Wow Factor East Coast Coaching Staff
Chris Sharma
Director of Player & Organizational Development
Chris is a highly accomplished baseball instructor and former high school and collegiate player from Connecticut. After his playing career was cut short due to injury, he redirected his passion for the game toward developing the next generation of baseball talent. With more than 3,000 hours of coaching, training, and clinic instruction, Chris has worked alongside some of the most respected coaches in the country, helping shape his advanced approach to teaching and player development.
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He began his coaching career in Connecticut, where he quickly earned a reputation for his ability to teach both foundational and advanced skills to athletes of all ages. Chris played a pivotal role in building several of the state's premier travel baseball programs and was the founder of The RAGE Baseball Program. In the fall of 2023, he brought his expertise and player-first philosophy to WOW Factor Baseball, continuing his mission to prepare athletes for success at every level.
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Early in his coaching journey, Chris helped establish the Connecticut Dynasty program from 2007 to 2012, laying the foundation for his future in the travel baseball scene. From 2010 to 2013, he served as the Hitting Coach and Associate Head Coach at Hopkins School, where he guided the team to consecutive state championship appearances and a state title in 2013. During his time at Hopkins, he also mentored athletes who went on to play Division I baseball at institutions such as Temple, Georgetown, and Princeton.
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From 2012 to 2017, Chris was part of the coaching staff at Western Oklahoma State College, where he served as Hitting Coach and Associate Head Coach. Under his leadership, the program consistently ranked among the top offensive teams in the nation, leading statistical categories including batting average, hits, extra-base hits, and runs scored. The team averaged over 100 home runs per season and made two NJCAA World Series appearances, with many players advancing to professional baseball.
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Chris is widely respected for his high energy, attention to detail, and ability to connect with players on a personal level. His commitment to excellence and holistic player development continues to shape successful athletes both on and off the field.
Nick Lamberti
Director of Wow Factor Teams
Nick brings a strong playing background and deep knowledge of the game to the WOW Factor East Coast coaching staff. A native of Connecticut, Nick made his mark early in his baseball career as a standout at East Haven High School, where he was a three-time All-State and two-time All-Area selection.
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Nick began his collegiate career at the University of Connecticut, competing at the Division I level before transferring to Southern Connecticut State University, where he continued to excel on the field. While at SCSU, he earned numerous accolades, including All-Conference, All-Area, and All-American honors—solidifying his reputation as one of the top collegiate players in the region.
With a passion for teaching and a strong foundation in hitting and overall player development, Nick brings energy, experience, and a commitment to excellence to every training session. His ability to relate to athletes and help them refine their skills makes him a valuable asset to the development of players across all age groups.
Zack Tower
Director of Wow Factor East Coast Baseball Operations
Zack Tower is a seasoned baseball professional with a rich background as both a player and coach. A four-year letterman in baseball and football at Auburn High School, he went on to play Division 1 baseball at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2013 before transferring to Franklin Pierce University for his senior year in 2017, where he served as team captain for their Division 2 baseball program.
During his collegiate summers, Tower excelled in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL), earning multiple accolades:
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Home Run Derby Single Game Record Holder (17)
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2015 All-FCBL First Team
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2015 FCBL Championship Series MVP
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2017 All-FCBL First Team
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2017 MVP of the Futures League (leading the league with a .316 AVG, 12 doubles, 18 home runs, and 50 RBIs).
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In addition to these honors, he ranks first in FCBL career home runs (44), runs (113), and extra-base hits (86), and remains the only player in league history to win both the FCBL Championship MVP and league MVP awards.
After completing his collegiate career, Tower played semi-professional baseball in the Empire League with the New Hampshire Wild. He then transitioned into coaching, starting with the University of New Haven (Division 2, NE-10 Conference), where he worked with hitters, outfielders, and corner infielders.
Currently, Tower is dedicated to developing the next generation of players as a coach for Wow Factor East Coast. In just three years, he has successfully guided 20 players into college baseball programs, continuing to share his passion for the sport and deep understanding of the game.
Kyle Bruno
Wow Factor Coach
Kyle Bruno brings a lifelong passion for baseball and a proven track record of success in both playing and coaching youth athletes. A product of Connecticut’s competitive baseball scene, Kyle’s playing career began in AAU, where he competed with top-tier programs including the CT Raiders (2004), Milford Warriors (2005–2006), CT Dynasty (2006–2010), and CT Xplosion (2010–2011).
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Transitioning into coaching, Kyle quickly established himself as a strong leader and teacher of the game. As a Junior Major League Head Coach, he led his teams through multiple undefeated seasons and league championships, building a culture of discipline, teamwork, and consistent player development.
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Kyle has also made a significant impact on the tournament circuit, serving as the Head Coach for the Milford Cal Ripken 8U team in the 2024 Regional Tournament, where his team earned a Final 4 finish. He continues to lead highly competitive teams as the Milford tournament team head coach, guiding multiple squads to championship titles. Looking ahead, he will serve as a 2025 9U State Tournament Coach for Milford, further solidifying his role as a cornerstone in Connecticut youth baseball.
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With a focus on developing fundamentals, teaching the game the right way, and fostering a love for baseball at an early age, Kyle Bruno is a key part of the WOW Factor East Coast mission to build strong players and even stronger teams from the ground up.
Blake Benway
Wow Factor Coach
Blake Benway brings energy, collegiate playing experience, and a passion for development to the WOW Factor East Coast coaching staff. A Fairfield, Connecticut native and graduate of Fairfield Ludlowe High School, Blake continued his academic and athletic career at the collegiate level, competing as an outfielder while pursuing a degree in Sports Communication.
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Throughout his college career, Blake appeared in 70 games with 59 starts, collecting 48 hits, 31 RBIs, and maintaining a .239 career batting average. Known for his consistency, plate discipline, and outfield versatility, Blake posted a .331 career on-base percentage and contributed in key roles across multiple seasons. His strongest year came in 2024, when he hit .259 with 22 hits, 13 walks, and a .356 OBP, showing growth as a reliable offensive presence.
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Standing at 5'10" and batting right-handed, Blake developed a strong understanding of approach, mental toughness, and the demands of the game at a high level. Now, as a coach, he brings that same mindset to developing young athletes—focusing on outfield play, hitting fundamentals, and helping players grow both physically and mentally.
Blake’s combination of competitive experience, communication skills, and player-first approach makes him a valuable mentor and instructor within the WOW Factor East Coast program.
Eric August
Wow Factor Coach
Coach Eric August brings over 15 years of elite-level coaching experience to Wow Factor East Coast, specializing in the development of pitchers through individualized instruction and a deep understanding of pitching mechanics, fundamentals, and strategy.
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His coaching career spans successful tenures at multiple high school programs across Connecticut, including:
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Joel Barlow High School (2004–2009) – Pitching Coach
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Trumbull High School (2010–2015) – Pitching Coach
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2012 FCIAC Champions
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2012 Class LL State Semi-Finalists
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2013 & 2014 FCIAC Runner-Ups
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Fairfield Ludlowe High School (2016–2018) – Pitching Coach
In addition to his high school coaching resume, Coach August served as a long-time pitching coach for the Connecticut Blue Jays AAU Travel Program (2003–2018). He played a key role in guiding the 2015 15U team to a Louisville Slugger AAU National Championship.
Eric’s commitment to individualized player development and his extensive experience at the high school and travel levels make him a valuable asset to the Wow Factor East Coast staff and a trusted mentor for aspiring pitchers.
Rob Farruggio
Wow Factor Coach
A standout multi-sport athlete from Fairfield Ludlowe High School, Rob signed to play both baseball and football at the collegiate level, ultimately making his mark on the diamond at Sacred Heart University.
During his career at Sacred Heart, Rob was a consistent contributor over 135 games, compiling a .276 career batting average with 126 hits, 99 RBIs, and 13 home runs. Known for his clutch hitting and competitive edge, he earned numerous accolades, including:
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All-NEC First Team (2021)
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3x NEC Academic Honor Roll (2021–2023)
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3x NEC Prime Performer (May 10, 2022; May 17, 2022; April 18, 2023)
Rob’s on-field highlights include multiple 3-hit games, a 4-run performance vs. FDU, and three 4-RBI games, showcasing his ability to impact games at a high level. He made his collegiate debut in 2021 and hit his first home run on March 30, 2021, against LIU.
With a deep understanding of hitting mechanics, game preparation, and player mindset, Rob now focuses on developing the next generation of athletes. His dedication to the game and experience at the collegiate level make him a key resource for young players striving to improve their performance and reach their full potential.
Gus Constantino
Owner of Bottom 9 Sports Academy
Driven by a deep love for the game, I founded Bottom 9 Sports Academy to give aspiring athletes the opportunity to chase their baseball dreams—just like I did. Growing up, I was often told that playing professional baseball wasn’t realistic. But thanks to the support of my family and a few key mentors, I chose to ignore the doubters and pursue my passion.
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After graduating from Oxford High School, I earned a scholarship to play at County College of Morris before transferring to Western Connecticut State University to complete my collegiate career. Following college, I continued to chase the game professionally, playing in the Arizona Winter League where I hit .330 and earned a contract with the USPBL in 2016. That same year, I returned to Arizona to play in the Desert League of Professional Baseball.
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In 2017, I signed with the Thoroughbred Professional Baseball League in Kentucky, and after a strong season, accepted another contract to play with the New Hampshire Wild in the Empire League. My professional journey also took me internationally, with opportunities to play in both Mexico and Puerto Rico.
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Since 2016, I’ve served as a high school coach, sharing my experience and passion for development with the next generation of players. From winning national championships to competing across the country and around the world, my journey has come full circle. Today, my mission is to inspire, train, and guide athletes of all ages through Bottom 9 Sports Academy, helping them reach their potential with a committed and knowledgeable team behind them.
Apply Today
Interested in joining a high-level, player-focused baseball program? Wow Factor East Coast is always looking for passionate, knowledgeable, and driven coaches who are committed to developing athletes the right way. If you have experience, a strong work ethic, and a desire to make a real impact both on and off the field, we encourage you to apply today. Join a staff that values professionalism, teamwork, and continuous growth—help shape the next generation of talent while advancing your own coaching career.