Meet Our Team

Director of Player Development - Drake Angeron is a former professional baseball player, collegiate All-Conference performer, Gold Glove recipient, international hitting coach, and current Head Baseball Coach at John Melvin Christian College. At the John Melvin Institute of Sports Science (JMiSS), Drake brings extensive playing and coaching experience to the development of athletes seeking to improve their performance and compete at the next level.

Baseball Performance & Pitching Specialist | Former Minor League Pitcher

Pete Della Ratta brings firsthand professional baseball experience and a passion for athlete development to the John Melvin Institute of Sports Science (JMiSS).

As a former Minor League pitcher, Pete understands the demands of competing at the professional level and the preparation required to develop as a high-level baseball player. His experience on the mound provides valuable insight into pitching mechanics, throwing development, command, velocity, preparation, and the mental demands of competitive baseball.

Fitness & Wellness Specialist | ACSM Certified Personal Trainer

Jean Melvin brings a unique combination of advanced nursing expertise, fitness leadership, athletic training, and a lifelong commitment to health and wellness to the John Melvin Institute of Sports Science (JMiSS).

As the sister of the late John Melvin, Jean is deeply connected to the mission and legacy that inspire the John Melvin University System. Her professional background in healthcare, combined with years of experience in fitness and athletic training, provides a valuable perspective on helping individuals become stronger, healthier, and more confident.

Education:
• M.S. in Nursing - LSU Health Science Center
• B.S. in Nursing - Nicholls State University
Certifications:
• Anesthesia Certification - LSU Health Science Center
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Personal Training Certification.

Director of College Placement, Sports Science, & Sports Psychology

Coach David Angeron is the Founder and Director of the John Melvin Institute of Sports Science (JMiSS), bringing decades of experience in kinesiology, sports performance, professional baseball coaching, scouting, athlete development, and Christian education to the JMiSS mission.

With a multidisciplinary background in Kinesiology, Healthcare Management, sports science, coaching, professional scouting, and athlete development, Coach Angeron has built his career around understanding what makes athletes perform at their highest level—and helping them develop the physical, mental, technical, and character traits necessary to reach that level.

Director of Scouting and Development - James Gamble is a visionary leader in the world of scouting, player development, and global
baseball operations. As the founder of the Global Scouting Bureau (GSB) and the United
Baseball Organization (UBO), James has spent more than two decades identifying,
developing, and elevating talent across every corner of the baseball world. His work has
expanded opportunities for thousands of athletes while shaping the modern landscape of
international scouting.