mission and vision statement for ftb academy east

Mission Statement

At FTB Academy East, we develop the complete athlete. Through elite on-field training, academic support, mental conditioning, and leadership development, we prepare exceptional high school players to compete and succeed at the Division I level and professionally.

Vision Statement

FTB Academy East envisions a national standard for elite baseball development — where the complete transformation of every athlete, on the field, in the classroom, and in life, defines who we are and what we produce. We see a future where college programs across the country seek out FTB Academy East athletes knowing they arrive ready to compete, lead, and excel.

Core Values

The following seven values define the culture, coaching philosophy, and standards that guide everything we do at FTB Academy East:

1. Excellence
We hold ourselves and every athlete to the highest standard — in training, in the classroom, and in life. Good enough is never enough at FTB Academy East.

2. Development
We are committed to the complete transformation of every athlete — building skill, character, mental toughness, and academic readiness in equal measure.

3. Accountability
We take ownership of our performance, our effort, and our conduct. FTB Academy East athletes are responsible to their teammates, their coaches, and themselves.

4. Resilience
We train to compete under pressure and rise from adversity. The strength of FTB Academy East is not just physical — it is forged through perseverance and mental toughness.

5. Integrity
We do the right thing on and off the field. FTB Academy East athletes are known for their character as much as their talent.

6. Team
We win and grow together. Individual excellence serves the collective, and every athlete at FTB Academy East is committed to making those around them better.

7. Coaching Excellence
FTB Academy East coaches lead with purpose, professionalism, and respect. We develop athletes through encouragement, high standards, and constructive guidance — never
intimidation, ego, or negativity. Our coaches are as committed to their own growth as they are to the growth of every athlete they develop.

MEET THE COACHES

DAVE PARRA

As Director of Coaches and Teams, Coach Parra leads baseball operations at FTB Academy East by providing the vision, structure and execution of each player's development and play.

As a former professional MLB player, Coach Parra has over twenty years of experience developing and scouting professional and youth athletes. He has worked for the Cleveland Guardians and Texas Rangers organizations, led Neosho County Community College to its first-ever NJCAA World Series appearance, and built from the ground up high-school teams to consecutive successful seasons at the regional and state level. His experience and coaching has helped many student-athletes achieve DI, DII and DIII commitments.

At FTB Academy East, Coach Parra continues his commitment to developing an exceptional program that maximizes the student-athlete's character and talent to help them realize their goals.

BRIAN CHAPUT

As Director of Facilities, Coach Chaput ensures the athletes' have the strength-training, skills-building, and state-of-the-art data-tracking equipment they need to improve and refine their game, confidence and future potential.

As a former professional MLB pitcher, Coach Chaput continues his 20+ year career developing players for their own collegiate and professional goals. With former student-athletes achieving success at the pro and university levels, he understands the importance of access to elite equipment and training environments.

Coach Chaput's vision and commitment to providing a welcoming, structured, and focused player-development space is the center of each student's day and, therefore, of foundational importance towards tapping into each player's ambition and pride in self.

Dan Taylor

Dan Taylor, FTB Academy East's Field Manager, will lead the field training of the student-athletes, implementing the Academy's vision and standard of excellence on the field.

Coach Taylor has more than 30 years of collegiate coaching experience and is one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in the country. His career is built on player development, program leadership and sustained success at every level. Having guided teams to three NJAA World Series appeances, he has helped countless athletes maximize their potential and advance their baseball careers.

He has coached at Mars Hill University, Frederick Community College and Indian River State College. Coach Taylor's ability to combine decades of experience with modern training methods and technology has made him one of the most respected developers of talent in the game.