How We Started

Our Story

Derek Brush, a dedicated PE teacher in Scottsdale since 2018, graduated from Arizona Christian University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business and an emphasis in Sports Management.

Driven by a passion for youth sports, Derek founded Future Athletes AZ in 2020. Future Athletes AZ aims to help young athletes achieve their goals by providing an educational environment that develops necessary skills across various sports.

Our mission is to become Arizona's premier sports training program.

Family photo of Derek Brush, wife, and daughter.
Headshot of founder, Derek Brush
Meet The Founder of Future Athletes AZ

Derek Brush

Derek has been coaching sports since graduating from Arizona Christian University in 2017. His athletic journey began at the age of five, and his passion for sports carried him through college, where he played at an elite level. As the top punter in the country during his time at ACU, Derek earned back-to-back First Team All-American honors and numerous divisional accolades.

Now as the head coach for Future Athletes AZ, Derek is committed to giving back to the next generation of athletes, inspired by the mentors and coaches who helped shape his own success. His goal is to instill the same dedication and love for sports that fueled his own athletic career, helping young athletes reach their full potential.

Outside of coaching, Derek enjoys spending his time with his wife and daughter, cherishing the moments with his family while balancing his love for sports and mentorship.

Meet The Team

Our team of experienced and passionate coaches is dedicated to helping young athletes reach their full potential. Each coach brings a unique set of skills and a commitment to fostering a positive and supportive training environment.

Coach

Rocco Pascente

Read Rocco's Bio

Rocco Pascente brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as a coach, with over 30 years of playing and coaching basketball. His journey began with playing Travel AAU and Varsity High School basketball at Notre Dame High School for Boys for three years, followed by a collegiate career at Saint Joseph's College.

Rocco has been a Basketball Skills and Conditioning Coach for over 20 years, working with both girls and boys. He has also served as a Varsity High School Strength and Conditioning Coach for both girls and boys for over two decades. His extensive coaching career includes coaching elite-level AAU boys and girls (14-17U) and Varsity High School basketball teams for over 20 years.

Additionally, Rocco was a Recruiter and Assistant Coach at North Park University in Chicago for three years, further demonstrating his commitment to developing young athletes and his expertise in the sport. His vast experience and passion for basketball make him an invaluable asset to any team.

Coach

Joey Santos

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Joey Santos brings energy, passion, and a diverse background in sports to his role as a coach. His athletic journey began at a young age, participating in organized football, soccer, and baseball. In addition to these team sports, Joey spent five years training in Tae Kwon Do, earning his black belt and learning discipline and resilience early on.

In high school, Joey continued to expand his athletic experience by competing in football, track, and basketball. Throughout these years, he developed a deep curiosity and passion for coaching. Now, Joey is excited to embark on his coaching career, eager to share his love for sports and help young athletes grow.

Coach

Tyler Brush

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Tyler brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as a coach, with over a decade of involvement in youth sports. His journey began in California in 2010, where he coached various sports, drawing from his own background in football, baseball, and basketball. In 2022, Tyler moved to Arizona to pursue a new career opportunity, continuing his passion for coaching.​

Throughout his high school years, Tyler excelled in football, choosing it as his main sport. His personal experiences as a young athlete drive his commitment to give back to the youth. Tyler aims to instill confidence in young athletes, helping them realize their potential and achieve their athletic goals. His dedication and passion for coaching make him a valuable mentor for aspiring athletes.

Coach

Jordan Leary

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Jordan Leary brings a wealth of athletic experience and a deep passion for coaching to Future Athletes Training. Growing up, Jordan was involved in a variety of sports, eventually focusing on football and track during his high school years. His athletic journey continued at Arizona Christian University, where he excelled as a wide receiver on the football team and competed in several track and field events.

As a dedicated PE teacher and coach, Jordan is committed to mentoring young athletes and helping them grow both on and off the field. His passion for raising up the next generation of athletes is at the core of his work, and he plays an integral role in running sports camps with Future Athletes. Jordan’s drive and enthusiasm make him a valuable coach, focused on developing confidence and skill in every young athlete he works with.

Coach

Jennifer Sarter

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Jenn Sarter played NCAA Division I volleyball for the Mississippi State University Bulldogs, in the SEC, with a full ride scholarship. As a 6’0” middle blocker, Jenn holds Mississippi State’s all-time individual match record for both total blocks and block assists against the Louisiana State University Tigers. She also holds records for attack percentage and block assists and was an AVCA Academic All-American.

Jenn graduated Summa Cum Laude with a triple major in English, French and journalism and was ranked first in her class. Originally from Champaign, Ill., Jenn was the high school volleyball player of the year as a junior. She has coached volleyball camps at the University of Illinois and Mississippi State University and most recently coached volleyball club at Archway in 2024. She absolutely loves working with student athletes!

Jenn is currently the Global Marketing Director for Cotton Council International and lives in Scottsdale with her husband, Mike, and their two sons, Luke and Jude.

Coach

TJ Stewart

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Coach TJ is the founder of RARE Academy, an elite athlete development program dedicated to shaping disciplined, confident, and coachable young athletes. As a former three-sport athlete, he knows firsthand what it takes to thrive in competitive sports — and how to inspire others todo the same.

With over 10 years of experience coaching and training athletes in football and basketball,Coach TJ brings a powerful mix of expertise, energy, and genuine passion for helping kids grow both on and off the court.

Currently studying Sports Psychology at Grand Canyon University, he blends practical coaching knowledge with the science behind mental performance. His approach goes beyond physical skills, focusing on building confidence, mental toughness, and resilience — crucial qualities for success in sports and life.

Whether your child is stepping onto the field for the first time or aiming for higher levels of competition, Coach TJ is committed to providing the skills, mindset, and support they need to reach their full potential.

Coach

Isaiah Isaac

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Coach Isaiah Isaac is a former collegiate athlete and dedicated youth coach who thrives on developing young athletes both on and off the field. A standout football player, he spent two seasons at Eastern Arizona College, where he helped secure back-to-back bowl championships, before continuing his athletic career at Fort Valley State University, a respectedHBCU.

Today, Coach Isaiah pours his energy into coaching youth flag football with NFL Flag, basketball with AZ Youth Sports, and is preparing to coach linebackers for the 2025 season at ArizonaCollege Prep. Alongside coaching, he works as a substitute teacher, specializing in physical education for students in grades K–6, bringing his love of sports into the classroom.

Outside of school and the field, Coach Isaiah runs personal training sessions and football development programs through Apache Blitz Camps and AZClubPrep, helping athletes sharpen their skills and reach new levels. His passion doesn’t stop with sports—he’s also the founder ofIsaac Catering, where he shares his talent for crafting delicious Southern comfort food.

Above all, Coach Isaiah is deeply committed to mentoring youth, using sports, education, and community-driven programs to build confidence, skills, and strong character in every child he works with.

Coach

Keith Hayes II

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Coach Keith Hayes II is a seasoned athlete, dedicated coach, and passionate educator who brings a wealth of experience to every young athlete he works with.

Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Keith excelled on the basketball court from an early age, earning a spot at the Division I level straight out of high school. He went on to complete his college career at William Jewell College, where he earned First Team All-Conference honors and was named Athlete of the Year in 2019—a testament to his skill, determination, and leadership.

Following college, Keith took his talents overseas, playing professionally in Germany from 2019to 2024. During his time there, he played a key role in helping multiple teams achieve league promotions, gaining invaluable experience at the international level.

Now based in Phoenix, Keith channels his passion for the game into coaching youth athletes through his program, Keith Hayes Hoops. Alongside his coaching career, he works as a SpecialEducation teacher, where he’s dedicated to supporting student growth and development both academically and personally.

Coach Keith is committed to inspiring young athletes, helping them build skills, confidence, and a strong work ethic that extends far beyond the court.

Coach

Ayodele Adeoye

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Bio coming soon!

Ready to Join the Fun?

Give your child the ultimate summer adventure filled with fun, teamwork,
and skill-building across multiple sports.