Empowering Excellence: Meet the Dedicated Minds Shaping Our Future.

At The Charlotte Performance Institute of Sports Technology & Business, we are proud to introduce the dedicated team behind our innovative and dynamic programs. Our institute, launching in 2024, is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is committed to excellence in sports, technology, and business education.

Founder

Our visionary Founder has been the driving force behind the creation of our institute, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for sports and education. Their leadership and commitment have been instrumental in shaping our mission to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences needed to excel in the global sports industry.

Academic Teacher

Our dedicated Academic Teacher is an expert in integrating technology and business principles with sports education. With a focus on rigorous academics and industry-relevant curriculum, they are committed to preparing students for successful careers at the intersection of sports, technology, and business.

Basketball Coaches

We are privileged to have four exceptional Basketball Coaches who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our program. Each coach is dedicated to developing our students' athletic potential while also emphasizing the importance of education and character development. Their diverse backgrounds and professional insights ensure that our athletes receive top-tier coaching and mentorship, preparing them for the next level of life and professional sports.

Together, our staff is devoted to inspiring a new generation of leaders and innovators in the sports business landscape. Through top-tier coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and cutting-edge technology, we are committed to equipping our students with the tools they need to thrive in the dynamic and evolving sports industry.

Rico Grier is the visionary founder of the Charlotte Performance Institute of Sports Technology & Business. With a distinguished background in sports and a passion for education, Rico's journey through basketball began with a stellar career at Pfeiffer University. His exceptional contributions to the sport earned him a place in the Hall of Fame, and he was a two-time All-American in college.

Rico's visionary leadership extends beyond his playing days. He was the driving force behind the creation of Vertical Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Kanye West's Donda Academy, both of which have significantly impacted youth sports education.

During his professional overseas stint, Rico's passion for the game never waned. He seamlessly transitioned into organizing programs and camps in the Charlotte area, making an indelible mark by managing a youth travel basketball program boasting over 20 teams and orchestrating tournaments drawing over 175 participating teams from across the nation.

Rico's commitment to the development of young athletes extends beyond the court. He has mentored individuals from elementary school to the professional level, guiding them through the trials and triumphs of their athletic careers. His own story of redemption fuels his mission to empower aspiring athletes on their journey to professional success. Additionally, Rico is the manager of Hickory, North Carolina native and University of Kentucky basketball star, NBA lottery pick Rob Dillingham.

At the Charlotte Performance Institute of Sports Technology & Business, Rico combines his expertise in sports management with a dedication to fostering excellence in sports, technology, and business education. By combining top-tier coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and cutting-edge technology, Rico ensures that students are well-equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow's sports industry.

Through rigorous academics, industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities, Rico strives to inspire a new generation of professionals who will drive positive change and innovation in the sports business landscape. His vision for the institute is to prepare athletes for the next level of life while also building professional athletes, making the Charlotte Performance Institute of Sports Technology & Business a leader in sports education and development.

Mrs. Jackson is a dedicated and experienced former social worker with a specialty in adoption, foster care, family engagement, and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). With a profound commitment to helping families, she has built a career centered around supporting and nurturing children and their caregivers. As a mother of three children, two of whom are adopted, she brings both personal and professional insight into her work, making her uniquely equipped to understand and address the complexities of family dynamics and child development.

Residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mrs. Jackson runs a successful home school co-op that emphasizes literacy for children of all ages. Her passion for education and her innovative approach to learning have made the co-op a cornerstone of the community, providing invaluable resources and support to parents and children alike. In addition to her work with the co-op, she remains a fervent advocate for Social and Emotional Learning, actively teaching and promoting SEL principles through various programs throughout the city.

Mrs. Jackson's academic background includes a degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech University, which laid the foundation for her career in social work and education. Her comprehensive understanding of psychological principles, combined with her hands-on experience, enables her to create enriching and supportive environments for children and families. Her work continues to have a lasting impact on the community, fostering growth, resilience, and emotional well-being for all those she serves.

We are thrilled to have Mrs. Jackson as part of our faculty. Her wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to the well-being of children and families makes her an invaluable asset to our school community. Her passion for teaching and her commitment to fostering a positive learning environment align perfectly with our mission, and we are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on our students and staff.

Ricky Fletcher is a dedicated and passionate certified personal trainer with over 12 years of experience in helping athletes achieve their fitness goals, whether they are everyday individuals or athletes. With a background in competitive sports, Ricky brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his clients. His approach combines strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Ricky believes in the power of fitness to transform lives, not just physically but also spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. His goal is to motivate and support his athletes through every step of their fitness journey, ensuring they build not only strong bodies but also a positive mindset. His journey from athlete to trainer serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the importance of perseverance, discipline, and a commitment to healthy living.

Certifications:

• ISSA Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

• Specialized certifications in weight loss, muscle building, and sports performance

Specialties:

• Weight Loss and Management

• Strength and Conditioning

• Functional Training

• Sports Performance

• Nutritional Guidance

At Charlotte Performance Institute, Ricky Fletcher's personalized approach ensures that each athlete receives tailored programs that meet their individual needs and objectives. His dedication and passion for fitness make him a valuable asset to our team, inspiring and guiding our athletes to reach their full potential.

Spencer Levy, hailing from Calabasas, California, is a seasoned trainer with a rich background in developing players at all levels. A proud graduate of Occidental College, Spencer has dedicated his career to honing the skills of athletes around the globe.

With extensive experience working with NBA, college, high school, and amateur players, Spencer has become a trusted name in the sports development community. He works with players to help them become more efficient, teaching them how to make adjustments and stay one step ahead of their opponents. He has had the privilege of training some of the most renowned names in basketball, including:

NBA Stars: Klay Thompson, Steve Nash, Zach LaVine, Carmelo Anthony, Julius Randle, and Michael Carter-Williams

Rising Talents: Robert Dillingham, JJ Grier, Shamorie Ponds, Makur Maker, Erik Demers, Travis Trice, and Josh Magette

WNBA and International Players: Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (WNBA), Emaleena Elson (Philippine National Team), Trinity San Antonio (Puerto Rico National Team), Ethan Lin (Sweden National Team), and Robert Hinton (Taiwan National Team)

NBL and EuroLeague Standouts: Matt Hodgson, Jerome Randle, Michael Roll, and Isaac Humphries

Spencer's extensive resume also includes training stints with top international teams such as the Guangdong Southern Tigers and the SK Knights. His unique approach to development and data analytics ensures that each athlete he works with reaches their full potential.

At Charlotte Performance Institute, Spencer Levy continues to lead the charge in developing the next generation of basketball talent, combining his expertise in data analytics with hands-on training to deliver unparalleled results.

Meet Coach Edward Cooke, a dedicated and accomplished basketball coach hailing from Charlotte, NC. A proud alumnus of Harding High School, Coach Edward Cooke has a rich history in basketball, having played for two years at Oxnard College in Oxnard, CA, before completing their college career at North Carolina A&T.

Returning to Charlotte in 2004, Coach Cooke embarked on a coaching journey that began with travel ball and expanded to high school and elite club levels. Over a span of 9 years, Coach Cooke contributed significantly to the Nike EYBL circuit, coaching Team United and nurturing top-tier talent.

Coach Cooke lso brought their expertise to Northside Christian, where their leadership led the team to a state championship victory in their first year. Now, in their 20th year of coaching, Coach Cooke continues to inspire and develop young athletes with passion and dedication.

We are thrilled to have Coach Cooke as part of our team, guiding our players to success both on and off the court.

Jamal Mosley, raised in Talladega, Alabama, and now a resident of Charlotte, NC, has dedicated his career to developing young athletes and fostering a love for basketball. His journey in coaching began at E.E. Waddell Language Academy, where he served as an Assistant Girls Middle School coach. This initial role ignited his passion for coaching and set the stage for his future endeavors.

Driven by a commitment to nurturing young talent, Jamal transitioned to coaching AAU basketball. Recognizing the need for comprehensive player development, he founded his own organization, Elusive Elite. As CEO, Jamal has built Elusive Elite into a premier program, emphasizing skill development, work ethic, basketball IQ, and personal growth. His leadership and vision have helped countless young athletes achieve their goals both on and off the court.

Jamal's success with Elusive Elite opened doors for further coaching opportunities. He was hired as the JV coach for the North Charlotte Lions, where his impact was immediate and profound. Under his guidance, the team flourished, culminating in a triumphant victory at the 2024 CSAA State Championship. This achievement stands as a testament to his coaching acumen and his ability to inspire and lead young players to greatness.

Throughout his career, Jamal Mosley has been dedicated to instilling character and integrity in his players, alongside developing their basketball skills. His approach to coaching goes beyond the game, focusing on the holistic development of each athlete. Now, as part of our coaching staff, Coach Mosley continues to bring his passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence, helping our athletes reach their full potential and preparing them for success both on and off the court.

We are proud to have Coach Mosley as a key member of our team, where his experience and dedication continue to make a lasting impact on our program and the lives of our young athletes.

Joshua Cozart, a 28-year-old from East Spencer, NC, is a passionate and dedicated basketball coach with a commitment to developing young athletes. A graduate of Rowan Cabarrus Community College, Joshua has been coaching for five years, quickly building a reputation for excellence and leadership.

His coaching journey began shortly after graduation, driven by his love for the game and a desire to mentor the next generation of players. For the past three years, Joshua has been a key figure in "Team Loaded," a highly competitive basketball program. Coaching at a high level, he has played a significant role in shaping the team's strategies and guiding them to numerous successes.

Joshua’s philosophy emphasizes skill development, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. He strives to instill confidence, resilience, and a strong work ethic in his players, preparing them for success both on and off the court.

We are proud to have Coach Cozart on our team, where his experience and enthusiasm continue to inspire and elevate our athletes. His leadership and vision are instrumental in helping our program reach new heights and in guiding our players to achieve their full potential.

Born in Shelby, NC, and raised on the south side of Charlotte, Coach Joe Adams now resides in Gastonia, NC. A former football scholarship recipient at Chowan University, Coach Adams has dedicated his career to coaching and mentoring young athletes.

Coach Adams has a rich history of coaching experience. He spent a decade coaching at Hunter Huss from 2012 to 2022, before moving to Northside Christian, where he coached from 2023 to 2024. During his time at Northside Christian, he led the team to a State Championship in 2023.

In addition to his high school coaching roles, Coach Adams has been an influential figure in AAU basketball. He coached Team Loaded 3SSB for four years and currently coaches Team United EYBL 2026. Coach Adams has been with Team United for the past four years, continually striving to develop and support young talent.

Driven by a desire to give back to the community and help youth thrive, Coach Adams has made a significant impact on every team he has coached. His commitment to fostering growth and excellence in young athletes is at the core of his coaching philosophy.

We are thrilled to have Coach Joe Adams join our coaching staff and look forward to the positive influence and expertise he will bring to our program.

Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Isaiah Nathaniel brings a wealth of local basketball experience and a passion for coaching to the Charlotte Performance Institute of Sports Technology & Business.

Isaiah's basketball journey began at Northside Christian, where he played high school basketball from 2015 to 2018. He further honed his skills and knowledge of the game as a Basketball Assistant Manager at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) from 2018 to 2021, culminating in a memorable NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021.

Driven by a deep love and passion for basketball, Isaiah transitioned into coaching to mentor and develop young student-athletes both on and off the court. In his first year as an assistant coach at Northside Christian during the 2023-2024 season, Isaiah helped lead the team to an impressive 24-10 record.

Isaiah Nathaniel is excited to bring his experience and enthusiasm to the Charlotte Performance Institute, where he aims to inspire and guide the next generation of basketball talent.

Dexter Jenkins, also known as Coach Dex, brings over a decade of basketball coaching experience to Charlotte Performance Institute. As the Owner and Head Trainer of Skill Boost Academy, Coach Dex has made a significant impact on amateur basketball through player development and exposure. His extensive background includes coaching Nike’s Jr. EYBL Team CP3 and working with Elite Mixtapes to film and highlight some of the country's top young talent.

Since 2014, Coach Dex has developed a unique approach to player development, combining on-court skills training with videography and film breakdown to provide players with the tools they need to succeed. His program focuses on mentoring players, enhancing their basketball IQ, and improving their technical skills, such as ball handling, shooting, footwork, and passing. Coach Dex emphasizes integrity, accountability, and teamwork, preparing players to excel both on and off the court and to advance to the next level of their basketball careers.

We are thrilled to have Coach Dex as part of our staff at Charlotte Performance Institute, where his expertise and passion for the game will undoubtedly benefit our athletes.