coach mark downey

 Coach Mark Downey comes to the NTX Kings after playing at Penn State University - Wilkes Barre (USCAA/D3) as a Player Coach. He was the starting catcher, developed exercise programs and did statistical analysis for all players. He was the recipient of the 2023 Leroy Pops Coaches Award. 

 Mark's high school career was at Westwood High School (Austin, TX) under Coaches Casey Carter (Baylor, Texas State) and Joey Hart (UT, Lubbock Christian, three time draftee). Coach Hart recognized Downey’s aptitude for catching, and made it his primary position coach.  Unfortunately,  his high school career was hampered by injuries, including an ankle ligament injury at the end of his freshman year that threatened his ability to walk normally: he persevered through rehab so that he could continue to play the game. He has been a utility player throughout his playing career and is comfortable coaching most positions.