Parker Sports Academy introduces new programs and coaching staff

In addition to three batting cages and room for offense and defense practice, Parker Sports Academy has added basketball to the line up. The coaching staff is offering a special Super Combo Sports Clinic, October 23 - 27. Kids can spend their fall break developing skills in softball/baseball and basketball at the same facility! This dual sport program will help girls and boys enhance their skills in hitting, throwing, and fielding as well as shooting, passing, dribbling, and footwork.

Each session includes an hour of in-depth instruction in both sports. Coach Mike Leland, who has over 20 years of baseball expertise, and Coach Ferron Morgan, who has worked with over 100 youth in basketball skill training, have joined forces to provide the highest caliber clinic of its kind in the area.

Wanting to share his passion and love of the game, Mike Leland, Parker Sports Academy owner, dreamed of opening a facility for all ages to practice, improve their game and simply enjoy baseball and softball. Parker's indoor baseball and softball facility for training and recreation opened in August 2006 with a celebration benefit for the Double Angel Foundation. Over $500 was raised to support the Foundation's efforts to maintain the Double Angel Ballpark in Parker.

With over 20 years of playing and coaching experience, Mike provides private and group lessons on every phase of the game. Mike specializes in coaching hitting and catching. As a player, Mike was a two-time All Conference catcher, earned Player of the Year and All-Northern California honors, and was a sixth round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox baseball organization. Mike served as the starting catcher for San Joaquin Delta College and was recruited by Stanford, Santa Clara University, Fresno State, University of the Pacific and more. Mike's coaching experience includes High School and American Legion positions and Assistant Coaching spots at Saint Mary's College of California and San Joaquin Delta College. Mike graduated with a degree in Liberal Studies from the California State University in Hayward, California.

Coach Morgan is an East High School graduate, who led his junior and senior basketball squads to two consecutive DPL titles. Competing at Rice University on a full ride basketball scholarship, he was a tenacious defensive stopper. After graduating with a degree in sports management, Morgan coached the Lighthouse All-Stars to a Mississippi state AAU championship in Jackson, MS. Coach Morgan volunteers as a coach with the Parker Recreation Center.

The Academy is proud to announce the addition of softball and baseball pitching instructors. Wes Williams, softball pitching instructor, has over 20 years of instructing and coaching experience and is the owner of In the Zone Sports. Wes offers private lessons to all ages. Curt Borland, baseball pitching instructor, just returned from Louisiana where he helped guide the Aces to the UBL Championship. Curt is a Centaurus HS graduate, was a four-year starting pitcher for University of Northern Colorado, and drafted twice professionally, once with the Los Angeles Dodgers and then by the Boston Red Sox. Curt has spent the past four years in the Red Sox organization where he posted a .83 ERA in 2003 for AA Portland and was named Pitcher of the Year for the entire Red Sox organization the same year.

Parker Sports Academy is located at 18850 Clarke Road, #900 in Parker. Contact the Academy at 720-851-6460 or info@parkersportsacademy.com for more information.