Coaching Staff

Matt Pita brings elite-level playing experience and professional coaching knowledge to Armory Baseball & Softball.

A former Division I standout at Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Matt earned multiple honors including Virginia State Player of the Year (ABCA) and 3rd Team All-American recognition. His performance at the collegiate level led to being drafted in the 2018 MLB Players Draft, playing six seasons professionally in the New York Yankees organization up to the AAA level, where he developed firsthand insight into what it truly takes to compete at the highest levels of the game.

Following his playing career, Matt transitioned into coaching at the professional level, serving as a Hitting Coach in the Miami Marlins organization. Working with high-level prospects daily, he refined a player development approach rooted in structure, accountability, advanced technology, and game-realistic training.

At Armory Baseball & Softball, Matt’s mission is simple:

Deliver professional-level training and development to athletes who want to maximize their potential.

His training philosophy combines:

• Advanced player development systems used in MLB organizations

• Detailed swing and approach analysis

• Structured, progression-based development plans

• A focus on long-term growth, not quick fixes

Matt is passionate about building confident, disciplined, and fundamentally sound athletes.

A highly accomplished Monroe County standout, Tyler earned Monroe County Division 1 First Team and Second Team honors while competing at the highest level of Section V baseball. He was also named to the Section V All Class A Team and recognized as an All Greater Rochester Exceptional Senior.

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In addition to his individual accolades, he was a key contributor to two New York State American Legion State Championship teams. His playing experience at the elite level fuels his passion for developing hitters through disciplined mechanics, competitive mindset training, and game-ready preparation.

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Since transitioning into coaching, Tyler has trained numerous standout hitters throughout Monroe County and the Greater Rochester area. Several of his athletes have gone on to earn All-League and All-County honors, secure college roster spots, and significantly increase measurable offensive metrics including exit velocity and on-base production.

His philosophy centers on developing disciplined, adaptable hitters who can compete in any count — not just look good in a cage.

Loretta Sorochty is a former standout at Notre Dame High School and currently competes as a two-way player at Alfred University, where she pitches and plays the field for the Saxons.
 

During her high school career, Loretta established herself as one of the area’s top pitchers, earning Genesee Region Player of the Year, First Team All-State honors, and Section V Tournament MVP while helping lead Notre Dame to a Section V Championship. She finished her high school career with more than 650 strikeouts and continues to develop and compete in the circle at the collegiate level.
 

At The Armory, Loretta specializes in softball pitching instruction, working with pitchers of all ages and skill levels. Her lessons focus on developing proper mechanics, command, pitch development, consistency, and confidence in the circle. As a current collegiate pitcher, Loretta brings a player-first approach to instruction and gives young athletes the tools and understanding they need to continue progressing as pitchers.

Hannah is a gifted softball athlete that brings many years of competitive playing and coaching experience to all levels. In high school, she stood out having been a four-year varsity starter. She was selected to be Genesee Region All Star three out of four years in high school ball. Other individual accolades include 2x Section V Class C2 Sectional Finals MVP and Medalle AMCC Player of the week. While at D3 Medaille College, Hannah was 3rd in the AMCC conference in home runs in her junior. Her focus positions were catcher, third base, and shortstop which gives her athletes a well-rounded perspective of the game, with expertise in hitting and catching development. Having experienced playing at the collegiate level, it gave her a deep understanding of both defensive strategy and offensive execution which translated into coaching.

Hannah began coaching in college. She was selected from a talented group of individuals to become the hitting coach for a local softball organization. There she developed athletes aged 10-14 to become exceptional hitters. That experience only pushed her to do more and coach more. She has been involved with Amherst Lightning, being an assistant coach for two years. There, she worked closely with athletes to refine mechanics, increase confidence, and elevate performance at the plate. Hannah has been the head coach of multiple teams and knows exactly what it takes to be successful at the highest level of play.

Her coaching philosophy is simple, but strong and built on years of expert experience. She believes building fundamentals is key. Once you can master the basics you can build on that foundation and continue to find success. She also strongly focuses on developing softball IQ and cultivating mental toughness. Success on the field begins off the field. What makes her different than others? The answer is simple, her passion for the game. No matter what, Hannah will bring high energy to every training session and give 100%. She also expects her athletes to do the same. By combining technical instruction with enthusiasm and accountability, she creates an environment where players build confidence, sharpen skills, and develop a true love for the game.

Philip Messina, MS, leads The Armory's strength & conditioning program, focused on bridging the gap between potential and performance. He holds a Master's in Strength & Conditioning from Bridgewater State University, served as a Performance & Sport Science Fellow with the Trenton Thunder (MLB Draft League), and interned in strength & conditioning at the College of the Holy Cross. A former college baseball player at Bridgewater State and Cayuga CC, Philip builds individualized plans for baseball and softball athletes focused on speed, agility, power, strength, and durability, and retests every 12 weeks so progress is measurable.