Meet The 9U Coaches
9U Coaching Staff

CHRIS GOODMAN
Head Coach + OCA Co-Founder
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Chris Goodman, originally from the Washington, D.C. area, has called Raleigh, North Carolina home for nearly 13 years. A proud husband and father of two, Chris balances his family life with a successful career as a Systems Designer in the HVAC industry.
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Before his involvement in baseball, Chris was a standout high school and collegiate swimmer, excelling in sprint and mid-distance freestyle and butterfly events. His competitive spirit and dedication to excellence have carried over into his coaching career, where he brings a wealth of experience and passion to the game.
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As a coach, Chris’s philosophy is centered around supporting young players as they grow into both skilled athletes and responsible young men. He holds high expectations for his players, encouraging them to always give their best while having fun and enjoying the game. While Chris loves to win, he believes that progress and development are far more important than simply the outcome of any one game.
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Chris is also committed to continually growing as a coach, challenging himself to attend as many clinics, conferences, and coaching information sessions as possible. This dedication ensures that he remains on the cutting edge of baseball knowledge and coaching techniques, further enhancing his ability to help players develop to their fullest potential.
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Chris is incredibly passionate about travel baseball and is the proud co-founder of the Oak City Aviators. He deeply values sharing the team's mission with others, striving to create an environment where players can thrive, improve, and build lasting memories.
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ANDREW HAWKINS
Assistant Coach
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Andrew Hawkins is a lifelong baseball fan who grew up just outside of Chicago before moving to Raleigh in 1995 to finish high school. He attended Ravenscroft High School, where he was a key member of the 1996 Ravenscroft High School State Championship Baseball Team.
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After high school, Andrew continued his education at Appalachian State University, where he further developed his love for the game.
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Currently serving as one of the assistant coaches for the Oak City Aviators, Andrew works closely with the team to develop their pitching skills during practices. His passion for the sport and his experience as a player make him a valuable asset to the coaching staff. Andrew is excited to be working with the Aviators and is dedicated to helping the players grow and succeed on the mound.

VICTOR CASADIEGO
Assistant Coach
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Coach Victor brings a lifelong passion for baseball to the team, having played since he was 6 years old. Born in Venezuela, he grew up immersed in the game, participating in both rec and travel teams. His love for baseball continues to this day, and his favorite MLB team is the Houston Astros, though his true inspiration comes from his son, Dylan, who is his favorite player.
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In addition to coaching, Coach Victor enjoys playing softball with a Raleigh rec team called The Chargers, where he and his teammates were runners-up in the Spring 2023 season. His coaching journey includes being an assistant coach for the All-Star team in Spring 2024 at GBI.
Victor is proud to be part of a close-knit family of four. He and his wife, Leidi, along with their daughter, Danna, and son, Dylan, enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and making lasting memories together.
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As a coach, Victor emphasizes teamwork, development, and fun. He believes that fostering a positive environment on and off the field helps young athletes grow into not just better players, but also better individuals.

ROBERT SVOBODA
Assistant Coach
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Coach Robert is a seasoned athlete and coach who brings a broad range of experience to the Oak City Aviators. Having played sports throughout his life, including baseball through high school, Robert understands the dedication and discipline required to succeed in athletics. He has also coached various sports, including volleyball, basketball, and baseball, and enjoys instilling the values of teamwork and sportsmanship in every athlete he works with.
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A proud NC State graduate, Robert has called Raleigh home since 1999. Outside of coaching, Robert enjoys fishing, going to the beach, and spending time outdoors with his family. He and his wife, Brittany, are parents to two children: Austin, who shares his love for sports, and Avery, a lively 3-year-old.
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As a coach, Robert is dedicated to helping young athletes develop both their skills and character, while also making the experience enjoyable and rewarding. His passion for coaching and his commitment to creating a positive team environment make him a great asset to the Aviators.
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