Who we are
Kai Hori | Co-Founder
Kai Hori’s baseball journey began at a young age and quickly became a passion that shaped who he is today. He played at Los Gatos High School, where, as an undersized player, he learned early that success in baseball isn’t determined by size alone. Skill, preparation, baseball IQ, competitiveness, and the way you carry yourself can separate you from everyone else.
Through hard work and perseverance, Kai earned the opportunity to play Division I baseball at LSU New Orleans. His playing career was ultimately cut short by injury, but his love for the game never went away. Instead, it gave him a new purpose: helping the next generation of athletes pursue opportunities at the next level.
After graduating with a Bachelors of Science, Kai continues to be involved in player development as the Head Coach of JV Baseball at Leigh High School and a coach with Cutting Edge Baseball. Working with athletes at different stages of their development has given him an even greater understanding of what separates players—not only physically, but through their preparation, mindset, coachability, and character.
Kai understands firsthand how challenging the recruiting process can be, especially for athletes who may be overlooked or don’t fit the traditional mold. He believes talented players deserve someone in their corner who understands the game, knows what coaches are looking for, and can help them put themselves in the best position to succeed.
Above all, Kai values athletes who are level-headed, driven, coachable, and good people. He co-founded KJ Athlete Advancement to advocate for those athletes, help them navigate the recruiting process, and create opportunities for them to continue playing the game they love at the next level.
About KJ Athlete Advancement
KJ Athlete Advancement was built to give baseball and softball players a clear path through the recruiting process. We help athletes and their families understand where they stand, identify the right opportunities, and take the necessary steps to compete at the next level.
From building a strong player profile and identifying the right schools to communicating with coaches, planning showcases, and navigating the recruiting timeline, we provide honest guidance and a personalized strategy for every athlete.
With three levels of support, our services meet athletes wherever they are in their recruiting journey—from those just getting started to players seeking complete college placement support.
Our goal is simple: put the right athletes in front of the right programs and give them the tools, guidance, and support to earn their opportunity.
Justin oliver | Co-Founder
Justin Oliver brings more than 20 years of experience in baseball and softball as a player, coach, scout, advisor, and mentor. Throughout his career, he has developed a strong understanding of what it takes for student-athletes to reach the next level and, just as importantly, how to help families navigate the college recruiting process.
A 2002 graduate of Saratoga High School, Justin continued his baseball career at San Jose City College from 2003–2004. His performance at the junior college level earned him a scholarship to play NCAA Division II baseball at the University of Mary, where he competed from 2005–2006.
Justin began his high school coaching career in 2007 at St. Lawrence Academy. Since then, his coaching journey has included stops at Saratoga High School, Leigh High School, Los Gatos High School, West Valley College, and Bismarck State College. He currently serves as the Head Varsity Softball Coach at Leigh High School, a position he has held for the past four years.
In 2007, Justin also signed a contract with a Major League Baseball organization to serve as an associate scout, a role he held for three years. His experience in professional scouting provided valuable insight into player evaluation while allowing him to build lasting relationships with college coaches and baseball programs across the country.
Most recently, Justin worked with the Bismarck Larks as an outside advisor to the Head Coach and General Manager while also serving as the organization’s Head of West Coast Scouting. This role allowed him to continue evaluating talent, advising at a high level, and expanding his network throughout college and professional baseball.
Throughout his coaching and scouting career, Justin has helped numerous student-athletes achieve their goal of playing at the collegiate level. Players he has worked with have gone on to programs including Stanford University, the University of Hawai‘i, Cal State Fullerton, Gonzaga University, Washington State University, the University of New Orleans, Chapman University, and many others.
Justin’s approach to college advancement goes beyond simply helping athletes get noticed. He believes every athlete and family deserves an honest evaluation, a clear plan, and someone in their corner who understands the process. His goal is to help student-athletes identify the right opportunities, communicate effectively with college coaches, and ultimately find a school where they can succeed both academically and athletically.