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ABOUT US
Revolutionizing Youth Sports with the Eighth Grade Pro Initiative
Introduction
In the fast-evolving world of sports, The Pro’s Development Lab stands out with its revolutionary approach to youth athletic development. Our unique program, the Eighth Grade Pro Initiative, is reshaping the landscape of youth sports by focusing on a group often overlooked: the late bloomers and late starters.
Dismantling the Status Quo
The Pro’s Development Lab isn't just about training athletes; it’s about upending a stagnant system. Sports, as they stand, often cater to a minority - the naturally talented who make middle school and club teams. This system overlooks a vast majority: those cut from teams, labeled as “wanna-be’s,” who are often just late starters or multi-sport athletes who haven't yet specialized.
The Concept of Eighth Grade Pro
Born from frustration with this flawed system, the Eighth Grade Pro program focuses on the individual first, then the athlete. It’s a three-month skill development process teaching the nuances of Early Specialization, Individualism, Enrichment, and Critical Thinking. This approach ensures athletes understand the ‘why’ behind what they’re learning, setting the stage for both mental and physical excellence.
Tackling Identity Crisis in Sports
Youth sports often push athletes to see themselves solely in terms of their sports performance, leading to an identity crisis. The Eighth Grade Pro challenges this by teaching athletes to value themselves as individuals first, thus fostering a healthier, more balanced approach to sports and life.
Overcoming Obstacles
Athletes face numerous challenges, from family dynamics to learning conflicts. The Eighth Grade Pro addresses these by creating an environment that respects and adapts to these complexities, allowing athletes to grow despite them.
Proto-type Programs Expansion
The vision is expansive using basketball as an example state-wide programs in NBA cities, starting from the Eighth Grade (D-League) to NBA (G-League). Partnering with local Colleges and Universities and utilizing our Servant Coaching program. The program aims to revolutionize district and state-level sports programs.
A New Approach to AAU Clubs
Most NBA and WNBA players run youth programs only up to eighth grade. The Eighth Grade Pro wants to extend this, partnering with under-utilized facilities and existing organizations like YMCA and Jr. NBA/WNBA teams, to offer more comprehensive development.
What Sets Us Apart
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Addressing the Amateur Development System (ADS): Conventional ADS creates enthusiasm but then forces it into a “bottle-neck or what we describe as a 50 lane highway with one off-ramp.” The Pro’s Development Lab provides an alternative path.
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Reprogramming for Success: The D-League focuses on reprogramming athletes who haven't thrived in traditional systems, creating a space for them to develop pro skill-sets and a pro mindset.
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A National Stage: Establishing national tournaments and summer shooting contests exclusively for athletes within the program, providing a platform to showcase their development.
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The Shot Channel: A digital platform where college and pro coaches and players share insights, live stream training sessions, and contests, bringing the community closer.
Conclusion
The Pro’s Development Lab's Eighth Grade Pro initiative represents a seismic shift in youth sports development. It's not just a training program; it’s a movement that challenges conventional wisdom and offers a more inclusive, holistic approach to developing athletes. By focusing on late starters and late bloomers, and addressing the wider issues athletes face, it's creating a new generation of well-rounded, mentally strong athletes ready to excel both on and off the field.
OUR TEAM
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
At Pro's Development Lab, our strength lies in our team. We are more than a group of individuals; we are a family of innovative thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and enthusiastic go-getters. United by a common passion for teaching and learning, each team member contributes uniquely to our mission, employing tools like M.A.P. methodology, C.A.T. coaching developmental service, and S.E.D. Physical Education Departments creativity.
Meet Our Leaders: Gary Hailes, CEO
Gary, along with Dee Smith, co-founded Pro's Lab with the vision of revolutionizing the adolescent and teen development industry. With over 40 years of experience in sports, Gary brings extensive expertise and a profound passion for sports education to the table. He plays a pivotal role in our sales and marketing operations, driving growth and expanding our reach. Additionally, Gary serves on the board of several prominent companies, leveraging his industry knowledge to influence and guide their strategic direction. Proudly, Gary is the father of a singer and songwriter who stars in lead roles on Broadway and tours the country, and a son who holds NCAA D-I records and travels internationally as a fluent speaker of several languages.
Dee Smith, CFO
Dee is the financial wizard behind the curtains, ensuring our growth is sustainable and strategic. Her unmatched analytical skills make her a key figure in our decision-making process. Dee is deeply involved in sports education and continues to coach girls' basketball in her spare time. She was a member of two high school state championship teams, played collegiate basketball at Xavier University in New Orleans, and has an extensive track record of refereeing across the city.
Marie Ferdinand-Harris, COO
Marie oversees the organization’s daily operations and reports directly to the CEO. Her stunning visuals and compelling copy capture our brand's essence. As the leader of our creative team, she ensures our company deeply resonates with our audience. Having progressed from Eighth Grade Pro to WNBA All-Star, Marie embodies our concept. She also leads the "Be Like C.J." Foundation, which is linked to the Eighth Grade Pro Skills Transitioning and D-League Initiative.
Evan Hailes Head of Technology
Evan Hailes leads our Research and Development Team, driving innovation and crafting cutting-edge technology solutions that position Pro's Development Lab at the forefront of sports development and education. A graduate of Winthrop University, Evan's dedication and technical expertise quickly earned him recognition as a four-time All-Big South Athlete for the Winthrop Track Team.
Evan’s journey reflects the very core of the Pro’s Lab methodology (M.A.P.)—Method, Assessment, Protocol. Beginning his training at age 13, he transitioned through the Pro Skill-set, Pro Mindset, and Pro Mentality, embodying the values instilled by our program. His success in assisting with WNBA and NBA player training sessions within the Pro's Lab ecosystem led to internships in Spain, Thailand, and across the Pacific, where he immersed himself in diverse cultures, built meaningful relationships, and refined his international business expertise.
Evan's contributions extend beyond the court. His experiences have been shared through podcast appearances, and he continues to play a vital role in bridging the gap between athlete development, technology, and global business strategy. Now collaborating with the Phoenix Suns, Evan’s journey highlights the transformative power of the Pro's Lab system—from athlete to international professional.
Evan serves as a living example of the Pro’s Lab vision: transitioning raw talent through a structured, systematic approach into a multifaceted professional career. His story illustrates how the Pro’s Lab ecosystem empowers individuals to excel—not just in sports, but in life and leadership.
Raizza Borja, Director of Sports
Raizza Borja is the driving force behind Pro's Development Lab's transformative sports programs. As Director of Sports, her passion for community impact and expertise in athletics and physical education have driven numerous successful projects. Raizza thrives in creative, fast-paced environments, collaborating with leaders to develop the right resources for various initiatives. Her supportive nature helps her identify and solve individual needs strategically, ensuring every project achieves its greater purpose.
Marvin Harvey, Director of Education Programs: Marvin's programs are as effective as they are engaging. With a sharp focus on aesthetics and user experience, he brings our educational ideas to life in captivating and engaging ways.
Our Alumni Stars: Our Pros and Professional Team
Our global team of former and current professionals embodies the spirit of Pro's Development Lab. They provide support and guidance to our adolescent and teen clients, enhancing our brand's reputation through every interaction.
Why We're Different
We cultivate a culture centered around sports and personal development, emphasizing innovation, integrity, and inclusivity. Every team member is valued and heard, creating a workplace that truly believes in work-life balance and continuous learning.
Join Our Journey
As we continue to innovate and grow, we are always on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our team. If you value creativity, teamwork, and a forward-thinking approach, consider making a difference with us.
BEYOND THE SPORT
At The Pro Lab, we are more than just a sports training facility; we are innovators, educators, and trailblazers in the field of athletic development. Founded in 1974 with the pioneering question, "Is there a standard to shooting a basketball?", we have grown into a leading authority in holistic athletic training and development. Our mission is to blend sports prowess with personal growth, creating not just exceptional athletes but well-rounded individuals.
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REDEFINING ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE
Our approach recognizes sports as a transformative tool for comprehensive development, emphasizing more than just physical capabilities. We integrate mental resilience and emotional intelligence, promoting lifelong learning to ensure athletes not only excel in sports but in all aspects of life.
We begin by engaging Middle School Physical Education departments and supporting multiple sports. Our focus is on nurturing late starters and late bloomers, a segment often overlooked in the U.S. sports industry, providing them with the skills and mindset needed for both athletic and personal growth.
This holistic development model serves as the foundation for our programs, aiming to cultivate well-rounded individuals who thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
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Our sports methodologies, like the Shot Lab and Pro-Shot, have been developed through decades of research and experimentation. These cutting-edge techniques have revolutionized basketball shooting mechanics and have been a catalyst for our broader approach to sports training. We emphasize the importance of understanding the individual needs of each athlete, crafting personalized training regimens that align with their unique goals and abilities.
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"THERE'S A SHOT IN EVERY SPORTS." SHOT lAB
Interactive Experience
THE GOLF STORY
Harvey's journey in the world of golf is deeply rooted in his family tradition. Growing up in a family of accomplished golfers, he had a strong foundation. His oldest brother, a scratch-golfer, spent four decades teaching golf throughout the greater Kansas City area. This legacy made it natural for his niece to rise to the second-best golfer in the Kansas City, Missouri region, and the number one golfer on her high school team. Similarly, his nephew played on the top-seated team in the KC Regionals, both mastering the game during their adolescent and teenage years.
Harvey himself accumulated close to three decades of golf instruction experience, but it wasn’t until 2019 that his passion for teaching the sport truly ignited. The pivotal moment came during the 2020 Covid-19 golf season when he began coaching Grace Heyward, a struggling golfer from South Pointe High School. Harvey cautiously adjusted her swing, ensuring not to disrupt her success mid-season. Her parents watched with equal caution as Grace’s scores improved. Rapidly adapting to Harvey’s training, Grace led her team to qualify for the South Carolina Regionals. This successful mentoring also provided an opportunity for a Winthrop University Sports Management Major to study Grace’s learning style, personality, and character traits, enhancing their understanding through filmed sessions.
Harvey’s philosophy centers around the Shot Lab™ principle: “pros teach pros.” His teaching expertise is not confined to golf; he has traveled as far as South Africa, Russia, Korea, and Europe to reset shooting mechanics for professional basketball players. In Tampa, Florida’s Shot Lab™, Orlando Perez, not Harvey, trains NFL, MLB, and world-class track athletes. Family members visiting from afar for training are also coached by professional trainers, maintaining a high standard of instruction.
In golf, Harvey partnered with top golfers in the Rock Hill area, evaluating their teaching abilities and adaptability to the WOCG Methodology. This methodology, combined with their golf knowledge, provided students with excellent teaching. His collaboration with Cheemie Perry, Executive Director of Women of Color Golf (WOCG), allowed Harvey to establish a golf training program in Rock Hill, SC, mirroring his achievements in basketball.
Harvey's ultimate goal is to train individuals to be excellent athletes and teammates. This holistic approach has attracted local interest, leading to the formation of a golf club in the Rock Hill area. By integrating the methodology for teaching basketball into golf, Harvey has fostered a unique training environment.
Harvey’s innovation, the Shot Lab™, initially designed for basketball, also incorporated golf training. The facility featured a 20’x20’ video-analysis room, a floating court from the Orlando Magic's older practice court, and specialized equipment to analyze and improve both basketball and golf techniques.
His methodology transcends sports, focusing on lifelong athletic development. Collaborating with colleges and universities, Harvey’s program provides practicum learning experiences and supports late starters, late bloomers, and untrained adolescents, extending their involvement in sports beyond mere participation.
Harvey’s extensive background, from learning golf techniques from PGA pros like Jeff Coston to studying LPGA players like Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam, has enriched his teaching philosophy. His experience as an Athletic Director further diversified his coaching expertise across various sports, including golf, soccer, and tennis.
In summary, Harvey’s story is one of passion, innovation, and dedication to holistic athletic development. His efforts in blending methodologies across sports have not only enhanced individual skills but also fostered a supportive, enriching environment for athletes of all ages and backgrounds.
CROSS-POLLINATIONG GOLF
NURTURING TALENT AT EVERY LEVEL
From our Kids Playing Sports Longer (KPSL) initiative to our Middle School (S.E.D.) Skill-based Curriculum, alongside Experimental Learning and Developmental Learning within our Eighth Grade Pro Program, including M.A.P and C.A.T. Initiatives, we offer a broad spectrum of sports programs designed for diverse age groups and skill levels. Each program is intentionally crafted to foster holistic development, merging physical training with essential elements such as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills.
PAVING THE FUTURE
The Pro's Developmental League (D-League) underscores our dedication to inclusive training by welcoming athletes who are late starters or bloomers in sports. Inspired by the renowned sports clubs of Belgrade, Serbia—a breeding ground for top NBA talent—our program embodies the conviction that every athlete, regardless of their starting point in skill or experience, merits an opportunity to shine. We are committed to rolling out our Pro's Lab Initiative progressively, beginning one state at a time, with aspirations to expand on a global scale. This strategic approach not only nurtures potential within each locale but also sets the stage for a broader impact, mirroring the ripple effect of a stone thrown into a pond.
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The Pro's Lab Methodology has been recognized internationally for its innovative approach to sports education, blending rigorous academic research with practical application in the field. Established over four decades of empirical research and experimental discovery, this methodology analyzes and refines the various techniques and practices used in athletic training and development. Internationally, Pro's Lab has acted as a nexus for global scholars who challenge conventional norms, thereby fostering a robust platform for discussion and evolution in sports science. Through its expansive network, the methodology has influenced coaching and training standards across continents, adapting to diverse cultural contexts while maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of its core principles. This international formation has not only validated the methodology's effectiveness but also ensured its adaptability to various international sporting environments, making it a cornerstone in the evolution of modern sports training paradigms.
JOIN OUR MOVEMENT
At The Pro Lab, we are dedicated to creating a new era in athletic development. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether as an athlete, parent, or community member. Together, we can redefine what it means to be an athlete and inspire the next generation to achieve their fullest potential.
"Transforming athletes, inspiring lives – that's the heart of The Pro Lab."
At The Pro Lab, we are dedicated to creating a new era in athletic development. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether as an athlete, parent, or community member. Together, we can redefine what it means to be an athlete and inspire the next generation to achieve their fullest potential.
"Transforming athletes, inspiring lives – that's the heart of The Pro Lab."