meet our coaches

Founder & Owner

Ellie Garcia

Coach

Ellie Garcia brings elite-level softball experience, academic excellence, and a passion for mentorship to every athlete she coaches. As a former Division I pitcher and lifelong competitor, Ellie created Last Stop Athletics to help athletes grow both on and off the field.

Athletic Accomplishments

  • 473 Career Division I Innings Pitched

  • 322 Career Division I Strikeouts

  • 4-Year Collegiate Starter

  • 2025 WCC Second Team Selection

  • Professional Softball Player (2025) Cangrejeras de Puerto Rico

Academic Achievements

  • 2025 WCC All-Academic Team

  • 2025 CSC Academic All-District

  • NFCA Scholar Athlete All-American

  • Graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English with Honors (Magna Cum Laude)

  • Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching and English Teaching Credential

Early Success & Leadership

  • 4x First Team All-League Selection (Softball & Volleyball)

  • Named Best Dual-Athlete in the Inland Empire

Ellie’s mission is to empower athletes through elite training, confidence-building, and leadership development. She believes success comes from discipline, resilience, and creating a positive environment where athletes can thrive both competitively and personally.

Jacob Gardner

Coach

Jacob Gardner is a record-setting offensive lineman from Colorado State University known for his toughness, leadership, and consistency on and off the field. A 5× All-Mountain West selection and 3× team captain, Gardner set the conference record with 58 consecutive starts while establishing himself as one of the premier centers in college football. In 2024, he was graded as the #1 center in the nation and earned AP All-American honors, along with recognition on both the Rimington Trophy and Outland Trophy watchlists. He was also named Outland Trophy Player of the Week and recognized as a Jason Witten Man of the Year Semifinalist for his character, leadership, and impact beyond the game.

Athletic Honors & Leadership

  • 5× All-Mountain West Selection (Conference Record)

  • 58 Consecutive Starts (Conference Record)

  • AP All-American

  • 3× Team Captain

  • Graded the #1 Center in the Nation (2024)

  • Rimington Trophy Watchlist

  • Outland Trophy Watchlist

  • Outland Trophy Player of the Week

  • Jason Witten Man of the Year Semifinalist