Ezell-Harding Tabs Neil Uskali as new Head Baseball Coach

Antioch, TN - July 9, 2026 - Ezell-Harding Christian School is proud to announce the hiring of Neil Uskali as the new Head Baseball Coach. Coach Uskali brings a strong background in collegiate and professional baseball, along with a passion for player development to his role as Head Baseball Coach at Ezell-Harding Christian School. A former Division I student-athlete, Coach Uskali was a starting pitcher at the University of Hawaiʻi after beginning his collegiate career at Cuesta College in California.

Originally from Westlake Village, California, Coach Uskali played four years of high school football as a quarterback before transitioning fully to baseball during his senior year. After developing as a pitcher at Cuesta College, he put together an outstanding sophomore campaign, helping lead Cuesta to the 2016 Western State Conference (WSC) North title. That season, he earned first-team All-WSC honors while posting a 2.63 ERA over 12 appearances (10 starts), recording 82 strikeouts with only seven walks across 75 innings pitched, including three complete games and two shutouts. He was also named Cuesta College Athlete of the Month in April 2016 after going 4–0 on the mound with a 1.04 ERA across 33 innings, recording double-digit strikeouts in each start. His performance ultimately led to a full scholarship to the University of Hawaiʻi.

During his senior season at Hawaiʻi, Coach Uskali suffered a pitching elbow injury that required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the year. The experience became a defining moment in his career, shaping his understanding of the physical, mental, and emotional demands placed on athletes, as well as the importance of proper development, preparation, and resilience.

After earning his degree, Uskali continued his playing career professionally, pitching for four seasons in Independent Baseball within the Atlantic League. Competing at the professional level further refined his approach to training, routine, accountability, and leadership.

Following his playing career, Uskali transitioned into coaching and instruction, working closely with athletes across the Nashville area on skill development, athletic movement, and baseball IQ. His coaching philosophy emphasizes long-term development, discipline, and building confident, well-rounded athletes.

“Once Coach Steve Billiot informed us that he was stepping away to focus on family, we knew we needed to make a big move to continue pushing our baseball program in the right direction and I am excited to have Coach Uskali take over our baseball program,” says Athletic Director, Corry Stewart. “He brings knowledge, energy and a deep passion for player development. He will be a great addition to our community and can't wait to see what he does with our baseball program moving forward.” "As head coach, I will be committed to building a baseball program rooted in character, faith, and excellence", says Coach Uskali. "My goal is to develop young men who compete with purpose, represent their school with integrity, and are prepared for success beyond the game."