Leesburg Lightning Reveal 2026 Staff

With the 2026 Florida Collegiate Summer League season approaching, the Leesburg Lightning coaching staff and internship team have been working hard in preparation for another exciting summer of baseball at Pat Thomas Stadium.

Head Coach: Rich Billings

Rich Billings returns for his 12th season as head coach of the Leesburg Lightning. One of the most accomplished coaches in the Florida Collegiate Summer League, Billings has compiled a 233-156-1 overall record with the Lightning, including 21 postseason victories. His teams have consistently been among the league's best, highlighted by a league-record 14-game winning streak during the 2018 season.

Billings was named FCSL Coach of the Year in 2021, 2023, and 2024 while continuing to establish the Lightning as one of the league's premier programs. In addition to his success in Leesburg, Billings serves as the head coach at Lake-Sumter State College, where he has built one of the top junior college baseball programs in Florida.

Prior to returning to Lake-Sumter State College in 2015, Billings spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Florida Atlantic University, helping lead the Owls to a 2013 Sun Belt Conference championship and NCAA Regional appearance. During his coaching career, he has helped send more than 100 players to four-year schools and has coached multiple professional players.

A former player at Lake-Sumter State College and East Tennessee State University, Billings has become one of the most respected coaches in the region through his success on the field and his involvement in coaching clinics across the country.

Assistant Coach: Rich Billings Sr.

Rich Billings Sr. returns to the Lightning for an eighth consecutive season. Working alongside his son, head coach Rich Billings, has provided a unique and rewarding opportunity to help mentor and develop collegiate players throughout the summer.

Billings played collegiate baseball as a middle infielder at Seminole State College from 1977 to 1979 under legendary coach Jack Pantelias before continuing his playing career at Rollins College from 1979 to 1981. The experiences and lessons gained from both respected programs helped shape his lifelong love for the game.

In addition to his role with the Lightning, Billings also volunteers as an assistant coach at Lake-Sumter State College and remains heavily involved in the local community through several leadership and charitable organizations.

Assistant Coach: Ramses Cordova

Ramses Cordova joins the Leesburg Lightning coaching staff for the 2026 season, bringing both collegiate and summer league playing experience to the organization. During his collegiate career, Cordova played at Winthrop University, Bethune-Cookman University, and UNC Pembroke, appearing in 149 career games while totaling 132 hits, 88 RBIs, and 12 home runs.

Cordova also has previous Florida Collegiate Summer League experience as a player with the Leesburg Lightning in 2022. His familiarity with the organization and passion for player development will make him a valuable addition to the coaching staff throughout the summer season.

Team President: Tyler Brandeburg

Tyler Brandeburg serves as team president for the Leesburg Lightning and continues to play a major role in the organization's success both on and off the field. A longtime member of the Lightning family, Brandeburg has helped carry on the legacy established by his father, John Brandeburg, who was instrumental in building the franchise into one of the Florida Collegiate Summer League's premier organizations.

Brandeburg remains heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of the Lightning while helping maintain the team's strong connection to the Leesburg community and the tradition of summer baseball at Pat Thomas Stadium. His leadership and dedication continue to help provide players and fans with a spectacular experience throughout the FCSL season.

Interns
Team Operations: Brock MacArthur

Brock MacArthur is a sports management and political science major at Florida International University and is from Hobe Sound, Florida. MacArthur brings valuable professional baseball experience to the Leesburg Lightning after previously working with the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Single-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, and the Palm Beach Cardinals, the Single-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. His background in professional baseball operations and passion for the game will help support the Lightning throughout the 2026 season.

Team Operations: Mittie O'Brien

Mittie O'Brien is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Applied Science in Leadership at Lake-Sumter State College and is from Umatilla, Florida. As part of the Lightning's team operations staff, O'Brien will help support the organization throughout the 2026 season by assisting with various behind-the-scenes responsibilities. She is excited for the opportunity to be involved with the Florida Collegiate Summer League and contribute to the atmosphere and success of Lightning baseball this summer.

Team Operations: Dominic Pittman

Dominic Pittman is a sports management major at the University of Florida and is from The Villages, Florida. Pittman serves in a team operations role for the 2026 season, where he will assist with day-to-day logistics, game-day preparation, and behind-the-scenes responsibilities throughout the summer. His passion for sports and organizational leadership will help contribute to a successful season for the Lightning both on and off the field.

Team Operations: Kat Vanderbilt

Kat Vanderbilt is from Leesburg, Florida, and will attend Southern New Hampshire University this fall, majoring in business administration. Vanderbilt has been with the Lightning since 2023 and has continued to play an important role behind the scenes throughout each summer season. Her familiarity with the organization, dedication, and passion for supporting Lightning baseball have contributed to the team's success and game-day experience for players and fans alike.

Team Operations: Christian Hwang

Christian Hwang attends The First Academy in his hometown of Leesburg. Hwang is entering his second season with the Lightning organization. As part of the team operations staff, he will help support the team throughout the summer by assisting with team needs, maintaining a professional atmosphere around the organization, and contributing to another exciting season of Lightning baseball.

Social Media: Kylie Bryan

Kylie Bryan is a marketing major at the University of Florida and is from Leesburg, Florida. Bryan looks forward to keeping fans connected throughout the season by creating engaging content, sharing updates, and showcasing the personalities and stories surrounding the team across all social media platforms. Her creativity and passion for sports media will help bring the Lightning experience to fans all summer long.

Communications: Adam Rothschild

Adam Rothschild is a sports media major at Susquehanna University pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, and he is from Morganville, New Jersey. For the past three years, he has had the opportunity to provide play-by-play and color commentary for numerous Division III sports at Susquehanna. He is excited to bring his skills and talent to the Florida Collegiate Summer League and looks forward to a spectacular summer calling games for the Leesburg Lightning.

Adam Rothschild (Susquehanna University)