Coach Jay Spooner

Jay Spooner brings over a decade of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for baseball to the NEA Wildcats program. A two-year varsity starter in high school and three-year collegiate player at the Division II level, Jay understands the game from both a player’s and coach’s perspective—and he brings that insight to every practice and game.

Since 2009, Jay has coached players at every level of youth baseball, from town rec leagues and summer travel teams to club baseball in the EBL and PG leagues. He has also spent nearly a decade coaching Junior and Senior Legion baseball. With certifications in Cal Ripken Coaching, CPR, and First Aid, as well as participation in numerous youth and high school coaching clinics, Jay is dedicated to continued learning and development—both for himself and the athletes he mentors.

Jay’s coaching philosophy centers on teaching strong fundamentals, encouraging a growth mindset, and fostering character development. “My goal is to give players the tools to become the best athletes and teammates they can be,” he says, “while also helping them grow into confident, resilient, and respectful young adults.” He believes every player learns and develops at their own pace, and he tailors his approach to meet each athlete’s individual journey—using both hands-on instruction and storytelling to connect lessons from the field to life.

For Jay, the most rewarding moments in coaching come from witnessing a player’s growth—on and off the field. He is proud to be part of their development as ballplayers and people.

In addition to his role with NEA, Jay serves as a New Hampshire Cal Ripken Baseball Commissioner. Off the field, he enjoys golfing, fishing, skiing, and spending time with family and friends.