ELITE STAFF
CEO/Founder: Antonio “Coach Tony” Lenard
​Antonio “Coach Tony” Lenard, founder and CEO, incorporated Elite Sports Atlanta (ES-ATL) in Georgia in 2008. As a national leader in sports management and training, Coach committed himself to providing a platform for athletes of all ages to train coupled with an events company to serve as vehicle to expose them to the larger world of professional competitive sports and all it encompasses.
ES-ATL is the parent company of Elite Dreams Foundation (EDF), a nonprofit organization founded that same year to reach youth who would not easily find a path to compete in the broader opportunities that the world of professional sports and entertainment offers. The vision of Elite Sports ATL was conceived through Coach Lenard's work with youth in middle and low-income communities. Tony has an impressive and accomplished background in leadership, motivation, coaching, management and training. His coast to coast experience includes coaching at both the high school and collegiate level, including 15 years as an NBA coach for the Summer Leagues. One of his most celebrated accolades is a Drew League Championship won with his team in 2009. Furthermore, he has been deeply involved with the development of the AAU program, L. A. Paladins-- which produced first round draft picks including Dorell Wright, Anthony Randolph and Marcus Williams, all with NBA teams.
In a recent interview Coach Lenard shared, "My philosophy is that teaching today's youth a single skill is not enough; however, through sports or performing arts we have an opportunity to educate our youth and help them reach their goals and to understand their value as human beings. We do this by honing their skills and helping them to develop their personal values that will lead them into adulthood well prepared to succeed while giving back to their community. Due to the fact that I derive from a long line of athletes, I sleep, drink and eat sports. My family includes Edgar Jones of the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, and Cleveland Cavaliers (1979-1988); Ronnie Reese of the Phoenix Suns (1990); VoShon Lenard of the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, and Toronto Raptors (1995-2007); Kenneth Howell of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies (1982-1990)--and currently in the front office of the Los Angeles Dodgers; and my uncle Frank Lenard, Head Basketball Coach at Detroit’s Southwestern High School (1975-1990).
In 2017, Coach Lenard became Head Basketball Coach at the Georgia Preparatory Sports Academy in Stonecrest, GA. He continues to lead and invest in youth who are willing to go the extra mile.
The Elite Sports Atlanta and Elite Dreams Foundation represent the kind of successful reality awaiting youth who are waiting to embrace success and become the next Phenom.
Vice President/Facility Director: Rick Holloway
Rick Holloway partnered with Tony Leonard, CEO of Elite Sports Atlanta, in 2013. Together, they picked a team of basketball players who went undefeated and won the Championship game at the 2013 NBA Summer League in Orlando, FL.
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As CEO of Infinity Success Systems, a company Rick founded in 2009 to provoke individuals to find their passion and pursue it as a career; he brings a well-rounded track record of success and a cadre of experiences to the Elite Sports senior management team. His background as a renowned success coach, author, consultant, and a highly sought after international impact speaker with invitations to speak at special events, high schools, colleges, and corporations allow him to bring a diverse perspective to the group.
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Rick also serves as Director of Academic Programs and Focus Coach with On Your Mark Sports Foundation in Atlanta, GA. He currently coaches 13 athletes in track and field, one of which won a Gold Medal in the 100 meter run at the Georgia Summer Games in 2014. All 13 competed in Orlando, FL at the 2014 AAU National Championships and 8 of the 13 qualified for the 2014 AAU National Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.
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He shared, “My vision for Elite Sports Atlanta is to be the most recognized sports and academic facility in the world. When people identify the need for high impact training and academic excellence, I want them to think about Elite Sports Atlanta. The way I was raised, you set goals to meet and exceed them. I invite the world to come and join us in achieving excellence.”
Advisory Board Vice-Chairman: Will Settle, M.Ed.
Will currently serves as Executive VP for Business Development & Corporate Community Relations for Foxx Entertainment Group, Inc., Atlanta, GA. We feel honored to have his input, background and experience as Vice-Chairman of our Advisory Board. His wealth of information serves us on all fronts.
In his role with Foxx Entertainment, Settle is responsible for the development of new and existing business for the agency and community outreach initiatives. He is also responsible for the management and development of client nonprofit creation and services that includes; Board Development, Training and Fund Development. His list of clients include; Jamie Foxx, Deion Sanders, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Boris Kodjoe, Dikembe Mutombo, Chante’ Moore, Jennifer Holiday, Jamie Dukes and Dwayne Wade, Pittsburgh Steelers and Indiana Pacers.
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William Settle is an educator, diversity practitioner, business development & corporate community relations specialist who has created and managed successful diversity and community programs for Delta Air Lines, Inc., the world’s second largest airline. He was promoted to lead the Global Diversity and Inclusion Department in 2006 developing strategy and programming still considered best practices in the airline industry. While at Delta, Mr. Settle was recognized as one of the community faces of Delta Air Lines, Inc. For seven years, he managed The Delta Foundation, the fourth largest corporate foundation in Georgia. His responsibility included the grant process for $25 Million from the Foundation, $10 Million in Corporate Contributions and $30 Million in Air Travel Certificate programs.
Immediately after 911, Mr. Settle created the Delta Emergency Travel Program, now considered Best Practices in the airline industry for emergency response earning him the national “Good Neighbor Award”, the highest award given by the American Red Cross.
Prior to joining Delta, Settle served for 14 years as Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs at historic Morris Brown College in the Atlanta University Center where he helped to increase both enrollment and retention, led efforts that resulted in the renovation and restoration of five residence halls and the student center. Settle secured a quarter million dollars in scholarships from UPS, Sherwin Williams Corporation, Coca Cola and AT&T for need based students.
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Settle earned his B.S. in Education at Fisk University, Nashville, TN and earned his M.Ed. from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. He completed certification from the Boston College, Center for Corporate Citizenship in Corporate Community Relations from the Carroll School of Management in Boston, Massachusetts.
Will has two sons, Matthew, a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and Christopher, a student at Georgia State University. They are known in the entertainment industry as “The Yardeez” Hip Hop and R&B Producers in Atlanta, GA.
Director of Marketing: Mark Stein
Mark started in the Sports Marketing Field over 20 years ago, after having success and racking up an enviable portfolio of high-value partnerships in the Sales/Marketing area at both large and small companies. Mark started with Malik Sealy XXI, Inc. as VP-Sales/Marketing for the company which worked with marketing and endorsements for professional athletes, mainly from the NBA and NFL.
After Malik’s unfortunate death in a car accident in May of 2000, the company was turned into a charitable organization. At that time, Mark started his own company continuing what Malik Sealy XXI had begun. Over the years, Mark has also worked with charitable organizations in developing events and securing corporate sponsors to ensure these events are successful. With these events, he has worked on numerous projects promoting community relations which we consider an indispensable advantage for our organization. Mark has also worked with Professional, Collegiate, High School, and Youth Organizations by providing them with apparel and equipment to meet their needs.
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To date, Mark has developed valued partnerships and an extensive database of corporations, advertising/marketing agencies and sporting goods manufacturers that will be beneficial to the growth and sustainability of all the projects ESA undertakes.
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As an accomplished and versatile sales/marketing professional with a proven track record of 30 plus years’ experience in performance and leadership, Mark is well positioned to lead ESA in this highly competitive and rapidly changing environment. Mark is a focused, decisive and motivating professional who has proven ability to set priorities, multitask and meet tight deadlines. His ability to resolve challenges and make decisions in a fast paced, now or never environment makes him a core asset to the Elite Sports Atlanta team.
Crystal N. Braddock, Track Development Coordinator
Braddock has a passion for children and at-risk teens in underserved communities and strives to implement programs and services in the areas of education, athletic training and wellness. She brings a wealth of knowledge and over 25+ years of career experience in athletics, law and real estate to local communities as a consultant to both corporate and non-profit organizations. In her formative years, Braddock’s athletic talent was lovingly fostered and developed by the nationally acclaimed track coach, Bryan Westfield. As a member of his track and field dynasty; the Ann Arbor Track Club and Ann Arbor Pioneer High School in Michigan, she was molded into a state and national champion with titles and records in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m relays and USA Today All-American and Gatorade Circle Champion in national prep rankings.
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On Your Mark Sports Foundation LLC’s mission is to provide children with the tools and resources for maximum athletic performance, college preparation and to open doors to scholarship opportunities. Coach Braddock’s experience as a former NCAA student athlete has given her the insight needed to guide young people towards their greatest potential.
Michael Spino, Ph.D - Advisory BOARD
Dr Michael Spino has 40 years’ experience in delivering mind & body training programs,--formerly at Georgia Tech and Life University where his teams won 12 national championships. He has published six books on the mental and physical aspects of sport and presently returned to his roots to coach at a small catholic school in Atlanta called Holy Spirit Prep. He is a founder of sports, energy and consciousness group (http://www.sportsenergygroup.com )and Founder and main teacher of true championllc.com (http://www.truechampionllc.com) : A mind and body sport training online program.
Advisory Board Director: Willie "Skip" Robinson
Willie “Skip” Robinson brings to the Elite Sports organization and its affiliate his vast experience in the area of sports and athletics. His past background as an athlete, educator and entrepreneur will and does support many areas of concerns for Elite Sports and its ventures. Willie received his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and his Master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Southern California.
Robinson’s travels have taken him to every corner of the country and the world where he has had the learning experience of how different cultures and societies exist and co-exist. With this knowledge we have welcomed the opportunity for Willie “Skip” Robinson to be a viable part of the success of Elite Sports today and many years to come.
Advisor: Jerome Davis
Jerome is ranked fourth in the country and seventh in the world in the men’s 400m track and field event. A rare combination of unflagging determination, burning endurance and unwavering dedication has enabled Jerome to dominate the men’s 400m. His track and field prowess extends beyond the 400m to other areas including the 200m and the 4 x 400m relay.
Nominated “Track and Field Athlete of the Year” three times at the Burroughs High School has seen him go on to win gold and silver medals two consecutive years at the World University Games. Jerome’s athletic career while at the University of Southern California (1996-1999) saw him improve, year after year, with blistering results. Therefore, we welcome such a talent to Elite Sports.