VBA Newsletter October 24

Valor Baseball Academy - Growing Stronger Together!

Dear Valor Baseball Academy Families,

As we wrap up our 1st fall season, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our journey so far and share our exciting plans for the future.

Starting up...

Most of you have been with us from the very beginning, and you've witnessed firsthand the passion and dedication that fueled the creation of Valor Baseball Academy. Born from a lifelong love of baseball and a deep understanding of child development (gained from my 18 years in education, including 10 years as Executive Director of the Children's Academy of Hickory Flat), Valor Baseball Academy was built on the belief that every player needs to be inspired, believed in, and guided with structure and support. Our goal is to impact players by developing great character and mental fortitude.

We faced challenges early on. But, just like our players on the field, we persevered, cleared those obstacles, and emerged stronger. We're proud of the foundation we've built and the incredible community we've created together.

Why Valor?

The name "Valor" holds a powerful meaning: the strength of mind and spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness. It represents courage in the face of adversity, a quality we strive to instill in every player.

This resonates deeply with me. As a former firefighter. When others instinctively retreat from danger, those with valor confront it head-on, relying on their training and inner strength. Picture a burning building; it takes true valor to rush into the flames.

Life throws curveballs, both on and off the field. We all face challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. I've experienced this firsthand, both personally and as a father and husband watching my own children navigate difficult times. And as a parent, witnessing your child suffering for years where you can’t fix it or the Doctors, adds another layer of complexity – a feeling of powerlessness that can be incredibly tough to navigate.

The pressures and responsibilities of life can be daunting. At Valor, we aim to equip our players with the mental fortitude to face any obstacle. We want them to stand firm, to dig their toes in, and to swing with all their might and wisdom. Life may not always be paradise, but with valor, they can face the storms.

Valor is about mental fortitude and the ability to persevere when faced with setbacks. It's about believing in yourself even when others doubt you.

This is perfectly illustrated by a story Coach Pat and Coach Skylar shared with me. They were coaching a 16U "C" team that was playing up in a 17U tournament. They were about to face a 17u team. Sensing their players' apprehension, Pat and Skylar instilled in them a simple but powerful message: "Go out there and play with no fear!" The team embraced this mindset, defied expectations, and shocked everyone and beat the 11th ranked 17u team in the NATION!

What We've Accomplished

● A Field of Dreams: We brought back the field that my father built 27 years ago, investing significant time and resources to revitalize it with top-quality care and resources. Helped by Tru Green turf and truck loads of MVP Turface for our infield.

● Illuminating the Night: We permitted our lights and passed the county codes, and are currently upgrading them for even better visibility.

● Perfect Game Partnership: We established a valuable partnership with Perfect Game, providing our players with amazing opportunities and it directly benefits VBA.

● Coaching Powerhouse: Coach Pat & Coach Skylar are heading VBA operations as Directors of Operations! We have a dedicated coaching team with diverse expertise, including Matt Pierson, Bryan Owens, Ben Harris and Bradley Prince all committed to fostering a love for the game and driving player development.

● Facility Upgrades: We've enhanced our facilities. Improved fencing, seating, and landscaping, with plans for even more upgrades. Coach Pat and Skylar have plans to set up a VBA clean up day.

Looking Ahead

While we're proud of our accomplishments, we're even more excited about the future. Here's what's on the horizon:

● Permanent Cages: We're planning to build a pole barn to house permanent batting cages next year.

● Parking lot upgrade: We're working on leveling out the parking area and adding gravel or asphalt millings for a smoother experience.

● Real Bathrooms: We are in talks with someone to build real bathrooms and hoping to have them done before the end of this year.

● Continued Growth: We're committed to continuous improvement, reinvesting in our facilities, securing sponsorships, and exploring new ways to enhance the VBA experience.

A Special Thanks to Coach Pat & Skylar

We recognize that recent changes may have seemed like a hurdle, but with Pat and Skylar now fulfilling the role of Directors of operations this will promote growth and health to VBA. We're incredibly grateful to Coach Pat and Skylar for stepping up to help VBA into this exciting new chapter. Their dedication and experience will undoubtedly propel us forward.

Join Us on this Journey!

At Valor Baseball Academy, we're more than just a baseball program. We're a family, a community, a place where players can grow, learn, and thrive. We invite you to join us on this incredible journey as we continue to build something truly special.

Blessings,

Coach Luke
Valor Baseball Academy