Our Staff

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“I'm most impressed with the caliber of coaches they have attracted.” - Google Review

Christopher Hope

Chris is the founder and driving force behind Athletic Advantage and a licensed orthopedic Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in sports medicine and athlete performance. Ranked among the top 10% of therapists nationally for orthopedic outcomes, Chris has spent over a decade helping athletes of all ages and abilities — including those competing at the collegiate and professional levels. A Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and former Level 1 CrossFit Coach, who is also certified in both dry needling and the Selective Functional Movement Assessment, Chris blends clinical expertise with high-performance training to help athletes move better, perform stronger, and recover faster. His advanced certification in shoulder care and expertise with overhead athletes has made him a trusted provider for competitive athletes in swimming, volleyball, tennis, baseball, CrossFit, and other sports.   

As a Certified Baseball Rehabilitation Specialist, and with advanced certifications in both youth baseball development and the rehabilitation of baseball pitchers, Chris has built a reputation as a leading expert in baseball-specific performance, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. Beyond the clinic, Chris is deeply rooted in the baseball community. Certified in Youth Baseball Development, he has served as a head coach for more than ten seasons, including East Chatham Little League, ECLL All-Stars, and the Orange County Crushers. As both a clinician and coach, he remains passionate about empowering athletes of all ages to reach their full potential through a thoughtful, purpose-driven approach to health and performance.

As a member of both the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy and the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy, Chris continues to integrate evidence-based physical therapy with modern performance principles to help athletes not only recover from injury but unlock new levels of ability. His commitment to excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Judy Capps Beswick Certificate of Merit for Clinical Performance and the Judy A. White Professional Development Award.

His vision for Athletic Advantage is simple yet bold: to create an environment where athletes of all ages can train, recover, and thrive—supported by a team that shares his passion for excellence, community, and lifelong performance.

Our expert staff is the best in the area, providing personalized care tailored to each client’s needs.

Advanced Degrees | Professional Licenses | Industry-Recognized Certifications | Elite Experience

  • Josie

    With a background in Human Development and Family Studies, Josie brings a unique blend of empathy, organization, and leadership to the Athletic Advantage team. Her experience spans international logistics and executive administration, where she excelled in coordinating complex operations and leading teams with precision and care. As our operations guru, Josie ensures everything behind the scenes runs smoothly—so our coaches and clinicians can focus on what matters most: our athletes.

  • James

    James brings a rare blend of academic expertise and hands-on coaching experience to Athletic Advantage. A CSM 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.

  • Erin

    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.

  • Derrick

    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.

  • Davis

    A Chapel Hill native and current professional pitcher, Davis brings elite-level experience and a deep understanding of player development to Athletic Advantage. Drafted in the 8th round by the Colorado Rockies, he’s competed for the Fresno Grizzlies, Spokane Indians, and Hartford Yard Goats. Before his pro career, Davis was a standout at the University of North Carolina, where he became a two-time ACC Champion, Perfect Game All-American, and ranked 4th in the nation in appearances in 2022. A decorated Northwood High School alumnus and experienced youth coach, Davis is passionate about helping pitchers refine their craft through technical precision, mental preparation, and a love for the game.

  • Carter

    Carter brings a strong mix of collegiate playing experience and player development insight to Athletic Advantage. A standout at UNC-Chapel Hill with Club Baseball, he earned NCBA Mid-Atlantic All-Region honors after a successful collegiate career at Lenoir Community College, where his team won the NJCAA Region 10 Championship and he was named to the NJCAA All-Academic First Team. Carter has also competed in the ONSL with the Kinston Wingmen and was an All-Conference performer at New Bern High School. As both an instructor and lifelong student of the game, Carter is dedicated to helping young athletes refine their skills, compete with confidence, and build a lasting love for baseball.

  • Kasey

    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

    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.

  • Jace

    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

    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.

  • Emma Grace

    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

    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.

  • Doug

    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.

  • Daniel

    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.

  • Mason

    Mason is a multi-sport athlete and dedicated coach who brings versatility, competitiveness, and a strong work ethic to Athletic Advantage. A standout at Seaforth High School, he earned JV Most Valuable Player honors in baseball and is certified in Youth Baseball Development. Also a talented football player and wrestler, Mason has been recognized for his effort, hustle, and leadership—serving as Seaforth’s quarterback and twice finishing as a state runner-up in wrestling (North Carolina and Kansas). With experience playing for the OC Crushers, Pollard Middle School, and East Chatham Chargers, Mason is passionate about helping young athletes develop grit, confidence, and all-around athletic ability.

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