NC RISE PERFORMANCE ACADEMY
POWERED BY TPH
NC RISE Performance Academy - Powered by TPH offers aspiring elite student-athletes a unique blend of high-performance sports training and top-tier academics in Bermuda Run, NC. With state-of-the-art facilities at RISE Indoor Sports, the academy provides a comprehensive experience, including personalized education, mentorship, and career development. Student-athletes benefit from a flexible schedule, a rigorous digital curriculum, and expert coaching across multiple sports. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now open, with exclusive incentives for founding families.
STUDY
Academic support and facilitation are provided in partnership with TPH Academy.
TRAIN
Performance strength and conditioning are provided in partnership with RISE Indoor Sports.
PLAY
Sport-specific training will be provided in partnership with RISE Indoor Sports.
SAMPLE DAY
8:05 a.m.
Arrival
8:10 a.m.
Academics
9:15 a.m.
Video/Warm-Up
10:00 a.m.
Training - Sport
11:05 a.m.
Training - Gym
12:00 p.m.
Lunch/Break
12:50 p.m.
Academics
2:50 p.m.
Activity/Break
3:00 p.m.
Academics
4:00 p.m.
Depart
ourApproach
At NC RISE Performance Academy - Powered by TPH, our student-athletes Study, Train, and Play every day. Each week, a typical schedule includes the following breakdown:
0+
ACADEMIC HRS/WK0+
SPORT SPECIFIC HRS/WKFrom public speaking contests to finance club, we are focused on providing our student-athletes the opportunities that fit their interests and provide them the opportunity to learn valuable life skills.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Part of attending TPH Academy is ensuring our student-athletes are connected with their communities and understand the value of providing their time and support. All of our locations take part in community service projects from raking leaves across the neighborhood to assisting at soup kitchens.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Our guest speakers bring new perspectives and ample experience from their trade and life. Our student-athletes have been fortunate enough to have been visited by guests including current professional athletes, coaches, and referees. Our guests are not just limited to the industry of sport but include business executives, marketing specialists, psychologists, and physical therapy experts, among others.
FIELD TRIPS
We make a conscious effort to make sure our student-athletes get exposure to many different experiences. Previous field trips include museums, professional sports facilities, college campuses, and more.
OUR ACADEMICS ARE
CUSTOMIZED
Working with local academic support, we are able to offer a completely customized platform for each student-athlete. This flexible, mastery-based education program is delivered in a blended learning environment, one that combines distance learning with in-person, on-site academic support and facilitation. We provide a comprehensive program that includes academic coaching, best-in-class academics & a learning community that is focused on development.
The TPH Academy blended learning environment combines an online curriculum, on-site infrastructure, and academic support. Academic leaders are in the classroom working with students to ensure a positive learning environment, accountability, a personalized structure and accelerated learning programs as they train for their sport.
Our Academics include Ontario-certified and NCAA-accredited courseware that can be completed 24/7, from any laptop, tablet, or mobile device, as long as a high-speed data or internet connection is present
Our academic partners are all Cognia accredited, and all graduating student-athletes will receive a private/public school diploma issued by our state partner. Students advance their education and learn organization, study skills, and how to adapt their own learning styles.
+ Individually Tailored Courseware
+AP, Honors & Foreign Language Courses
80+ Custom Elective Courses
+ Credit for Sport-Specific Training
ONE
ONE
Our dedicated staff is focused on making student-athletes the best versions of themselves, in and out of the field, court, or rink. We believe in leading by example and lay the groundwork for lessons and values that will last a lifetime.
With over 25 years of experience in education and athletics, Susan Largent is an accomplished coach, educator, and administrator. Holding a B.S. in Physical Education, Susan is also a certified NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist and Corrective Exercise Specialist. Her athletic journey began as a four-year, three-sport collegiate athlete, where she played a pivotal role in leading her volleyball team to secure the first-ever NCCAA National Volleyball Championship in the college’s history.
Susan's extensive background in athletic administration includes seven years of overseeing middle and high school athletics, as well as two years of volleyball club administration. She has also guided two of her three children through the college recruiting process, resulting in both receiving athletic scholarships.
As the Director and Head of Volleyball at NC RISE Performance Academy, Susan’s goal is to assist athletes in discovering and maximizing their potential while fostering teamwork and competitiveness. She is passionate about supporting athletes in pursuing their dreams without sacrificing academics. Through the academy’s unique academic and athletic framework, Susan encourages young athletes to do what they love and love what they do.
Raised in Summerfield, NC, and now residing in Davie County with her husband, Susan has spent the majority of her life in North Carolina. Together, they have three children—Chase (23), Caiden (20), and Callie (17) — and will soon be welcoming a daughter-in-law to the family. With a life centered around education, athletics, and cherished family moments, Susan looks forward to continuing to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes.
Fredrick Cannon is the founder and president of Ascension Sports Consulting, where he leverages over 21 years of grassroots basketball experience to impact young athletes nationwide. In addition to his work with Ascension Sports, Fredrick serves as the director of NC RISE Basketball at RISE Indoor Sports and Head of Basketball at NC RISE Performance Academy, where he continues his mission to guide student-athletes on and off the court.
Previously, Fredrick served as Director of the Team Felton Basketball Under Armour Grassroots program for 11 years, helping every player earn a college scholarship. This success led to his creation of the #NoStudentLoans movement, supporting student-athletes' futures. At Ascension Sports and NC RISE, Fredrick mentors athletes to reach their full potential.
A native of Ruffin, North Carolina, Fredrick holds both undergraduate and master’s degrees in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. With over 22 years of coaching experience, he was also the Director of Adidas/Under Armour-sponsored Team Felton Basketball from 2006 to 2021, ensuring every player from 2015 to 2021 earned a scholarship.
Fredrick’s coaching philosophy, "Playing hard isn’t optional," shapes the mindset of his athletes. His goal is clear: develop a mindset where athletes don’t need permission to be great. He and his wife, April, live in Stokesdale, North Carolina, with their four children: Cam (12), Cayden (10), London (2), and Layla (2).
Keith Gatlin is the Head of Basketball at NC RISE Performance Academy and a key leader in the Under Armour-sponsored Wiggins Elite Program at RISE Indoor Sports. A former High School All-American, University of Maryland Hall of Fame inductee, and 14-year professional basketball player, Keith brings a wealth of experience and passion to his coaching role.
Keith’s basketball journey includes an illustrious high school career, a standout collegiate career at the University of Maryland, and 14 years of playing professionally, both domestically and internationally. As a coach, he has led High Point Wesleyan to five state championships and helped produce over 20 Division I players and four professional athletes.
At NC RISE, Keith focuses on skill development and individualized training. His coaching philosophy emphasizes building strong relationships, leadership, and preparing athletes for success beyond basketball.
Keith is committed to developing well-rounded athletes and empowering players to reach their full potential. He resides in the local community, where he continues to positively impact young athletes’ lives both on and off the court.
Josh Stanley, a native of Davie County, North Carolina, is an accomplished wrestling and MMA coach who is passionate about developing athletes physically and mentally. He began wrestling at Davie County High School, continued at Appalachian State University, and later transitioned into MMA coaching, where he founded Combat Athletics in 2012. His program has produced over 50 state champions, multiple All-Americans, and national champions.
Josh's coaching success includes leading Lake Norman High School to six individual state championships and a state runner-up finish. As the Davie County War Eagles coach, he led the team to back-to-back state championships and a dual team title in just two seasons, producing a state champion and 10 state placers. His achievements earned him the 24-25 4A Wrestling Coach of the Year title.
As Head of Wrestling and martial arts at NC RISE Performance Academy, Josh continues to instill the values of dedication, discipline, and perseverance in his athletes. Outside of coaching, he and his wife, Ashley, have three children, all involved in the family business—wrestling!
Shelton Sales is an experienced trainer at NC RISE Performance Academy, specializing in wrestling, grappling, and MMA. With 12 years of coaching experience, Shelton is a 2x state wrestling champion and has coached alongside Josh Stanley at Combat Athletics, helping produce multiple state and national champions. A professional MMA fighter and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt professor, Shelton brings diverse expertise to the academy.
His coaching philosophy focuses on developing athletes physically and mentally. His motto is "Good person, good student, good athlete," emphasizing character and dedication. Shelton is passionate about building well-rounded athletes who excel in sports and life.
Outside of coaching, Shelton is a father of five, enjoys fishing, and is a music enthusiast. As a trainer at NC RISE, he is committed to helping athletes reach their full potential both on and off the mat.
Travis Mash is an expert in strength and conditioning with 28 years of experience. A former world record-holding powerlifter and nationally ranked Olympic weightlifter, he is the Head of Sports Science at NC RISE Performance Academy, where he trains elite athletes across various sports. His clients include NFL fullback Tommy Bohanon, UFC fighter Brad Katona, and world-ranked pickleball player Ben Johns.
Travis is also the Head Coach of Team Mash Elite, coaching over 50 Team USA athletes, and he led Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Weightlifting and Powerlifting teams to a National Championship. A Senior International Weightlifting Coach for USA Weightlifting and a published author, Travis combines practical coaching with cutting-edge research. He holds a Master’s in Exercise Science and is pursuing a PhD in Human Performance.
Travis’s coaching philosophy focuses on creating customized programs to help athletes reach their full potential through training, recovery, nutrition, and sleep. Outside of coaching, he enjoys family adventures with his wife, Emily Drew, and their three children, Rock (10), Behr (8), and Magnolia (6).
John Lucchesi is an experienced NC RISE Performance Academy trainer with 9 years of coaching expertise. He holds a degree in Exercise Science from East Tennessee State University, where he also played Division I soccer and competed on semi-professional teams in the USL2, earning captain roles on every team he played for. John has worked with NFL, NBA, MLB, and USL1 athletes.
John’s coaching philosophy is centered around the idea that the effort put into training directly impacts results. He is passionate about helping athletes succeed on and off the field, focusing on hard work, dedication, and discipline.
Originally from Johnson City, Tennessee, John is driven by his family values and a commitment to helping athletes achieve their goals in sports and life.
Matt Wininger is a dedicated trainer at NC RISE Performance Academy, specializing in Olympic weightlifting and athletic performance. He holds a B.S. in Exercise Science from Lenoir-Rhyne University and has extensive experience, including leading the Lenoir-Rhyne Weightlifting Team to two Men’s University Team Championships. Matt’s athletic achievements include 1st place at the 2017 USAW American Open and a silver medal at the 2022 Universities.
Matt’s coaching philosophy focuses on "quality over quantity," emphasizing proper technique for injury prevention and long-term success. He has coached athletes of all levels, including kids and women over 50, helping them achieve their fitness goals.
Originally from Atlanta, GA, Matt moved to Davie County at age 3 and attended Davie County Schools before pursuing his degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Matt is passionate about lifting heavy weights and remains committed to helping athletes reach their full physical and mental potential at NC RISE.
With over 15 years of experience in coaching and sports programming, Manny Pereda has become a respected leader in the soccer community. He currently serves as the Head of Soccer for NC RISE Performance Academy and is also a key member of the Board of Directors at Carolina Core FC Pro. Manny’s diverse background includes five years as the Director of Hispanic Outreach at NC Fusion, where he made significant strides in building a strong, inclusive soccer community.
A former co-owner of Triad Sports Management and Winston-Salem Sportsplex, Manny has been deeply involved in the growth of soccer both on and off the field. Throughout his career, he has trained athletes who have gone on to achieve success at various levels. Manny himself was a standout player, earning multiple awards in high school and college, including Top Defender of the Year. He also played on the reserves for the NY/NJ Metrostars.
Manny's coaching philosophy centers on perseverance and dedication. He encourages his athletes to always give their best, no matter the circumstances, and never to give up. His goal is for athletes to improve not only on the field but in all aspects of their lives.
A proud family man, Manny is married with two children. When he's not coaching or working with athletes, he enjoys spending quality time with his family.
Jeremy Walker brings a wealth of professional baseball experience to his role as Head of Baseball at NC RISE Performance Academy. A standout pitcher, Jeremy was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 5th round of the 2016 MLB Draft and made his Major League Baseball debut with the Braves in 2019. His career has taken him through several MLB and minor league organizations, including the San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Rays, and Philadelphia Phillies. Most recently, Jeremy played in the Mexican League with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna.
A native of North Carolina, Jeremy honed his skills at Calvary Baptist Day School and Davie County High School before continuing his baseball journey at Gardner–Webb University. His passion for the game and deep understanding of its intricacies make him a valuable mentor to aspiring athletes.
In his role at NC RISE Performance Academy, Jeremy is dedicated to fostering growth, both on and off the field. He works to equip his players with not only the technical skills and talent to succeed but also the mindset, work ethic, and confidence needed to achieve their goals in baseball and life. Jeremy places a strong emphasis on relationship-building, believing that trust and communication are key to unlocking each athlete’s potential.
Jeremy and his wife, Caroline, live in Advance, North Carolina, where they are actively involved in their community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
While we are one team, TPH Academy is not sports a team. We are an academy that allows you to focus on your individual skills. Additionally, you can still play for your current team. This makes for an awesome training environment where our student-athletes get to build a community with like-minded student-athletes.
At TPH Academy, each student-athlete learns from certified Teachers through our customizable virtual platforms, with access to virtual tutors 24/7. Our on-site Head of Academics and Success Coach(es) are additional resources as they cultivate an environment conducive to learning. These multiple layers of support ensure that your student-athlete receives a personalized academic plan, preparing them for the ultimate game: the game of life.
Our student-athletes train four days a week in the gym on-site with our coaches.
DID YOU KNOW: student-athletes can receive physical education credit for the training.
Student-athletes are welcome to bring their own lunches. We will also be working with a local partner to provide athlete-friendly meal options.
This is one of the primary benefits of TPH Academy. We believe that the traditional brick-and-mortar system is not conducive to the lifestyle of the aspiring elite student-athlete. We are flexible with our attendance policy because we understand the travel that sports require and the toll a season can take on a student-athlete. The beauty of our platform is that we can operate virtually. The biggest factor is that we believe our student-athletes get the most out of their experience by attending on-site, but we understand that may not always be possible.
Our mentorship program aims to educate our student-athletes on “the process” of becoming elite. Part of that is through the mentorship program, which includes Coach FA's Mentorship Program, community service, and guest speakers.
TPH Academy provides balance as we tailor our athletic and academic development model to each student-athlete. Much of the daily experience is shaped by when, where, and how your student-athlete studies, trains, and plays at his or her best.
Courses and assignments are tailored to each individual and prioritized by the TPH academic team in partnership with the student-athlete, keeping in mind their weekly sports and competition schedule.
Additionally, we require our student-athletes to fill out weekly surveys through RippleWorx, our athlete management system, to help our staff understand the holistic state of our student-athletes. These surveys track sleep, nutrition, injuries, and more to ensure we know how to balance each student-athlete's workload.
TPH Academy can provide support for IEP's and 504's. We have built our centers with learning environments that help all types of learners and set up our student-athletes for success. However, students will have to complete a determination meeting with our education partner to ensure we can meet all the needs of the student.
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Connect with our team and learn how TPH Academy can help you or your student-athlete take the next step in academics, athletics, and life.