STAFF
Our staff consists of professional athletes, college coaches, high school coaches, youth sport development specialists, educators, health care professionals and spiritual advisors. We are all dedicated to using the power of sports to change the world.
Andre Collins
Director of Excellence
Hometown: Hazel Crest, IL
College: University of Dayton
While in College: At the University of Dayton played football for four years. Earned three varsity letters as a running back.
Professional Experience
Director of Business Development, RedLine Athletics, Arlington, TX
Director of Operations, Team First, Rockwall, TX
Athletic Academic Counselor, Edwardsville High School, Edwardsville, IL
School Social Worker, Thornwood High School, South Holland, IL
Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Backs Coach, Edwardsville High School, Edwardsville, IL
Head Football Coach, Thornwood High School, South Holland, IL
Defensive Football Assistant, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
Running Backs Coach, Illinois Benediction College, Lisle, IL
Brief Summary: Andre has spent more than 25 years focusing on the comprehensive development of the student-athlete and preparing them for the challenges of life beyond the playing field. He has discovered that during the elementary, middle school and high school years, every student-athlete is confronted with a variety of developmental challenges. He established the Champions Sports Academy to address these challenges. Andre is passionate about creating a community in which student-athletes can develop the skills necessary to lead successful, productive lives, and become leaders of, and contributors to life.
Rodrigo Galvan
Director of Coaching Excellence
Hometown: Harvey, IL
College: Eastern Illinois University
Professional Experience
Athletic Director, Thornwood High School, South Holland, IL
Head Wrestling Coach, Thornwood High School, South Holland, IL
Assistant Football Coach, Thornwood High School, South Holland, IL
National Instructor, American Sport Education Program
Brief Summary: Rodrigo has certified over 1000 youth, high school and elite-level coaches through the American Sport Education Program. He has equipped these coaches with the tools needed to succeed in coaching. Rodrigo has over 40 years of coaching experience, he was named the AFLAC National Assisitant Coach of the Year in 2003. He was twice named conference Coach of the Year. Coach Galvan finished his coaching career with a winning percentage of over 80%. Rodrigo has a desire to coach the coaches.
Cameron James
Director of Athletic Excellence
Hometown: Edwardsville, IL
College: McKendree University
While in College: At McKendree University played football and ran track for four years. He earned All-Conference honors in football and All-American status in track.
Professional Experience
CEO/Founder Elite Speed, Granite City, IL
Lead Trainer/Director of Business Operations, NXT Level Performance, Edwardsville, IL
Offensive Football Assistant, McKendree University, Lebanon, IL
Offensive Football Assistant, Belleville West High School, Belleville, IL
Offensive Football Assistant, Edwardsville High School, Edwardsville, IL
Brief Summary: Cameron is passionate about youth and their success in athletics. His love for athletics and youth has inspired him to give back to the community and build something bigger than himself. Cameron’s desire is to assist youth aspire, achieve, and advance towards excellence.
Craig James
Director of Career Excellence
Hometown: Edwardsville, IL
College: Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
While in College: At SIU named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference Newcomer Team
Professional Experience
NFL Football Player-New York Jets, New York, NY
NFL Football Player-Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia, PA
NFL Football Player-Minnesota Vikings, Minneapolis, MN
Brief Summary: Craig has coined the phase "Perfect UR Craft 100%." He believes is giving 100% effort both on the field and off. Craig has the desire
to assist youth in identifing their career path, then pursue it.
Vincent Valentine
Director of Community Excellence
Hometown: Madison, IL
College: University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
While in College: At the University of Nebraska played football, a three-year starter. Vince was named to the Honorable-Mention Big Ten All-Freshman Team and was a scholar-athlete.
Professional Experience
NFL Football Player-New England Patriots, Foxborough, MA
NFL Football Player-Arizona Cardnials, Tempe, AZ
Brief Summary: Vincent has the desire to offer youth and teens an opportunity to enhance their athletic ability in a structured atmosphere. Additionally, he wants the program to teach the importance of leadership, sportsmanship, community and academics.
Todd Whitaker
Director of Academic Excellence
Hometown: Country Club Hills, IL
College: Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
While in College: At Western Michigan University played football for four years.
Professional Experience
Principal, Thornton High School, Harvey, IL
Principal, Rich Central High School, Olympia Fields, IL
Principal, McKinley Jr. High, South Holland, IL
Brief Summary: Todd believes that the particpation in organized youth sports is linked with development of positive behavioral and social skills that cannot be obtained inside the classroom. He has found that children's participation in organized sports is beneficial to academic achievement.