion for the game and genuine care for his players. He and his girlfriend, Stephonie, live in West Fargo with their two dogs, Wrigley and Eugene. Away from the field, Justin enjoys golf, concerts, and spending quality time with family and friends.

His coaching journey began in 2016 at West Fargo High School, where he discovered a calling for player development and mentorship. A founding member of Diamond Academy, Justin helped create a program dedicated to improving athletes both on and off the field. When Diamond Academy merged with Fargo Area Sports in 2023, he continued to coach while also serving on the organization’s committee, shaping the future of youth baseball and fastpitch in the region.

For Justin, the emphasis has never been solely on winning. Instead, his philosophy centers around player development and growth. “I believe it is the role of the coach to make sure each individual player improves over the course of the year,” he says. “Winning is secondary. Challenging our players is the most important part of finding growth. A .500 season can be just as successful as an .800 season if the players are developing.”

Justin believes the most valuable trait a coach can have is showing players they are cared for as people first, athletes second. That connection builds trust and accountability, creating an environment where players feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and giving their best effort.

When coaching athletes of different skill levels and personalities, Justin leans on structure. By implementing consistent hitting, defensive, and pitching routines, every player has a foundation to build from. The structure ensures top players can continue progressing while allowing Justin to devote more one-on-one time to those who need additional support. “Nobody is too good for the basics,” he emphasizes, highlighting his belief in the importance of repetition and fundamentals.

To stay sharp, Justin draws inspiration and new techniques from a variety of sources. He regularly studies content from Antonelli Baseball, Ahead of the Curve, and Mental Performance Daily on the baseball side, while turning to OGX, Fastpitch Power, Foster Fastpitch, and the DiscussFastpitch.com community for insights into the fastpitch world. By blending traditional fundamentals with modern approaches, he ensures his coaching evolves alongside the game.

His advice to new coaches is simple but powerful: be curious. “Ask questions,” he encourages. “There are lots of people out there with valuable experience, and most are more willing to help than you expect. The worst thing you can do is assume you know it all.”

For Justin, coaching is about more than teaching the game—it’s about building relationships, fostering growth, and leaving players with a lifelong love for baseball and softball.

Schedule of Announcements:
10U: Brice Cramer (Ram Jack)
12U: Andrew Curtis (Dakota Refrigeration - DRI)
14U: Justin Feist (14U Dakota Selects)
16/18U: Tuesday, September 30
Program Coach of the Year: Friday, October 3rd

Stay tuned on Facebook, X, and Instagram to find out who’s selected!