NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ATHLETICS
TRANSFORMING YOUNG LIVES USING THE POWER OF ATHLETICS
MISSION:
The National Academy of Athletics promotes positive physical and mental development through sports fundamentals. Our expertly trained coaches provide children access to specialized athletic instruction that will set them on a path for personal growth, optimism, and confidence both on and off the field. We are on a mission to combat childhood obesity and anxiety by instilling healthy lifestyles through the power of sports.
Our participants will possess the skills to communicate effectively with anyone, know how to build positive, lasting relationships, and have a lifelong passion of keeping physical fitness in their life.
Our team members receive enrichment with coaching skills that create passionate players on and off the field. They will face challenges, learn new techniques and continue to grow on a personal and professional level.
Our partners will be proud of their contributions to the children they supported and thrive each day working in a business they love. They will continue to share their talents and grow professionally, to collectively engage in new opportunities and rewards as our company continues to grow.
We believe there is no better way to learn important life lesson than the time spent in our youth learning team sports. Even if a child grows up with different dreams and goals other than sports, their time spent on a court or field will enrich a child for their lifetime.
THE NAofA TEAM IS ON A MISSION TO BRING YOUTH PROGRAMS TO CHILDREN THROUGHOUT THE NATION!
AARON LOCKS
Athlete, Coach, Mentor, Speaker, Author
Aaron Locks is the Founder & CEO of the National Academy of Athletics and the creator of the trademarked teaching method, Talk, Teach, Play®. He is also the main developer of the academy’s comprehensive program curriculums. Aaron earned a BA in Communications from Sonoma State University, with a minor in business, and has dedicated the last 39 years to the world of sports. His lifelong passion is helping children grow into healthy, confident individuals through the power of sports and athletics.
As a father, author of The Coach’s Best Friend series, trainer, coach, speaker, and entrepreneur, Aaron’s career includes working alongside prestigious professional organizations such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s, and Sportsworld. He has had the privilege of collaborating with legendary coaches like John Wooden, Pat Riley, George Karl, Don Nelson, Gregg Popovich, and Dusty Baker.
When Aaron isn’t leading the growth of NAofA, he’s spending time being a devoted father and grandfather or enjoying scenic drives through wine country with the top down in his jeep.
LAREE MANCOUR
Athlete, Trainer, Entrepreneur, Brand Strategist- PPR, USAPA, AFAA, WIFA
Laree Mancour is a Partner, Chief Brand Officer, and Franchise Executive. Born into a sporting family as the daughter of a professional golfer, Laree’s athletic journey began early, with a golf club in her hand before she could even speak. Her passion for sports grew, encompassing soccer, cheerleading, skiing, cycling, teaching aerobics, and spin instruction.
At just 23, Laree was recruited to spearhead a start-up, where she drove Operations, Sales, and Marketing strategies while overseeing the company’s financials. After successfully selling the business to its largest competitor, she played a pivotal role in developing their Global Partner Division.
Balancing her life as an athlete, Laree rose through the corporate ranks, serving as an Executive Sales, Marketing, and Relationship Development Trainer at a Fortune 500 company. In 2007, she left the corporate world to pursue her passion for sports and wellness, launching her own marketing and consulting business aimed at helping entrepreneurs establish their sports and health-related ventures.
In 2018, Laree began a collaboration with Aaron Locks, which evolved into a partnership at the National Academy of Athletics, where she continues to be a driving force behind its growth.
When not focused on business, Laree competes in Pickleball, teaches the sport, or enthusiastically leads indoor cycling classes.
MICHAEL STONE
Athlete, Coach, Entrepreneur
Michael Stone is a Partner and the Chief of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at the National Academy of Athletics. A former NFL athlete turned entrepreneur, Michael transitioned from a successful 7-year career in the NFL to founding a premier membership organization for professional athletes, focused on building strategic partnerships with product and service providers.
He was the Founder and Executive Director of the Professional Athlete Franchise Initiative and the CEO of Coliseum Enterprises. Michael holds a BA from the University of Memphis and completed executive education programs at Stanford, Wharton, and Kellogg Business Schools. At NAofA, Michael is dedicated to streamlining operational procedures and actively supports Area Captains with sales strategies to drive growth.
When he’s not working to expand NAofA, Michael enjoys playing sports with his four sons or managing his real estate ventures.
DAVID LIBBEY
Athlete, Coach, Official, Teacher
David Libbey is a Partner at the National Academy of Athletics and brings 39 years of experience as a basketball official. For 30 of those years, he officiated Division 1 games in the Pac-10, West Coast, Big 12, Big Sky, Big West, WAC, Southwest, and Conference USA. David officiated 72 NCAA Tournament games, including 8 Regional Finals, and was selected for eight FINAL FOUR games over 23 consecutive years. In addition to his on-court achievements, David has spent over 37 years in leadership roles at officiating clinics and is a highly regarded lecturer and clinician across the U.S., Canada, and Japan.
Having worked with children at all levels, David also spent 35 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator in the San Diego School District. He is passionate about the mission of NAofA, particularly in addressing mental health issues and combating the childhood obesity crisis.
When David isn’t supporting the NAofA Executive Team, he’s happily following orders from his Australian Shepherd, Lady.
NAofA CERTIFIED
At the National Academy of Athletics, our team takes our training very seriously. Due to the proximity of coaching, leading, and supervising children, or people of vulnerable age, the NAofA team thoroughly trains all Area Captains and Coaches. Many of our coaches are college athletes in pursuit of their athletic dreams, whether that is to play professionally or to coach professionally. They take their roles very seriously and the NAofA takes their training very seriously. Through every program we put on with the help of our community partners, we want our participants to have the best coaches to help guide and mentor these young athletes to pursue their own dreams.