Ryan Wardinsky

Director of Player Development and Operations

Ryan grew up in Kalispell and attended Flathead High School, where he played both basketball and baseball. After being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 1998, he spent one season at Walla Walla Community College before transferring to Texas A&M University. A three-year starting infielder for the Aggies, Ryan was drafted again and signed with the Philadelphia Phillies organization, advancing to High-A before returning to Texas A&M to earn a Master's degree in Sport Management.

Ryan then embarked on a 20-year scouting career with the Miami Marlins, serving in several leadership roles, including Central U.S. Scouting Supervisor, where he oversaw scouting operations across 16 states. During his tenure, he evaluated, drafted, and signed three first-round selections and 14 future Major League players. He was also recognized as the recipient of the Marlins Scout of the Year Award.

In recent years, Ryan has become actively involved in youth softball, as well. His background provides a unique perspective that translates across both baseball and softball. He currently serves as a contributing writer for Line Drive Media, a national softball platform, where he covers a variety of topics.

Ryan currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas, with his wife, Jodi, and their two daughters. Jodi, a Flathead High graduate, earned 10 athletic letters before continuing her volleyball career at Carroll College. Their daughters attend The John Cooper School in The Woodlands. Emma (16) participates in basketball, softball, and track, while Paige (14) competes in volleyball, track, and softball and was recently ranked the No. 5 player nationally in the Class of 2030.

Ryan is excited to serve as Director of Player Development & Operations for the Kalispell Sluggers Academy, where he will utilize his extensive playing, scouting, and leadership experience, along with his understanding of player development, analytics, recruiting, and his nationwide network of professional and collegiate contacts, to help athletes and families navigate their development and achieve their goals.