Our Staff

James brings a rare blend of academic expertise and hands-on coaching experience to Athletic Advantage. ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, he has trained athletes across all levels while also serving as an instructor at UNC Chapel Hill and ECU. With a master’s degree in Exercise & Sport Science and a background in research through the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, James bridges science and sport—leading our performance team with evidence-based precision and a passion for athlete development.

Tynez brings a strong background in strength and conditioning, athlete development, and performance training to Athletic Advantage. He earned his Master’s degree in Kinesiology and gained experience in high-level performance environments through strength and conditioning internships with both Duke University football and North Carolina Central University athletics. As a former member of the NCCU football team and part of the program’s 2022 HBCU National Championship team, Tynez understands firsthand the demands of high-level competition. He now applies that experience to helping athletes build strength, move efficiently, and develop the physical foundation needed for long-term performance.

Rhyan brings a diverse background in performance training and rehabilitation to Athletic Advantage. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Sport Science and Rehabilitation at Logan University and has coached athletes at Parisi Speed School, where she led speed, agility, and strength programs for youth and high school athletes. With experience across clinical, chiropractic, and fitness settings, Rhyan has developed a strong understanding of both performance and recovery. As a former NCAA Division II Track & Field All-American, she brings firsthand knowledge of high-level competition and is passionate about helping athletes move well, stay healthy, and perform at their best.

Erin brings her energy and expertise from years of leading group fitness across Chapel Hill. As a Fitness Instructor with Fit4Mom and former General Manager at YogaSix, she combines a deep understanding of movement, motivation, and community. Erin creates a welcoming, empowering environment for adults of all fitness levels—helping each person move better, feel stronger, and build lasting consistency.

Licensed orthopedic Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in sports medicine and athlete performance. Ranked among the top 10% of therapists nationally for orthopedic outcomes. Over a decade helping athletes of all ages and abilities — including those competing at the collegiate and professional levels. Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Former Level 1 CrossFit Coach. Certified in both dry needling and the Selective Functional Movement Assessment. Advanced certification in shoulder care and expertise with overhead athletes. Certified Baseball Rehabilitation Specialist. Advanced certifications in both youth baseball development and the rehabilitation of baseball pitchers.

We’re always looking for motivated, high-character individuals who are passionate about helping athletes grow and perform at their best.

At Athletic Advantage, our team members play an active role in delivering high-quality training, building meaningful relationships, and contributing to a culture centered on development and accountability.

If you’re driven, collaborative, and aligned with our mission, we’d love to connect and explore how you could be part of what we’re building.

A former professional baseball player with eight years in the Minor Leagues, Derrick brings elite playing experience and a coach’s heart to Athletic Advantage. Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays straight out of high school, he earned multiple All-Star honors, including All-Star Game MVP, Team Player of the Year, and the Quality At-Bats Award. A multi-sport athlete and six-time state champion in Iowa, Derrick now channels that same competitive drive into coaching the next generation. As a youth baseball coach, local Little League board member, and certified performance professional (NASM CPT, USAW Level 1), he’s committed to developing strong athletes—both on and off the field.

As a Certified Baseball Rehabilitation Specialist with advanced training in youth baseball development and pitcher care, Coach Hope helps athletes improve performance, reduce injury risk, and return confidently from setbacks. His background in strength training and sports medicine gives him a strong understanding of how baseball athletes should move, throw, and stay healthy. He also brings extensive experience as a youth head coach with East Chatham Little League, ECLL All-Stars, and the Orange County Crushers, and is passionate about developing athletes the right way—building skill, movement quality, and confidence on the field.

Brett brings a strong blend of strength and conditioning expertise and pitching-specific development to Athletic Advantage. He has worked in high-level performance environments as both a Strength & Conditioning Coach and Pitching Coordinator, including time at Cressey Sports Performance and an internship with the Cornell University athletic performance staff. As an athlete, Brett pitched collegiately at Stevenson University, competed in the South Florida Collegiate League, and later played for the Ithaca College club baseball team, earning conference Player of the Week honors. He has also coached youth athletes as both a head and assistant coach for tournament teams, bringing a well-rounded perspective to player development.

Will brings high-level playing experience and a strong baseball background to Athletic Advantage. A former left-handed pitcher at the University of North Carolina, he appeared in 61 games over five seasons and contributed in both starting and relief roles, including key innings during ACC and postseason play. He went on to play professionally in the Nationals and Angels organizations (MiLB), giving him firsthand experience with the demands of the game at its highest levels. From his beginnings as a highly regarded high school arm at Leesville Road to competing in college baseball and professional baseball, he has developed a deep appreciation for what it takes to grow, compete, and succeed on the mound.

Blair brings a strong background in athlete development and youth coaching to Athletic Advantage. He has led travel baseball teams to championship seasons and was selected as a Western League All-Star Coach, with a coaching style that emphasizes fundamentals, confidence, and helping young athletes develop a genuine love for the game. As a high school athlete, Blair was a standout multi-sport competitor, earning league and regional honors in both football and basketball, including CIF Player of the Year recognition, while also serving as a varsity baseball pitcher. He went on to compete at the Division I level with the Duke University football program, where he remained deeply immersed in a high-performance environment focused on preparation, competitiveness, and long-term athlete development.

Daniel is a skilled collegiate athlete and dedicated coach who brings years of competitive experience to the Athletic Advantage baseball staff. Currently playing at Wake Tech Community College, he was a four-year varsity starter at Seaforth High School, earning All-Conference honors all four seasons and serving as team captain three times. A nine-year travel baseball veteran and American Legion player, Daniel combines leadership, discipline, and a deep understanding of the game to help young athletes sharpen their skills, compete with confidence, and reach their full potential.

Jace brings a strong local baseball background and a deep understanding of player development to Athletic Advantage. A standout at Chatham Charter School, he earned multiple All-Conference and All-Region honors and was recognized as MVP at the Dynamic World Championship. His experience includes competing in national showcases at MLB stadiums and earning accolades such as Noble Bats Impact Defensive Performer. Having played with top programs including C35, Extra Reps, The Performance Academy, and the Chatham Mustangs, Jace now shares his passion for the game with younger athletes—helping them build strong fundamentals, confidence, and a love for baseball from the ground up.

Colin is a driven and dedicated player who brings leadership and experience to the Athletic Advantage baseball staff. A four-year varsity starter at Seaforth High School, he served as team captain and earned numerous accolades, including Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Gold Glove Winner, and three-time All-Conference honors. A nine-year travel baseball veteran and Academic All-American, Colin has also committed to play college baseball at William Peace University. He combines his strong work ethic and baseball IQ to help young athletes sharpen their skills, elevate their defense, and play the game the right way.

Doug is an accomplished player and mentor with deep roots in the Chapel Hill baseball community. A four-year varsity athlete at Chapel Hill High School, he helped lead his team to three playoff appearances and a conference championship while earning a 5–1 record as a junior pitcher. A nine-year travel baseball veteran, Doug has competed with programs such as the OC Crushers and Riptide and has served as a coach for Chapel Hill Baseball Camps. Known for his calm leadership and strong fundamentals, Doug focuses on helping young players build confidence, improve their mechanics, and play the game with purpose and pride.

Mason brings a dynamic multi-sport background, high-level work ethic, and a genuine passion for developing young athletes to Athletic Advantage. A current student-athlete at Seaforth High School, he competes in baseball, football, and wrestling, giving him a well-rounded understanding of athletic development, competitiveness, and discipline. His experience includes time with the OC Crushers and Pollard Middle School baseball, where he earned Most Improved Player honors, along with recognition in football for his effort and leadership. As a Certified Youth Baseball Development coach through Driveline Baseball, Mason combines modern training principles with his own athletic experience to help athletes build strong fundamentals, confidence, and consistency.

We’re always looking for passionate baseball and softball coaches who are committed to developing athletes both on and off the field.

At Athletic Advantage, our coaches play a key role in delivering high-quality instruction, building relationships with athletes and families, and contributing to a culture focused on growth, accountability, and long-term development.

If you bring energy, knowledge of the game, and a desire to make an impact, we’d love to connect.

Kasey brings over a decade of coaching experience and a championship pedigree to Athletic Advantage. A former Virginia state champion in high school fastpitch softball, she went on to lead the NC Challengers organization for eight seasons, coaching teams from 10U through high school. Under her leadership, her teams earned TopGun World Series and National Championships. Known for her competitive edge and player-first approach, Kasey is passionate about developing confident, skilled athletes and fostering a love for the game that lasts well beyond the field.

Anna is a former collegiate softball player who brings both skill and enthusiasm to the Athletic Advantage coaching staff. A standout at Meredith College, she built on a decorated high school career at Northwood High School, where she earned All-State honors twice. Anna combines her playing experience with a genuine passion for teaching, helping young athletes grow in confidence, refine their fundamentals, and develop a lifelong love for the game.

Peyton brings strong experience in both player development and team leadership to Athletic Advantage. She currently serves as Head Softball Coach at Guy B. Phillips Middle School and as President of UNC Club Softball, while also working as a private instructor helping athletes develop hitting, fielding, and overall softball skills. As a player, Peyton competes for the UNC Club Softball team, earning All-Region honors and helping lead the program to conference and regional championships and a national tournament appearance. She previously spent ten years playing competitive travel softball and was a standout high school athlete, earning multiple All-Conference, All-District, and All-State honors.

Macy brings strong experience as both a player and instructor to Athletic Advantage. She is a member of UNC Club Softball and works as a private pitching instructor, helping athletes develop mechanics, accuracy, and confidence in the circle, while also serving as an assistant coach at Guy B. Phillips Middle School. As a player, Macy has a broad multi-sport background, including competitive volleyball and All-Conference honors in both track and softball during high school. She has continued that success at the collegiate level, earning All-Region recognition with UNC Club Softball and helping lead her team to conference and regional championships and a national tournament appearance.

Emma Grace is a standout multi-sport athlete and accomplished softball player who brings energy, leadership, and technical skill to Athletic Advantage. A varsity player at Seaforth High School, she earned Conference Pitcher of the Year honors, two All-Conference and All-District selections, and was named Team MVP twice. An All-America Scholar Athlete, she has also represented North Carolina in the Body Armor State Games and competed in the South Wake USA Softball Hero’s League. A natural competitor and role model, Emma Grace uses her diverse athletic background—including volleyball and basketball—to help young athletes develop confidence, versatility, and a love for the game.

Vivian is a talented player and dedicated coach who brings both competitive experience and strong leadership to the Athletic Advantage softball program. A standout at Carrboro High School, she earned two All-Conference selections, was named Offensive Player of the Year, and served as team captain. Vivian also competes at the elite travel level with Lady Lightning Gold (LLG) and is certified in Youth Softball Development. Known for her positive energy and attention to detail, she’s passionate about helping young athletes grow their confidence, improve their skills, and develop a deeper understanding of the game.

We’re always looking for passionate baseball and softball coaches who are committed to developing athletes both on and off the field.

At Athletic Advantage, our coaches play a key role in delivering high-quality instruction, building relationships with athletes and families, and contributing to a culture focused on growth, accountability, and long-term development.

If you bring energy, knowledge of the game, and a desire to make an impact, we’d love to connect.

“Coach Hope” brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and business leadership to Athletic Advantage. He holds an undergraduate degree in Economics, a Master of Business Administration with a healthcare concentration, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. His professional background spans roles as a staff physical therapist, clinic director, and business manager, where he led operations, drove growth, and helped expand multi-site facilities within both private practice and large healthcare systems.

As the Founder and Owner of Athletic Advantage, Chris has built the organization from the ground up, shaping its vision, structure, and long-term strategy. His experience managing clinic operations, launching new locations, and developing systems for scalable growth informs the business at every level. He now focuses on leading the organization’s continued expansion while ensuring a high standard of care, performance, and overall client experience across all services.

Josie brings a unique blend of operational leadership, organization, and people-centered support to Athletic Advantage. She earned her degree in Human Development and Family Studies and has built her career around managing complex systems, supporting high-level executives, and creating structured, efficient environments. Her experience includes serving as a C-level Executive Assistant in a fast-paced, fully remote company, where she managed multi-state compliance, coordinated company-wide initiatives, and supported leadership with high-level operations and planning.

At Athletic Advantage, Josie plays a central role in the day-to-day operations and overall organization of the business. She oversees scheduling, communication, and internal systems while helping ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for both clients and staff. Known for her attention to detail, proactive mindset, and ability to anticipate needs, Josie helps keep the business running smoothly and supports the continued growth of Athletic Advantage behind the scenes.

We’re always looking for driven, detail-oriented individuals to support the growth of Athletic Advantage through marketing, content creation, and operational execution.

Our administrative team plays a key role in managing social media, building brand presence, improving client communication, and supporting the systems that keep the business running efficiently.

If you’re organized, creative, and excited to contribute to a fast-growing sports performance environment, we’d love to connect.