Testimonials

See What They Said About Us

College Coaches Testimonials

Mark Sergio

Head Coach

“I truly feel what Coach Rob is doing with the LI Heat is excellent and he is doing this for all the right reasons. Not only is he a good coach, he is a good person.”

Sally Miller

Head Coach

“Coach Rob Aplin is a person with integrity, honesty and loyalty to his players. His honesty to me as a college coach is what I respect in him most. I enjoy watching his teams compete because I know I will watch a group of players compete, not just “play.” There are a few things that I think separate travel programs and I think Rob sets his program apart because he genuinely puts the players first. If I lived close to LI, I wouldn’t hesitate to have my daughter play in his program.”

Molly O’Donnell

Head Coach

“Coach Aplin exemplifies the ideal relationship between a travel ball and college coach. He advocates for his players while being realistic about their talent and abilities. Rob wants to find the right fit for each of his players while understanding the demands and expectations unique to each college program he gets to know and communicates with.”

Samantha Howe

Athletic Director

“Coach Rob understands the importance aligning each player’s skills, goals, and aspirations with the best possible path forward. I always look forward to getting to some LI Heat games over the recruiting season because I know the athletes are going to be not only talented, but also well rounded young athletes looking to play and succeed at the next level. ”

Carla Campagna

Head Coach

“Coach Rob has been a great coach over the years and has guided many athletes to the next level. He is personable, honest and understands what it takes to guide athletes to the right athletic and academic fit when they approach the collegiate level.”

Tony Ciccarello

Head Coach

“Rob Aplin is straight forward about his players. The coaches know we won’t be told information that isn’t true. His players are coached and they work on the mental, SBIQ, as well as the physical aspects of the game.”

Susan Cassidy

Head Coach

“Coach Rob has been involved in fastpitch softball for an extremely long time. He’s honest with his collegiate coaches on the capabilities of his players and works hard to match them to the right program that will fit them both academically and athletically.”

Krysti Maronski

Head Coach

“Coach Rob Aplin has been a great resource for myself and our program in recommending high quality student athletes to us. He is a great guy and communicator who has always been open and honest with conversations about his athletes who are interested in our program and their potential for success here at New Paltz. I am grateful for the relationship we have with Coach Rob and the Heat organization.”

Glenn Moore

Head Coach

“Coach Rob teaches his athletes to play the game the right way. He brings the best out in his athletes by creating an enjoyable and educational environment.

Claudia Stabile

Head Coach

“Rob Aplin is an accomplished coach who helps his athletes mature on and off the field. He has guided many players through the recruiting process so they have a better opportunity of attending a school where they can flourish as a student-athlete. He speaks about his players with honesty and integrity which makes him a great asset to everyone involved.”

Samantha Van Dorn

Former Head Coach

“Coach Rob has been coaching up his athletes for many years now. It has been a pleasure seeing the Heat organization grow throughout the years. He has been a great resource to not only myself, but many coaches across all levels. Great coach, even better human!”

David Sylvester

Head Coach

“Coach Rob has a wealth of knowledge of the game, his players and their academics. I can always count on his players to be well coached and understand the game. He has a great handle not only in their athletic talent but also what his players are looking academically in a college. I enjoy coming to watch and recruiting his players. I know when I speak to Rob he has their best interest in mind and knows which players are a great fit for my college.”

Alumni Testimonials

Jill Shelbourne

SUNY New Paltz

"I had the privilege of playing for Coach Rob Aplin at the Long Island Heat for 3 years, and it was some of the best years of my softball career. Coach Rob has helped shape me into the person, player, and now coach that I am. Coach Rob was always there teaching and supporting me so I was able to reach my fullest potential on the field during my travel career, which led me to a successful collegiate career. I will always be grateful for Coach Rob and the Long Island Heat for helping me become the best player I could be."

Gabriella Zarcone

Lemoyne University

“Coach Rob Aplin is a person with integrity, honesty and loyalty to his players. His honesty to me as a college coach is what I respect in him most. I enjoy watching his teams compete because I know I will watch a group of players compete, not just “play.” There are a few things that I think separate travel programs and I think Rob sets his program apart because he genuinely puts the players first. If I lived close to LI, I wouldn’t hesitate to have my daughter play in his program.”

Taylor Freudenberg

College of New Jersey

“Through Long Island Heat, I gained more than just teammate, I gained a family. Coaches Stefanie and Rob Aplin weren’t just coaches to me; they were mentors and supporters who have been there through every stage of my journey. Their guidance and care have shaped who I am today, both as an athlete and as a person. From preparing me for college with valuable lessons on discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, to still being people I can count on today, their impact has been lasting. The connections I’ve built through the Heat have extended far beyond the field, and I’ll forever be grateful for the unwavering support and love they’ve shown me. They helped me find a family in softball, one that continues to be there for me, no matter where life takes me.”

Kim Ehman

"The Long Island Heat was a blessing in disguise. I came to The Heat for my final year of travel softball and little did I know it would be the best decision I ever made. The entire coaching staff shaped me into becoming the person, player, and coach I am today. I will forever be grateful for my journey with The Heat and the lessons I learned along the way. Without this organization, I would have never made my dream of playing college softball come true.”

Michaela Manger

Mount St. Mary’s

“Playing for LI Heat was truly one of the best experiences. It shaped me to who I am as a player. I learned the most valuable information about softball here. Thanks to all of my coaches help, I achieved my lifelong goal of playing softball in college. Not only did I grow as a player, but I also gained lifelong friendships that I will always cherish. The supportive and encouraging environment helped shape me into the athlete and person I am today. The incredible coaching staff went above and beyond to push me to be my best, both on and off the field. Their dedication, knowledge, and belief in me played a huge role in getting me to the collegiate level. The LI Heat isn’t just a team, it’s a family, and I’m forever grateful to have been a part of it.”

Sarah Murphy

St. Joseph's University

"Through Long Island Heat, I have gained amazing teammates and coaches. Coach Rob, Coach Heather, Coach Jill, and Coach Stef have all impacted my life more than they think. They have supported me through every step of my journey. Their guidance and advice have shaped who I am today, both as an athlete and a person. They’ve known me since I was a little 12 year old to now, a freshman in college, teaching me valuable lessons as a player but also a coach. They’ve shown me to persevere and key components to guiding a team which is what I now emphasize to the girls I coach. I will always be grateful for Long Island Heat for all they have taught, helped, and continue to teach me!"

Kristen Tellier

"After many years of playing ball, I got to be a part of the Long Island Heat. To say they changed the way I thought about the game is an understatement. I had a whole new drive for the game because of my devoted and trusting coaches. They all pushed me to be the aggressive, deserving, and confident softball player I am today, and I credit the coaches for bringing back my love of the game. Without them, I wouldn’t be continuing softball in my college career, and this choice has given me many friends and much determination. I thank the Heat family for letting me in and calling me their own, and I will always remember all they’ve done for me."