The UFA Thunder was established in 2017.  We are embarking on our inaugural season in 2018.  The purpose in our organization is to provide to girl softball players the same opportunities and facilities for development that is enjoyed by so many baseball players in Omaha. 

The Ultimate Fastpitch Academy (UFA) is a division of the Ultimate Baseball Academy (UBA), and is located at 4225 S 121 Plz in Omaha, NE. 

Our off-season development program this past fall has already forced others to try to offer similar programs.  We will continue to raise the bar and strive to be the best development program in the midwest! 

Our program is headed up by Todd Petersen, state champion high school softball coach at Papillion-La Vista High School. 

You can email Coach Petersen at thunder@ufanebraska.com

Luke Olson
Director of Player Development

• Papillion La-Vista Varsity Assistant Softball Coach 2013-Present
  •    2017 Class A State Champions
  •    2013, 2015, 2016 Class A State Runner Up’s
• Papillion La-Vista Head JV Softball Coach 2015-Present
• UFA Thunder 16U Head Softball Coach 2017-Present
• Nebraska Quakes Assistant Softball Coach 2016-2017
• Papillion La-Vista High School Head Freshmen Coach 2014
• Papillion La-Vista High School Reserve Assistant Baseball Coach 2011-2013
• Ralston Summer 16U Head Baseball Coach 2007-2008
• Class A All State Honorable Mention 2006 and Team Captain (Ralston High School)

Dan Johnston
Director of Hitting & Mental Training

• Papillion-La Vista Varsity Assistant Softball Coach:  2017 – Present
  • 2017 Nebraska Class A State Champions
• Papillion-La Vista Juniors Head Baseball Coach:  2016 – Present
  • 2016 Nebraska State Legion Juniors Runner-Up
• Papillion-La Vista Varsity Assistant Baseball Coach:  2012 – 2015
• 2008 Nebraska Baseball Letter Winner
• Utility player for top 25-ranked and NCAA Regional host, The University of Nebraska at Lincoln, as a true freshman
• 2007 First-Team Super-State Infielder
• 2007 Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American by Collegiate Baseball
• 2006 Second-Team Super-State Infielder
• 2005 Honorable-Mention All-State Infielder
• Nine-time letter winner at Papillion-La Vista High School (2004-2007) – Baseball, Basketball, and Tennis

Melissa Negrete
Director of Pitching

• Former pitcher at UNO and Millard South High School
• All State in 2005 leading the team to their first softball state title
• NE Gatorade softball player of the year in 2005
• NCAA Region All-Tournament Team 2007 helping her team to advance to the Division II Women's College World Series
• NFCA "Girls Got Game" Scholar-Athlete Award 2009
• 2 time assistant coach for Millard South during State Championship seasons