As we approach summer, we want to share with you the exciting news on our ever-evolving community. From new investments in our facilities and Summer Programs to the newest additions to our team and updates on our DragonApp, this edition showcases the success and continuous improvement of Dragons Elite and its growing family.
Below you will find insights from our Founders, explore our new facilities, programs, and memberships, plus the latest updates on our teams’ amazing performances on and off the field.
As Dragons Elite continues to grow, it’s been great fun and we are humbled to see so many like-minded families join our mission to build a leading youth development platform through sports, education, and purposeful competition.
A lot has happened since our last newsletter — from the PET Contest and Dragons Day to investing in facilities, expanding programs, and continuing to grow our community. Through it all, our focus remains clear: developing future leaders by challenging youth physically, mentally, and emotionally.
At our core is a deep commitment to the coach, the player, and the curriculum — creating environments where young people are encouraged to compete, grow, and lead both on and off the field. We believe true development happens when youth are pushed beyond their comfort zones, building resilience, confidence, discipline, and character through meaningful experiences.
And development is at the center as we have competition levels from recreational, All Star, Travel, and Select programs for our most advanced players. Our professional and certified coaches, no outside guest player policy, annual commitments, advanced facilities, camps clinics and individual training, and scholarship programs ensure that we have something for all families to experience the joy of sport without the politics, bias and lack of development focus of so many organizations. As we head into the summer, we are excited about the incredible number of programs taking place inside and outside our facilities, including Baby Dragons and Little Dragons, along with continued team and location expansion.
We know how precious your children are and take great pride in the responsibility and investment required to help shape their future. Thank you for your trust, support, and partnership in this journey to develop leaders through sport, education, and challenges.
Sarah Hernandez
Founder and Executive Director of Dragons Elite
Louis Hernandez Jr.
CEO and Founder of Dragons Elite
There’s a lot happening across Dragons Elite as we continue to grow, invest, and create new opportunities for our athletes and families. From exciting contests and community events to new programs, memberships, and facility upgrades, we’re building more ways for players of every age and level to train, compete, and stay connected.
In this edition, catch up on our latest club highlights—including our Pets Contest winner, summer photo challenge, new Baby and Little Dragons classes, advanced MLB-level training technology, expanded programs across South Florida, and everything new happening inside the Dragons community.
Thanks to the many families that participated in our Pet Contest for a chance to win an official Dragons Elite Gear. Choosing just one winner was not easy, trust us!
But after long consideration, we can finally announce our decision. Drums please!
And the winner is… Pilot! This adorable furry good boy is a rescued 7-year-old German wirehaired pointer. Pilot’s family is part of the West Palm Beach Dragons Community, and he is a true deserver of the Dragons Elite Gear!
Clap your paws for Pilot!
If you missed it, be sure to enter our Summer Contest!
This summer, we want to see how far the Dragon spirit can go.
Show us your Summer Dragon moments anywhere, anytime.
– At the beach or pool
– Eating ice cream
– Water balloon fights
– With your Dragons teammates
Send us:
Your photo with the Dragon Gear
Athlete’s first name + age
A short caption
You can participate on social media too! Upload an Instagram story and tag Dragons Elite Athletics wearing your best gear!
We’ll feature favorites all summer and announce the winner in the next edition.
Available at our Coral Springs and Wellington facilities, Baby Dragons is the ultimate starting line for your little athlete!
Designed specifically for children ages 2 to 4, this interactive 45min parent-and-child program creates a fun, energetic environment where families can learn and grow together. Through engaging games, age-appropriate drills, and guided activities, parents actively participate while helping their child develop essential athletic foundations, including:
Baby Dragons is all about creating positive experiences, building confidence, and fostering a lifelong love of movement and sports. Come ready to play, learn, and make lasting memories with your little one!
Our Little Dragons program is designed for young athletes ages 5 to 7 who are beginning their baseball or softball journey.
This structured 60-minute class focuses on teaching the fundamental skills and game knowledge every developing player needs, including:
Led by our professional coaching staff, Little Dragons provides a fun, supportive learning environment while building the strong fundamentals necessary for long-term success. The program is currently available at all Dragons locations and will eventually transition into one of our new membership offerings as we roll out our expanded training programs.
At Dragons Elite, our commitment to athlete development goes beyond training. We continue to make significant investments across our facilities to provide players and families with an elite environment built for performance, growth, and community.
From upgraded cages and new pitching machines to baseball equipment, fresh paint, improved signage, expanded merchandise offerings, motivational music themes and overall facility branding and beautification, every improvement is designed to enhance the athlete experience and create a first-class training atmosphere.
At Dragons Elite Athletics, the safety of our athletes remains a top priority. To reinforce that commitment, all our facilities have been equipped with upgraded, high-quality security camera systems to ensure continuous monitoring and a safer environment for every family.
A major part of our investment is in advanced MLB-level technology. At our West Palm Beach facility, athletes can now train in our new Pitching Labs under the guidance of former MLB pitcher Darin Downs while utilizing TrackMan technology.
Used by all 30 MLB teams and numerous collegiate programs, TrackMan captures more than 20 data points per pitch—including spin rate, spin axis, and release height—giving athletes immediate feedback, verified performance data, and precision video analysis to support data-driven development.
At our South Wellington facility, athletes have the opportunity to work with top tier coaches while utilizing Rapsodo technology. Rapsodo allows our certified coaches to track full ball flight and delivers accurate hitting and pitching analytics, including seam orientation and wake-break data for advanced pitch design—making it an essential tool for athletes serious about elevating their game.
Beyond training and facility enhancements, Dragons Elite continues to build stronger community engagement through special events and experiences. Most recently, our Baseball Card Show at the West Palm facility brought together athletes, families, and collectors for a fun and successful event that highlighted the growing Dragons Elite community, with even one of our own Dragons families participating as a vendor.
With more events planned in the future, families can expect even more opportunities to connect, compete, and be part of the Dragons Elite experience.
Our West Boca T-Ball Development Program is designed specifically for young athletes ages 4–6 who are ready to begin their baseball journey in a fun, structured, and professionally coached environment.
Created as an alternative to traditional recreational leagues, this program focuses on building strong baseball fundamentals, confidence, athletic development, and a love for the game without the overcrowded parks, excessive games, or reliance on volunteer coaches.
Led by our professional coaching staff, we aim to ensure personalized instruction and maximum development. We are very excited to bring this unique developmental experience to our West Boca community!
We are proud to announce the upcoming launch of our new Access and Training Memberships, designed for dedicated athletes who want to take their development to the next level.
Whether you’re looking for:
Our new membership options will provide more opportunities than ever to train, improve, and compete.
We’re making significant investments in our facilities to create the best possible experience for athletes and families alike. Some of the exciting upgrades include:
Each membership has different features. Review all the membership options to determine which one is better for you!
Our newly revamped facilities are being built to serve the entire Dragons community—a place where athletes can train, families can connect, and everyone can enjoy the journey of development together.
Be the First to Experience the Future of Dragons
Secure your spot today and be among the first athletes and families to experience everything our new Dragons training model has to offer. Memberships are now available at all our South Florida Facilities! Visit our website page to sign-up at your preferred Facility.
At Dragons Elite, we continue to grow by creating more opportunities for athletes and families at every stage of their sports journey. Our mission has always been to provide a complete development pathway—whether a family is looking for recreational play, all-star competition, select teams, or elite travel programs.
Through our partnership with the City of Tamarac, Dragons Elite now offers a full range of baseball opportunities, including recreational, all-star, select, and travel teams. This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting families where they are and providing the right environment for every athlete to learn, compete, and grow.
We are also excited to launch our new T-ball program in West Boca, creating an entry point for young athletes and families who are just beginning their baseball journey. It’s another step in building a stronger foundation for player development at every age and level.
As Dragons Elite continues to expand across the state, families can expect to see new teams and opportunities in baseball, softball, soccer, and flag football—bringing our development-first model to even more communities.
What makes Dragons Elite unique is our commitment to both community and professional development. At the recreational level, we encourage family engagement and involvement, creating a fun and supportive environment while certifying coaches to ensure structure and consistency. At the select and travel levels, athletes are guided exclusively by professional coaches—removing bias and focusing solely on player growth, development, and making the best decisions for the team.
Community remains at the heart of everything we do. From Dragon Days to Baseball Card Shows and other events, we continue to create experiences that bring families together and strengthen the Dragons Elite family both on and off the field.
We are actively building teams for the upcoming season. If you missed tryouts, sign up today for one of our rolling tryouts!
Show your Dragon pride on and off the field! Visit the Dragons Elite Athletics Store and discover official merchandise representing all your favorite teams and programs – There’s something for everybody.
Gear up with team apparel, stylish hoodies, caps, training gear, and more — designed for athletes, families, and fans who want to represent the Dragons spirit wherever they go. From practice days to game days, wear your colors with pride.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Dragons community in style. Stop by the store today!
Fall registration is now open at Dragons Academy, and families are invited to discover a new standard in personalized education. Built for students who need flexibility, focus, and a more intentional academic experience, Dragons Academy offers a fully accredited K–12 program designed to help every child thrive.
At Dragons Academy, we combine the academic standards and curriculum of an elite private school with the flexibility modern families need. Unlike virtual-only programs or homeschooling models, Dragons Academy is a fully accredited private school built to deliver both structure and adaptability. It’s the best of both worlds: the excellence of traditional private education with the freedom and flexibility of modern learning.
Our educational model is built on direct collaboration between educators, students, and parents, creating a more intentional and connected learning experience. Through one-to-one instruction and individualized support, students receive the focus, challenge, and accountability needed to reach their full potential.
Our program is designed to build high-performing students across core subjects—including math, science, reading, writing, and social studies—while also providing meaningful electives and project-based learning opportunities that prepare students for the real world.
What sets Dragons Academy apart:
For student-athletes and families with demanding schedules, our Flex Model offers the freedom to balance academics with training, travel, and competition—without compromising academic excellence.
The best way to experience Dragons Academy is in person. We invite families to attend one of our weekly Open Houses every Wednesday from 6:00–8:00 p.m., where you can tour the program, ask questions, and connect directly with Dominick Coppola, Director of Academics, to learn how Dragons Academy supports student-athletes and families seeking a more flexible path.
Live webinars are also hosted every Friday at 6:00 p.m. for families who want to learn more remotely. Complete the interest form to receive the webinar link and additional event details.
Secure your spot for Fall 2026 and take the first step toward a more personalized, flexible, and empowering education.
With nearly 400 families now part of the Dragons Elite community, we continue to see incredible success stories unfold across every region, every age group, and every level of play. From baseball and softball to flag football and beyond, the growth, energy, and achievements across our programs reflect the culture we’ve built together.
At Dragons Elite, our focus has always been on long-term player development. We build our teams through annual commitment, trust, and consistency—without relying on outside guest players. While many competitors stack rosters for tournaments, our athletes continue to compete and win through preparation, coaching, and dedication. That development-first model is what makes these moments so meaningful.
Just as important as the wins is the community behind them: like-minded families who value growth, teamwork, and the joy of competing together. Across all our regions, it’s been exciting to see both the fun and the success that comes from that shared commitment. There are far too many stories to tell in one update, but here are just a few highlights from across the Dragons Elite family.
On May 21st, we held the biggest community celebration of the season: Dragons Day. Approximately 200 people attended the event at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton, FL, bringing together athletes, families, and the team spirit built throughout the year.
Through games, live entertainment, and plenty of fun, Dragons Day embodied what we take the most pride in, our mission, and the strong sense of family that defines Dragons Elite and drives the passion and dedication we put into everything we do.
Face painting, live DJ, food trucks, fundraising booths, and opportunities to learn about Dragons Academy all came together to showcase the very best of our culture and community. Events like Dragons Day are a reminder that development is not just about what happens on the field; it’s also about building relationships and creating experiences that bring families together.
Big shoutout to Anna Coppola, who earned a Direct Invite to the USSSA All American Games after getting selected on the spot at the Pembroke Pines tryout.
Anna’s achievement is the result of her work ethic and the constant effort she continues to put in every week. She consistently goes the extra mile, and her preparation and confidence have paid off.
Anna has earned the opportunity to compete alongside top athletes from across the country this summer at the USSSA Space Coast Complex, and we’re proud to see her recognized on a national stage.
Keep working. Keep growing. Keep competing. Congratulations, Anna. Your Dragons Elite family is proud of you 🐉🥎
Spectacular performances were delivered by the Dragons Elite 14U West Boca Softball team, reaching an exciting two-part milestone.
On April 12th, they captured the USSSA Angels for Autism Event championship in Palm Beach, marking a huge achievement while supporting a meaningful cause.
They followed that up with another first-place finish in the Plantation tournament on May 3rd, making it two tournament championships in just three weeks.
These victories are another example of what can happen when development, teamwork, and commitment come together. Congratulations to our Softball Elites on an incredible run!
A milestone that reflects years of hard work, consistency, and dedication to the game—congratulations to Michael Gagliardi of Susquehanna University on reaching 100 career hits at the collegiate level.
Dragons Elite NY Regional Manager and top coach Brandon Mann played an important role in Michael’s development, helping shape him as both a player and a person on and off the field, and contributing to his journey to the collegiate level.
From clutch hits to countless leadership moments, this milestone represents the grind, commitment, and passion Michael has brought to the game every single day.
Congratulations on an incredible accomplishment, Michael—and here’s to many more ahead.
This month’s Coaches’ Corner features Coach Maggie Miller, Dragons Elite’s Pitching Coach and a recent graduate of Keiser University. A native of Long Island, New York, Maggie recently completed her senior season as a pitcher for the Seahawks, helping lead the program through their most successful years in school history. Keiser posted a record-breaking season, including a winning streak of 23 games and a deep run to the NAIA World Series, where Coach Maggie earned a victory on the national stage.
For nearly a year, Coach Maggie has been an integral part of the Dragons Elite softball program, leading pitching clinics and serving as the pitching coach at tournaments throughout the year. Her experience as a four-year collegiate pitcher allows her to provide athletes with more than technical instruction. From pitch calling and mechanical adjustments to mental preparation and emotional support during competition, she helps young players develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed.
“At Dragons Elite, we believe that player development starts with access to great coaching,” says Regional Director Dominick Coppola. With more than 20 years of experience as an educator, coach, and athletic administrator, Coppola has built a culture centered on mentoring the next generation of coaches and teachers. Under his leadership, numerous assistant coaches have grown into head coaching roles, while Dragons Elite athletes continue to thrive. This spring alone, the organization’s 14U team captured five tournament championships, driven in part by strong pitching development under the guidance of coaches like Maggie Miller.
The combination of experienced leadership, high-level instruction, and a commitment to athlete development is what sets Dragons Elite apart. For aspiring pitchers, having a coach who has competed and succeeded at the collegiate level can make all the difference—and that’s the Dragons Elite way.
Tryout Season Coming Up!
Come see the difference that an on-staff pitching coach makes. Sign up for Dragons Elite Fastpitch Tryouts in one of our six age groups starting this fall that Coach Maggie will oversee.
Our Summer Camp gives families a place where kids stay active, build friendships, and grow through the game—inside a safe, structured, and positive environment. Whether your child is just starting or already playing, they’ll be supported, challenged, and encouraged every day.
Our facilities offer a full range of flexible Summer Camp programs. Athletes can sign-up for all Summer or a single week. Select your preferred location and register now!
We’re excited to introduce a major advancement in the Dragon digital ecosystem for the 2026–2027 season with the launch of the new Dragon App.
Designed with families in mind, the app brings everything together into one seamless experience. For the first time, parents will be able to complete all essential season setup steps in a single, streamlined process, including confirming required paperwork and establishing a secure, ongoing payment method for the season.
The Dragon App represents a meaningful step forward in how we support our community, making participation easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable than ever. We look forward to launching this enhanced experience and continuing to evolve the Dragon ecosystem to better serve our families.
Look for more information coming this Fall!
On April 30th, Louis Hernandez Jr.’s Foundation For A Bright Future (FABF) had its ‘Spotlight on Giving’ fundraising event at the Paramount Headquarters, which reflected the power of community, generosity, and a shared commitment to creating brighter futures.
Founder and Chairman Louis Hernandez Jr. alongside Tracey Shaw, Chair of the Events Committee, announced a spectacular milestone $285,000 raised to support scholarships and life-changing educational programs. Our next Fundraising Event will take place on October 1st, in Miami, FL.
These events are key to supporting Dragons Elite scholarships. Often, scholarships cover the full cost of participation. Families interested in learning more about eligibility and how to apply can click the link below.
This spring, West Palm Beach athletes completed a 12-week development program focused on building stronger, more explosive, and game-ready athletes through a progressive three-phase training system.
“This spring was one of the most successful training cycles we’ve had. Across both our baseball and softball programs, athletes made measurable gains in strength, power, movement efficiency, and on-field performance. Many players increased their exit velocity by 5+ mph while also improving key athletic metrics such as broad jump and overall explosiveness. More importantly, those gains translated directly into game performance. We saw athletes have breakout seasons, earn larger roles on their teams, and compete with greater confidence than ever before.” — Shaun Garceau, West Palm Beach Regional Manager.
The program emphasized:
Over the course of the spring, athletes made measurable gains in key performance metrics.
Spring Performance Results
These improvements reflect the work our athletes put in every day and the importance of combining strength training, movement efficiency, and mechanical development into one complete system.
Our goal is not only to help athletes perform better in training, but to help those gains transfer directly onto the field.
“Several athletes used the gains they made this spring to produce career-best seasons, helping lead their teams to championships, recording personal milestones at the plate and in the circle, and demonstrating the direct impact of consistent training,” Shaun Garceau added.
Summer Programs Are Underway
We now have three summer development programs beginning for athletes who want to continue building strength, explosiveness, confidence, and game performance heading into the next season.
“As we head into summer, we’re excited to build that momentum through our Summer Strength Program, specialized hitting instruction, and Coach Darin Downs’ Pitching Program. Summer is where athletes separate themselves, and we’re looking forward to helping even more players take the next step in their development.” — Shaun Garceau, West Palm Beach Regional Manager.
We continue to build and invest more opportunities in the fastest growing youth sports program across the Nation. With our ever-evolving span of programs spread throughout the country, we invite you to our website to learn more about the exciting projects and announcements to come!
