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/WKOUR 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.
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.
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!
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).
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.
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.
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.
Ben Kerth joins NC RISE Performance Academy as the Head of Soccer. Ben is a coach in the NC Fusion ECNL Regional League girls' program, bringing over 14 years of coaching experience and a deep passion for player development. A proven leader on and off the pitch, Coach Kerth has guided teams to three state championships and nine conference titles. His impact has been recognized with five Conference Coach of the Year awards, three Regional Coach of the Year honors, and a Private School Coach of the Year nod.
A former collegiate player at Indiana Wesleyan University and Liberty University, Coach Kerth blends firsthand playing experience with a strong coaching background. He holds a U.S. Soccer National C License and is committed to ongoing professional development.
Off the field, Kerth holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching and has served as Associate Athletic Director at Calvary Day School, reinforcing his commitment to developing student-athletes both academically and athletically. His leadership and experience are key assets as he helps elevate the NC RISE Performance Academy.
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