ELITE DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
MEDIA KIT
The Elite Development Academy and Combine Series is part of the Sports Diversity Initiative by Fox Foundation, a 501(c)3.
partners
The Elite Development Academy is a collaboration between the Fox Foundation and Dillard University. Together, the organizations bring a wealth of expertise in sports development, academic support, and mentorship, ensuring program participants receive the comprehensive guidance they need to thrive on and off the field.
The fox foundation
Established in 2018, The Fox Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to navigating equity barriers through scientific evidence-based solutions. The Elite Development Academy is the flagship program of our Sports Diversity Initiative that empowers youth through sports by providing access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities, laying the foundation to create a more inclusive and equitable future for undeserved and traditionally-overlooked athletes.
dillard unversity
Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors and two certificate programs. Ranked 5th on 2021 The New York Times Overall Mobility Index and 14th in 2022 by Academic Influence for Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship, Dillard's call to future leaders is to Write Your Legacy. Dillard is Louisiana's oldest HBCU.
flagship program: Elite Development Combine
The Elite Development Academy's flagship program is the Elite Development Combine Series that provides aspiring athletes with the tools and resources they need to succeed. We empower oftentimes-overlooked players by providing them the opportunity to showcase their skills and reach their full potential through specialized training, mentorship, and exposure opportunities.
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Opening doors to college scholarships
We understand the importance of education and its role in shaping a successful future and understand the equity barriers that youth face. Our program goes beyond just athletic development; we also assist players in obtaining college scholarships, ensuring that talented individuals can access higher education opportunities.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
FREE EVENTS
In our commitment to promoting equity and accessibility in baseball, we firmly believe in breaking down paywalls and providing opportunities for all aspiring athletes. That's why the Elite Development Baseball Combine is free. The event provides a venue for players to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams, without financial barriers hindering their progress. We understand that paywalls often limit access to elite development programs, perpetuating inequalities within the sport. By eliminating financial obstacles, we level the playing field and ensure that talent, dedication, and hard work are the determining factors for success, rather than one's ability to pay.
NUMBER OF EVENTS
This year, 2023, is the Elite Develop Baseball Combine Series pilot year and will host events in New Orleans, Northern California, Atlanta, and Chicago.. In 2024, the program will add 16 new locations and four pilot cities. More information on this year's events and future events can be found on the EDC page.
FREE RECRUITMENT PROFILE
Capturing accurate and comprehensive statistics to showcase an athlete's skills and potential to college and MLB recruiters is essential for recruitment. Unfortunately, recruitment platforms are costly and not accessible to all. We believe in addressing the equity barrier by providing a free PrepStar recruitment profile to each participant, where we meticulously document and display key performance metrics gathered during the combine. These statistics are powerful tools for athletes to highlight their abilities, track their progress, and increase their chances of securing college scholarships.
FREE SPORTS ASSESSMENT
Each participant can opt to undergo a sports assessment provided by Siena Consulting, which work closely with the MLB, NFL, and other professional and collegiate athletic programs. These assessments are integral in understanding and enhancing an athlete's mental performance and help identify strengths, areas for improvement, and strategies for optimal mental conditioning. By addressing factors such as motivation, confidence, focus, and resilience, the assessment equips athletes with valuable insights and tools to maximize their mental fortitude and excel in their sport.
FREE SWAG
We greatly appreciate the generous support of our sponsors and partners, who have contributed "swag" donations to enhance the participant experience. These donated items, ranging from apparel and equipment to accessories and promotional materials, serve as incentives and foster a sense of camaraderie and pride among participants. The free swag donations not only provide tangible benefits but also contribute to creating a positive and memorable atmosphere.
FREE wraparound services
As part of our commitment to athlete development, we offer comprehensive wrap-around services to support participants. These services may include mentoring, academic support, college application guidance, nutritional counseling, and mental health resources, ensuring that athletes receive well-rounded assistance.
ELITE DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
Select Elite Development Combine participants will also be invited to join the Elite Development Academy (EDA), an exclusive national program that provides next-level developmental support for the top baseball players in the country that have been traditionally-overlooked.
Our Team.
The following are just a few members of the Advisory Board and Executive Team that are dedicated exclusively to the Baseball Diversity Program;
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Bill Bavasi – Former General Manager of the Anaheim Angels and Seattle Mariners, and Director of the MLB Scouting Bureau.
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Dr. Rochelle Ford, Ph.D. – President of Dillard University.
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Bob Fontaine – Former MLB Scouting Director and Farm Director. Current Director of the MLB Tour.
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Tim Mead – Former President of the MLB Hall of Fame and VP of Communications for Anaheim Angels.
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Henry Hunter – Commissioner of the Pioneer League.
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Eddie Davis – Director MLB Youth Academy – New Orleans.
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Danny Montgomery – Assistant General Manager of Colorado Rockies.
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Darold Brown – Current scout for the Detroit Tigers.
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Dejon Watson – Farm Director for the Washington Nationals.
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Ron Maestri – Former AD and Head Baseball Coach at the University of New Orleans.
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Dr. Harold Goldstein, Ph.D. – Behavioral Psychologist at Baruch University and co-founder of Siena Consulting.
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Dr. Joseph Ditra, Ph.D. – Clinical Psychologist at Syracuse University.
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Jeff Duva – CEO of PrepStar and college recruiter with 40+ years of experience.
PreSS
FOX FOUNDATION MEDIA CONTACT:
Anne Davis
Chief Communications Officer
The Fox Foundation
+1-813-422-7595
press@foxfoundation.net