Athletes in Action Prep Academy

Athletes in Action Prep is a post grad gap year basketball program, tailor made and designed to equip athletes physically, spiritually, and emotionally before they move on to college.

Every prep academy has the same goal- for their athletes to improve in their craft as much as possible, in order for them to make their dreams a reality. Athletes in Action Prep's core values of "Humility, Passion, Communication, and Collective Responsibility" paints the picture of a different route to attaining the success each individual desires. 

On-Court Competition and Physical Preparation
Athletes in Action Prep's programming will include all of the following:

• 35+ game national schedule in addition to multiple tournaments that will offer high level exposure for each athlete 
• Full, six day a week practice schedule offering ample space for players to showcase and refine their game on a day to day basis
• A comprehensive sport specific and physical assessment, allowing for the staff to individualize both their strength and conditioning training and on court basketball skill work
• Daily strength and conditioning workouts overseen by experienced professionals
• Individual basketball development training sessions

Off-Court Growth
In addition to this rigorous physical gamut, each athlete at Athletes in Action Prep undergoes a different kind of "personal" training: the work that comes off the court. This will include:

• Athletes will have the option to attend online college courses on a limited basis from another unaffiliated institution, allowing them to retain their NCAA//NAIA eligibility while getting a head start on the burden of college academics and the credits required to earn their degree
• Integrated Bible study and leadership training, with an emphasis on becoming a servant leader, and the Biblical design for masculinity
• Community volunteer and outreach campaigns, enabling the athletes to put the concepts learned in the classroom into play, and make a difference in their world from day one

 

Our Campus
Athletes in Action Prep is located on the campus of Athletes in Action, a sprawling 250 acre development located just outside Dayton in Southwestern Ohio. In addition to the global headquarters for the 150+ staff members that are employed by the organization, some of the features of our campus include:

• 65,000 sq. ft John Wooden Family Fieldhouse (4 college length courts including one 1200-seat championship level court)
• 6 fully synthetic turf fields
• High and low ropes challenge course
• State of the art indoor strength and conditioning facility
• Ample lodging accommodations, with 300 beds available in five separate dormitories
• A fully equipped industrial grade kitchen and dining area complete with an accomplished chef
• A multitude of options for meeting spaces, team building activities, and much more

 
The Mission
The heart behind Athletes in Action Prep is simple- to give athletes a gap year after high school to develop spiritually, physically, and emotionally, in order to catapult them into the collegiate athletic world equipped to make an exponential impact from the day they step foot on campus. This vision, in addition to the resources and reputation of Athletes in Action as an organization, make for an experience that is truly one of a kind. AIA has spent the last two years building a reputable academy structure, first starting with short term stays, then moving forward towards year long training programs, and more. The lack of space and opportunity for graduating high school athletes in the current landscape only amplified the need for this academy, particularly with the logjam created by extra years of eligibility being offered, as well as looser transfer rules, and more. Along with these external factors, there is also the desire to teach athletes to change the scope in which they view themselves, their peers, and their world- from the self-centered perspective society often assigns to athletes, to the eternity focused viewpoint indicative of an individual of the Christian faith. Through the coursework provided in the form of Bible study and leadership training, athletes will develop critical thinking skills to critically consume material, work through problems, and find solutions in real life situations. This is perhaps the most critical part of Athletes in Action Prep's mission: to provide a space where young athletes can become true disciples, and then move forward with the capacity to disciple others. 
 

Athletes In Action

Athletes in Action (the parent organization of Athletes in Action Prep), offers incredible resources that are simply unmatched by other post grad academies. AIA has been one of the largest and most respected names in the Christian sports realm since its founding in 1967, including ministries for every sport imaginable, in every hard to reach corner across the globe. Across its history, teams from AIA have played exhibitions against the Soviet Union, dominated nationally ranked NCAA teams, been commissioned to countless tours worldwide, and won individuals for Christ every step of the way. In addition to the expansive support staff readily available at headquarters and on college campuses nationwide, AIA offers unparalleled programming throughout the year that will provide depth for athletes both during their time at the academy and following their departure.

Five Year Commitment 
Athletes in Action Prep commits to each athlete for not just one but five years- for their year with the academy, and then the four that follow, regardless of where that next stop is. This support is in the interest of the athlete, and to ensure their personal growth and success continues long after they leave campus. This system, along with the foundation built during the year's stay, ensures that the athlete stays rooted and confident in their ability to operate at a high level, in each facet of their world. The transition to college life can be incredibly strenuous on a young person; having a trusted and loving face in their corner can make a all the difference. 

International Tours
Each year, AIA takes multiple teams, of various sport, level, and make up, to countries worldwide. The goal of each of these tours is use the vehicle of sports to reach people with the Gospel that would not be reached otherwise- this is done through camps, clinics, and vacation bible study type events for children, and through games, tournaments, meals, and conversations with those the age of the athletes. The athletes have the opportunity to speak at schools, gyms, churches, and more; to share in whose name they play, as well as their struggles and triumphs, in order to encourage the locals both in athletics and life. 

High Level Sporting Events
Athletes in Action hosts high powered events at the NBA All-Star Game, the NFL Super Bowl, the men's and women's NCAA Final 4, the NBA Summer League, among other times throughout the year. These events are incredibly meaningful, with some of the biggest names in sports not only attending, but often speaking as a part of the program. This time to be poured into and learn from those at the peak of their profession is an incredible advantage to have at a young age. There is also the opportunity to serve alongside AIA staffers to help ensure the event runs smoothly, and learn the ins and outs of event planning on a large scale. 

Captain's Academy
Captain's Academy, a conference for captains at the highest level of college basketball, is hosted each spring on the campus of Athletes in Action. This weekend long event teaches athletes how to best lead those around them, with the emphasis being on teammates and coaching staff, but also illustrating how what is done off the court can often affect what happens on it. This conference is also an excellent chance to meet like-minded young individuals, connecting with players from across the country in a way that is not normally possible. The goal of Captain's Academy is for each athlete to leave feeling more confident in their ability as a basketball player, as a leader, and as a person.