BGP Instructors
At Big Game Performance, our instructors bring more than just experience—they bring a passion for developing players the right way. With backgrounds rooted in high-level competition and years of hands-on coaching, our team is committed to helping each athlete reach their full potential. Every instructor understands that no two players are the same, which is why training is tailored to individual strengths, weaknesses, and goals. From refining mechanics to building confidence and game awareness, our coaches create an environm
Alex Buccilli
Owner / Hitting & Outfield Instructor
Alex Buccilli- Owner/Hitting & Outfield Instruction
Alex is a dedicated baseball coach and player development specialist known for his work in building fundamentally strong, competitive athletes. With a deep passion for the game, Buccilli has spent years developing players’ skills both physically and mentally, emphasizing discipline, consistency, and high-level performance.
He is the founder of Big Game Performance (BGP), a training program focused on maximizing player potential through advanced instruction, game-like training environments, and a strong emphasis on baseball IQ. Buccilli has worked with athletes across multiple age levels, helping them improve & advancing them to the next level. His main focus is getting his players to succeed at the high school & college ranks.
In addition to coaching, Buccilli has experience managing teams and organizing structured training programs that prepare players for competitive play. He has spent over a decade coaching travel baseball for all age groups. His approach centers around creating a culture of accountability, toughness, and confidence—traits he believes are essential for success on and off the field.
Buccilli continues to expand his impact in the Myrtle Beach & surrounding areas through instruction & coaching expertise!
Playing Career:
High School: Franklin Regional (PA)
College(s): Frederick Community College & Coastal Carolina University
Professional: Washington Wildthings (PA)
Career at Frederick CC (2009–2010)
* .447 batting average (2010)
* .555 on-base percentage (2010)
* 89 hits, 79 runs, 48 walks (single-season school records)
* 22 doubles, 3 triples, 2 HR, 43 RBI
* One of the top JUCO hitters in the country
* Ranked Top 40 JUCO outfielders to watch
*Inducted into the FCC Hall of Fame in 2022
Coastal Carolina Career (2012–2013)
* .314 AVG / .426 OBP / .844 OPS
* 43 RBI (Top 10 in Big South)
* 35 walks vs. just 15 strikeouts
* Ranked among the hardest players in the NCAA to strike out
Emma Brennan
Softball Pitching Instructor
Emma Brennan- Softball Pitching Instructor
(845) 421-2981 or (843) 796-7500 to book!
Emma Brennan is a Hofstra University Grad & is from Otisville, New York. She attended Minisink Valley High School and majored in Exercise Physiology.
Emma has been giving softball pitching lessons for the past couple seasons in the area. We’re proud to announce she will be in Myrtle Beach full time. Emma is excited to work with all ages and all skill levels. She brings a big energy & passion. A great asset to our facility & the area!
Career Highlights:
* Two-time New York All-State selection in high school
* Helped Minisink Valley win a Section 9 championship
* Recorded 240+ strikeouts in high school
* Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete at Hofstra
* Made collegiate debut against nationally ranked Washington in 2023
Brendon
Dougherty
Brendan Dougherty – Infield Instructor
(270) 777-6575 or (843) 796-7500
Brendan Dougherty has been a student of the game for many years. From playing in a JUCO World Series, to a Top 10 program at Coastal Carolina, Dougherty has seen it all. His infield & baseball knowledge is second to none. Dougherty will be offering infield sessions weekly at BGP, specializing in high level elite infield mechanics & IQ. He is the owner of High Level Catch. He’s had the opportunity to coach multiple MLB players & future ones in the pipeline!
Brendan Dougherty is a former Chanticleer shortstop and longtime college baseball coach with deep ties to the program. He played for Coastal Carolina University from 1996–1997.
After college, Dougherty coached at Army and later returned to Coastal Carolina in 2005 as an assistant coach. He helped guide the Chanticleers through one of the most successful eras in program history, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and Super Regional runs.
* Helped Coastal Carolina reach five straight NCAA Tournaments
* Part of the staff during the program’s first Super Regional appearance in 2008
* Worked with several All-Conference and Freshman All-American players
*Also coached at Elon & Western Kentucky
Jeff Santa
Pitching Instrucdtor
Jeff Santa – Pitching Instructor
(843) 902-8119 or (843) 796-7500 to schedule!
We are excited to announce Coach Jeff Santa to our staff! Coach Santa has over 20 years of experience coaching travel baseball, youth league and high school level teams. He brings a professional approach to pitching & will help any young player reach their potential on the mound!
Career Highlights:
Born in Newark, OH
High School: Newark Wildcats
All Central Ohio First Team
Youngstown State Penguins
2 years (1993+1994)
Winthrop Eagles 2 years (1995+1996)
Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks
Santa earned recognition at Youngstown State University before transferring to Winthrop University.
Some of his notable Youngstown State pitching records and honors include:
• Recorded 13 strikeouts in a game in 1995, placing him among YSU’s notable single-game strikeout performances.
Named an Honorable Mention All-American in 1994 as a pitcher for Youngstown State.
Notable Winthrop records and stats for Santa include:
• 99 strikeouts in 1996 — one of the top single-season totals in school history
• 90 strikeouts in 1997
• 9–3 record with a 3.97 ERA in 1996 over 106.2 innings pitched
• Showed elite command (only 26 walks in 106+ innings)
• Strikeout rate was strong (~8.4 K/9)
• Four complete games and one shutout in 1996
• Ranked among Winthrop’s all-time leaders in batters faced with 459 in 1996
Praise
Thorsen
Praise Thorsen – Pitching Instructor
(917) 324-0761 or (843) 796-7500
We are excited to announce another great addition to our staff! Praise will be working with High School aged pitchers & specializes in Principal Based Player Development. Please contact him to set up your son for monthly training!
Praise Thorsen is originally from Myrtle Beach where he played at Myrtle Beach High School and was named Toast of the Coast Player of the Year in 2015. He went on to play college baseball at Lander University from 2016 to 2021 including a trip to the D2 World Series in 2016. After his playing career Praise worked at the Florida Baseball Armory where he learned under Randy Sullivan while training hundreds of collegiate to professional pitchers. He returned to Lander in 2022 as the pitching coach. From 2022 to 2025 he worked for Connected Performance providing remote training for athletes all the way up to the MLB
Address: 5317 SC90, Conway, SC 29536
Phone: 843-796-7500
Email: biggameperformance@yahoo.com