Coaches

Varsity Head Coach                           David Darwin

David is the owner and operator of Darwin Sports, Inc. and the Core Athletics facility. His experience includes six years as a professional baseball player and 15 years as a youth baseball camp instructor.

The Detroit Tigers drafted him in 1996 where he progressed through the organization to play for the Triple-A Toledo Mudhens. He also played in the Cleveland Indians organization for the double-A Akron Aeros and the triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

David played collegiate baseball at Duke University. As a four-year starter he was ACC All Conference in 1996, a team captain, and still holds several career and season pitching records. Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree at Duke, he completed a double major in economics and sociology and was listed on the ACC All Academic Team his senior year.

During his high school career at West Mecklenburg, David was honored as the Mecklenburg County Player of the year in 1992 and was an All-State team selection that same year. He was also named a member of the AAU All America team in 1991.

Throughout his playing career David has worked as an instructor at camps, clinics and various baseball facilities, including “The Dugout” in Lakeland, Florida, at “On Deck”, in Pineville, NC, and at “Diamond Dreams” in Concord, NC. In addition, he has coached at various levels including the Davidson Copperhead collegiate team for three seasons as well at several AAU/USSSA travel teams. His focus is on developing programs for athletes to reach their maximum potential through incorporating proper hitting and pitching mechanics, strength training and mental conditioning.

Junior Varsity Coach Brad Matthews

Brad was a former standout at Mt. Pleasant High School where he was an All-Conference Player both his junior and senior years as well as team captain for both seasons. He earned team MVP award and outstanding defensive player. In high school, Brad was selected to play in the North Carolina State Games his junior and senior year.

After high school, Brad attended Surry Community College. After his freshman year, he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays and signed a draft and follow, which sent him back to school while he remained under control by the Rays. An arm injury his sophomore year forced him to sit out that entire season. After going to Alabama to have Tommy John surgery by Dr. James Andrews, Brad signed to play at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, AL, where he helped lead his team to a 3rd place finish at the JUCO World Series. After his redshirt sophomore season, Brad was drafted and signed by the Tampa Bay Rays. He spent 3 seasons as a minor league player.

During the off season, Brad coached the Carolina Copperheads AAU/USSSA youth baseball teams. His second year coaching, his 15U team was ranked 4th in the nation. After being released from professional baseball, Brad went back to Alabama and was a volunteer coach at nationally ranked Wallace State Community College for 2 seasons.

Brad has spent 5 years as a coach/instructor, and has worked around the US helping run baseball camps. He coached Craig Kimbrel, who is a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves and has worked with other college and minor league players.

Middle School Coach               Kyle Kiker

Kyle was a homeschool athlete and graduated in 2009.  He played 5 years of varsity baseball with the Cabarrus Stallions and was a leader on the team at 3rd base/1st base and on the mound.  He helped lead the team to two Homeschool World Series appearances (2008, 2009) where the Stallions finished 5th and 4th in the country, respectively.  His senior season, Kyle had a 1.34 ERA and hit 4 home runs.  He also played American Legion baseball for Concord Post 51 for 3 seasons. He continued his play at a collegiate level at both Methodist University and Stanly Community College. He is currently attending UNCC studying International Business.