meet The U Team
Blake Trahan
- Founder/CEO
- Director of Baseball Development
- Head Developmental Coach
- Head Programmer
- Certified Human Foundations - Functional Patterns
- Husband and Father
Career:
- Kinder High School
- UL Ragin Cajun (3x All-American)
- Collegiate Team USA
- 3rd Round Pick 2015 MLB draft (Cincinnati Reds, 6 years)
- 2018 Rawlings Gold Glove Winner
- 2018 Big League Debut
- UL Ragin Cajun Baseball Hall of Fame
- Lacassine High School Head Baseball Coach
Neggeste Trahan
- Co Founder/CEO
- Manager
- Facility Organizer/Scheduler
Neggeste Trahan is an extraordinary woman who wears many hats. She is not only a dedicated mother to two beautiful children and the loving wife of Blake Trahan, but she also has a background in the military. Neggeste is a passionate entrepreneur with roots in the Middle East, where she discovered her love for business. After moving to the United States, she pursued her dream of starting her own business to provide for her family and fulfill her entrepreneurial aspirations.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Neggeste is a talented cook and has a keen eye for interior design. She brings her creativity and expertise to both her business endeavors and her personal life. Along with her role in the management of The U facility, where she oversees various departments and specializes in marketing, Neggeste is wholeheartedly dedicated to creating a professional and consumer-friendly environment.
Neggeste’s dynamic and multifaceted nature is a testament to her determination and passion for everything she does, making her an inspiring example of a successful businesswoman, military veteran, and loving family woman.
Roman
Roman was a standout at Haughton High School, earning All District honors and serving as team captain his senior year. He continued his career at the collegiate level, playing for Northwestern State, McLennan Community College, Tyler Junior College, and McNeese State University. He also competed in the Northwoods Summer League and was selected to the 2024 Texas New Mexico JUCO All Star Game.
In addition to his playing career, Roman has developed a strong passion for player development. He has worked closely with motor preference coaches and studied movement patterns to deepen his understanding of pitching mechanics and performance optimization. Beyond his own career, he has given back to the game by coaching younger players in his hometown and working with 2D Sports during the summer.
Justin
- Performance Coach
- Pitching Coach
- Assistant College Coach
- Hometown:
- Broussard, LA
Justin is a former 5A All-District utility player from Comeaux High School (Class of 2019) and brings a deep competitive background to The U. With 6 years of college baseball experience at the JUCO, Division I, and Division II levels, Justin has competed—and coached—at every level of the game.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, with a minor in Biomechanics and Physiology, equipping him with a strong understanding of how the body moves and performs at an elite level.
Before joining The U, Justin spent 5 years coaching performance and athletic development, and currently serves as an assistant coach at Western Texas College, a respected junior college program.
Mary
Mary brings a strong competitive and academic background to The U. She played high school softball at Bell City High School, where she earned multiple honors, including two-time All-State Utility Player, three-time All-District Third Baseman, and District MVP. Her success at the high school level highlighted her versatility, leadership, and consistency as a player.
She continued her softball career at Baton Rouge Community College, where she helped lead the team to its deepest conference run and most successful seasons in program history. During her collegiate career, Mary was recognized as a member of the All-Region Team and was selected to the State Academic Team both years, demonstrating excellence both athletically and academically.
Mary wants to bring a primary focus on offensive development. Her coaching philosophy centers on using the Reactive Swing Process to help structure decision making. She will emphasize a competitive mentality, work to help players build confidence, trust their swing, and develop a refined plan at the plate! She is passionate about empowering athletes to believe in themselves and compete with confidence.
Estefania
- Digital Marketer
Stef is a sophomore at Louisiana State University, studying Digital Marketing with a minor in Entrepreneurship.
Born in Colombia and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, she brings a blend of creativity, strategy and bilingual communication skills to her work.
As the Digital Marketer for The U Development, Stef plays a key role in shaping the brand’s online presence by crafting content and helping the team stay connected with the community.
Jhona
- Executive Assistant
Jhona is the Executive Assistant of The U, working alongside Nikki to oversee daily operations and ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Based overseas, she manages the back-end office and provides crucial support in administration, coordination, and execution of The U’s processes.
Jhona plays a key role in keeping the team organized and connected, helping the business operate efficiently no matter the distance.