Meet the Visionaries Behind the Sliders

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Erik Cravens is a long-time resident of Rolla, Missouri and has been active in the Sliders organization since 2020. With a deep passion for baseball and youth development, he brings a wealth of coaching experience and dedication to the club. 

As President of the Sliders organization, Erik overseas all aspects of the club’s operations including team selections, training programs, and community outreach initiatives. He is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment for all players, parents, and coaches.

Key achievements:

• Successfully revived the Sliders organization after the pandemic and brought it back to life 
• Successfully implemented Sliders branding that you see today which has significantly benefited the club and its members
• Established strong partnerships with local organizations and sponsors to support the club's growth and development

Erik believes in integrity, transparency and dedication to youth sports. His approach focuses on helping young athletes develop not only their skills on the field but also their character and team work off the field

Looking ahead, Erik aims to continue building a strong, inclusive, and successful club. His vision includes expanding opportunities for all players, enhancing training programs, and maintaining the high standards that Sliders is known for.

Dan Mendenhall hails from St. James, Missouri and is a relatively new addition to the Sliders organization. Not only is Dan a coach but he brings with him and plethora of non-profit experience and connections from around the Phelps County community. 

 As the Vice President of the Sliders organization, Dan plays a crucial role in supporting the club's operations, working  closely with the president, coaches, and board members to ensure the smooth running of all activities. Dan is responsible for strategic partnerships, such as overseeing training programs, managing logistics, and coordinating events with the local city parks and recreation departments.

Key Achievements:

• Instrumental in the implementation of the Dominate the Diamond training program that has enhanced the club's offerings and supported player development
• Successfully organized the first annual Sliders tournament in April 2024 which brought together teams from across the mid-Missouri region
• Contributed to the growth and expansion of the club through championing fundraising efforts

Dan believes in fostering a positive and inclusive environment where every  player can thrive. His approach emphasizes the importance of  hard work, teamwork, and sportsmanship both on and off the field. 

Carrie Grunloh brings financial expertise and a passion for youth sports to her role as Treasurer of the Sliders organization. With years of experience in accounting and financial management, Carrie ensures that the club's finances are managed with transparency and integrity. 

Carrie has been an integral part of the Sliders family for the past year, starting as a parent volunteer before joining the board. Her commitment to the club is driven by her belief in the positive impact of sports on youth development. In addition to overseeing the club’s budget, fundraising efforts, and financial planning, Carrie works closely with other board members to support the club’s mission and vision.

When she’s not balancing budgets or cheering from the sidelines, Carrie enjoys rooting for the Cubs and spending time with her family. Her dedication to the Sliders is matched only by her enthusiasm for fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for all players. 

Michelle Bock serves as the Secretary of the Sliders Board of Directors, where her exceptional organizational skills and dedication to the sport help keep the club running smoothly. With a background in administrative management and a keen eye for detail,  Michelle is responsible for maintaining accurate records, coordinating  meetings, and ensuring effective communication within the club.

Michelle has been a part of the Sliders community for a year,  initially joining as a supportive parent and quickly becoming involved  in the administrative side of the club. Her experience in event planning and her passion for youth sports make her an invaluable asset to the board.

In her role as Secretary, Michelle is committed to fostering an inclusive and organized environment, where every member feels informed and engaged. Outside of her duties with the Sliders, Michelle enjoys volunteering with other community organizations and spending  quality time with his family.

Michelle's dedication to the Sliders and her proactive approach to  administration ensure that the club continues to thrive and provide  excellent opportunities for young athletes.

As a Team Representative on the Sliders Baseball & Softball Board, the value provided is unparalleled. 

Team Reps possess an insider’s perspective on their respective teams and bring forward strategic insights that drive organizational growth. 

Annie exemplifies this role with exceptional proficiency, leveraging her deep understanding of the team and her innovative approach to enhance our programs.

Rachel Jung serves as the Strategic Advisor for the Sliders Baseball and Softball Board, bringing a wealth of expertise and visionary insight to our organization. 

With a deep understanding of strategic planning and operational excellence, Rachel is instrumental in shaping the future of Sliders Baseball and Softball.

Rachel Jung’s strategic acumen and dedicated approach are pivotal in advancing the mission of Sliders Baseball and Softball, helping us to reach new heights and continue our commitment to excellence in youth sports.

Another Team Representative for Sliders Baseball and Softball is Casey Pearson. She brings unparalleled value to our organization. 

Casey Pearson, alongside our other dedicated Team Representatives, plays a vital role in shaping our initiatives and enhancing our overall effectiveness. Her commitment to excellence and forward-thinking approach is instrumental in propelling Sliders Baseball and Softball toward continued achievements and success.

Trista Aultman serves as the Media Coordinator for Sliders Baseball and Softball, bringing creativity and strategic vision to our communications. 

Trista excels in developing engaging content across various platforms, including social media, our website, and newsletters.

She is responsible for crafting compelling posts, managing our online presence, and capturing dynamic photos and videos of games and events.

Trista also spearheads event promotion, designing impactful materials and executing effective marketing campaigns to highlight our games, tournaments, and fundraisers. 

Her expertise in website management ensures that our site remains current, user-friendly, and aligned with our brand’s messaging. 

With a keen eye for brand consistency, Trista maintains a cohesive visual and verbal identity, strengthening our organization’s presence and connection with the community.