paul giannelli - Founder
Paul was a multi-sport athlete growing up before focusing on baseball at the collegiate level. He played at Farmingdale State University before transferring to St. John’s University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management & Business. With over 15 years of coaching experience, Paul has worked with athletes ages 3–23 at various levels, including St. John’s University Men’s Baseball, Don Bosco Prep High School Varsity Baseball, and the New York Yankees Summer Camp. He now oversees the day-to-day operations of North County Sports Academy, bringing his leadership and extensive coaching experience to ensure a top-tier experience for all athletes.
Derrick Thomas – Basketball
Derrick brings a strong background in athletics, leadership, and performance training, along with a Master’s degree in Sports Management. A former varsity basketball player and team captain, he also competed in AAU basketball, gaining valuable experience in high-level competitive environments. Derrick is passionate about youth development and is committed to creating a high-energy, positive environment where players can develop their skills, strengthen fundamentals, and build a lasting love for the game.
Perek Belleh – Soccer
Coach Perek brings extensive professional playing and coaching experience to North County Sports Academy. He played professionally for BSV Emden Kickers, the New England Revolution, and Rochester New York FC, and currently serves as a Head Coach with Encinitas Express Soccer Club. A USSF National B Licensed coach with over 16 years of experience, Perek has trained boys and girls ages 5–22 at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. He also oversees Summer Camps and is First Aid & CPR Certified, ensuring a safe and high-quality training environment.
Alphonso Barmore – football (flag/tackle)
Alphonso brings years of football experience and a strong understanding of the body and physical performance to young athletes. A four-year outside linebacker at Chapman University, he was part of two conference championship teams and is currently a student physical therapist. With extensive coaching experience at Mountain View High School and his former Pop Warner team, Alphonso specializes in technique training for defensive linemen, defensive ends, and linebackers. He emphasizes building a proper athletic foundation and mastering technical details, helping athletes of all ages grow, improve, and reach their full potential.
Robbie Wood – Baseball
Robbie brings nearly two decades of baseball experience to North County Sports Academy. A standout infielder at La Costa Canyon High School, he spent four years anchoring the infield as a shortstop and third baseman, developing strong fundamentals and baseball IQ. With 17 years of playing experience and 4 years of coaching experience, Robbie has worked with boys and girls ages 4–15 through group clinics and private instruction. His coaching approach emphasizes fundamentals, smart decision-making, and confidence-building, helping players develop both on and off the field.
Ryan Shepherd – Softball
Ryan brings over 15 years of softball playing experience along with more than 5 years of coaching experience. She played travel softball for Firecrackers Brashear, American Pastime, and Explosion-Smith, and was a three-year varsity player at Saugus High School. She currently attends California State University San Marcos as a Kinesiology major and has over six years of Sports Medicine experience, combining knowledge of human movement, energy systems, and injury prevention to support athlete development. Ryan is passionate about youth development and is committed to creating a high-energy, positive environment where players can develop fundamental and mechanical skills, improve softball IQ, build self-confidence, and foster a lasting love for the game.
Chris Flores – Track & Field
Chris Flores is a Track & Field and Football coach dedicated to developing speed, athletic performance, and strong fundamentals. He works closely with athletes to improve technique, explosiveness, and confidence on the field. Chris currently serves as the Varsity Wide Receivers Coach at Fallbrook High School, where in his first season he helped develop five All-League selections at the wide receiver and tight end positions. He is passionate about helping athletes maximize their potential while building confidence, leadership, and character through sport.
Zoe Bodwell – Basketball
Zoe holds a degree in Sports Management and brings firsthand experience as a former college athlete. She played collegiate basketball at Southern Maine Community College and Lesley University, gaining valuable on-court experience and a deep understanding of the game. As an Internship Coordinator at Sidekick Sports Academy, Zoe mentored student-athletes while working with youth players, helping them develop leadership and coaching skills. Passionate about player development, she creates a positive and engaging environment where athletes can grow their skills and deepen their love for the game.
David Cruz – Soccer
David has competed at the highest levels of soccer, including the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, Palomar College, and California State University San Marcos. With nearly 20 years of playing experience and a degree in Kinesiology in progress, he brings both knowledge and passion to the field. With over eight years of coaching experience, David has worked with athletes ages 5–18. He currently assists with clinics and camps and is also available for private lessons, helping players of all levels grow, improve, and reach their goals.
Corbin Coates - football (flag & tackle)
Coach Corbin brings over a decade of playing and coaching experience to every athlete he works with. He currently serves as the Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Secondary Coach at Fallbrook High School, the same program he once played for, earning 1st Team All-Valley League honors at cornerback. Known for keeping football fun, fast, and focused, Coach Corbin is also active in the 7-on-7 football community, where he helps athletes refine their skills and compete at a high level year-round. His coaching approach emphasizes technique, confidence, and purposeful competition, helping young athletes develop both on and off the field.
Luc Slater – Baseball
Luc brings over 15 years of baseball experience and a deep passion for the game. A former high school pitcher turned full-time outfielder, he played club baseball at California State University San Marcos and competed semi-professionally in the Netherlands. His experience across multiple levels and cultures of baseball has given him a strong understanding of player development, mechanics, and fundamentals. Luc is passionate about youth development and is committed to creating a positive, high-energy environment where athletes can build confidence, strengthen fundamentals, improve baseball IQ, and develop a lasting love for the game.
Noah Gutteriez – Basketball
Ryan Shepherd – Soccer
Michael Johnson - football (flag & tackle)
With over two decades of coaching experience, Michael brings a strong passion for player development and a commitment to excellence. He spent 20 years coaching within the San Marcos Unified School District, earning a reputation for building competitive, disciplined, and hardworking teams rooted in integrity. A proud Vista High School alumnus and former CIF champion, Michael returned to his alma mater to join the coaching staff, inspiring the next generation of Panthers. His coaching philosophy is simple: “Work hard, compete, and have fun.” He emphasizes effort, accountability, and passion, instilling these core values in every athlete he mentors.
darrell miller – Baseball
Darrell was a standout catcher in high school before continuing his baseball career at UCLA. In 2012, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and went on to play professionally for the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago White Sox organizations. With over 12 years of coaching experience, Darrell has worked with boys and girls ages 4–21, helping athletes refine their skills and develop their game. He has also coached at the high school level and is available for private lessons, as well as assisting with clinics and camps.