Bio

Now in his 4th year as Head Coach at Penn State Fayette, Encapera has already made a significant impact at Penn State Fayette. He has led the team to back-to-back PSUAC Playoff Appearances and doubled the team's win total in his first two seasons. The 2022 season saw an impressive 8-game winning streak and a 3rd place finish. In 2023, his team's offensive prowess was evident as they averaged over 10 runs per game and ranked in the USCAA top ten in multiple offensive categories. Since 2021 4 players have been recognized as USCAA All Americans and 10 players have been awarded All PSUAC. The 2024 team was recognized as the first PSUAC team of the week in early March 2024.

Encapera's coaching philosophy emphasizes team chemistry, a blue-collar work ethic, and a team-first culture. He focuses on daily improvement and consistent effort, aiming to prepare his players for success both in baseball and in life. When recruiting for Fayette, Coach Encapera targets players who love the game of baseball and are committed to winning with discipline, organization and attitude. He welcomes players from local backgrounds and players from all over the United States and the World. Outside of baseball, Encapera is married to Gina (Rendina), a Penn State Political Science graduate. They are the proud parents of a newborn son, Franco, and reside in Pittsburgh, PA.

In recognition of his contributions to athletics, Encapera was inducted into the California Area Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023, cementing his legacy in the sport he has dedicated his life to.

Encapera grew up with a passion for sports, particularly baseball. As a student at California Area High School, he distinguished himself as a versatile three-sport athlete, excelling in baseball, football, and basketball. His talent on the baseball diamond was especially notable, where he was a 4-year starter and earned all-Section selections three times as both a first baseman and pitcher. In 1997, Encapera's skills were recognized when he was named the Herald Standard Class A/AA Player of the Year.

After high school, Encapera's baseball journey continued at the collegiate level. He began at Bluefield State College in 1998 as a corner infielder and pitcher. He then transferred to California University of Pennsylvania, where he played from 1999 to 2001 as a relief pitcher and catcher for Coach Mike Conte. Encapera's transition from player to coach began in 2002, when he served as a Student Assistant at California University of PA, marking the beginning of his coaching career. He would later return to Cal U as a Graduate Assistant in 2005, 2006, and 2013, further developing his coaching skills.

While pursuing his coaching aspirations, Encapera also focused on his education and teaching career. He earned three degrees from California University of PA:

1. B.A. in Secondary Education Social Studies (2002)

2. M.A. in Geography and Regional Planning (2006)

3. K-12 Principal Certification (2021)

His teaching career began in West Palm Beach, FL, in 2002. Since 2004, he has been a teacher at East Allegheny School District in North Versailles, PA, balancing his passion for education with his love for coaching.

Encapera's coaching experience spans both high school and college levels. At the high school level, he served as:

- Head Baseball Coach at East Allegheny HS for 5 years

- JV Baseball Coach at Uniontown HS for 3 years

- Head Basketball Coach at East Allegheny HS for 5 years

- Assistant Basketball Coach at Charleroi HS for 9 years

- Assistant Basketball Coach at Pahokee HS, Florida for 2 seasons

His college coaching career includes stints as a Pitching Coach at PSU Greater Allegheny in 2018, and Assistant Coach at PSU Fayette in 2019 before landing his current position as Head Coach of the Penn State Fayette Nittany Lions in 2020.

Encapera's involvement in baseball extends beyond the college season. He has been a player and manager in the Fayette County League since 1995 and currently serves as the League President. His team, Mitch's Bail Bonds, has made 4 FCBL Finals appearances under his leadership, winning the championship in 2015. His contributions to the league have been recognized with the Vince Zapotosky "Mr Baseball" Award in 2020 and 2024. He also conducts camps and owns the Coach Encapera Baseball Camps designated to teach and develop skills for young players and help older players transition to high school and get recruited to college baseball. Since 2014 he has also been a Coach and Instructor for Team All American in Trafford, PA coaching summer teams and guiding numerous athletes to college baseball.