About – Elite Athletic Academy

About Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep

Preparing student-athletes for success on and off the field

About Us

At Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep, we believe in preparing student-athletes for success on and off the field. Based in Dayton, Ohio, our postgraduate football program is built on a tradition of excellence, mentorship, and opportunity. We provide athletes with a structured environment that emphasizes academic achievement, personal growth, and elite-level training designed to prepare them for the next level of competition.

Together, our leadership team has cultivated an academy rooted in mentorship, accountability, and discipline. Through strong partnerships with educators, community organizations, and athletic programs, Ohio Valley Elite Academy provides its athletes with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in college and beyond.

Our Philosophy

"At Ohio Valley Elite, we are not just building football players—we are shaping leaders for life."

Years of Excellence

90 +

Our Core Values

The principles that guide everything we do

Excellence

We strive for the highest standards in everything we do, pushing athletes to reach their full potential.

Focus

Dedicated training programs tailored to each athlete's goals and development needs.

Integrity

Upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship, honesty, and character development.

Community

Building strong relationships and supporting each other through every challenge and victory.

Our Core Values

The principles that guide everything we do

Fred E. Daniels

President

Ricky Youngblood

President

Loren Nelson

Loren Nelson Sr.

Athletic Director

Derrick Shepard

Head Coach

Together, this leadership team has cultivated an academy rooted in mentorship, accountability, and discipline. Through strong partnerships with educators, community organizations, and athletic programs, Ohio Valley Elite Academy provides its athletes with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in college and beyond.

At Ohio Valley Elite, we are not just building football players—we are shaping leaders for life

History

Founded in Dayton, Ohio, Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep was established to provide student-athletes with a structured pathway to higher education and collegiate athletics. Built by a leadership team with deep roots in football, education, and mentorship, the academy was created to bridge the gap between high school and college by combining academic support, athletic development, and character-building programs. Since its founding, OVEA Prep has built a tradition of excellence through community partnerships, strong values, and a commitment to preparing young men for success both on the field and in life.

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission

To develop disciplined, high-character football athletes who achieve excellence in sport, academics, and life, providing them with elite coaching, competitive opportunities, and a supportive environment that bridges the gap between high school and collegiate athletics.

Our Vision

To be recognized nationally as a premier postgraduate football academy that consistently prepares players not only to compete at top collegiate levels but to thrive as leaders, scholars, and positive contributors to their communities.

Values

Excellence: Highest standards in all areas
Integrity: Honest and accountable
Teamwork: Collective success
Growth: Constant improvement

Excellence

Pursuing the highest standards in training, preparation, performance, and academics. We don’t settle for “good enough.” ademics. We don't settle for "good enough.

Integrity

Being honest, respectful, and accountable in all actions—on and off the field.

Teamwork

Believing that individual success follows from collective effort; supporting teammates, coaches, and staff.

Discipline

Embracing structure, hard work, and consistency in training, academics, and personal conduct.

Growth

Constant improvement—physical, mental, and personal. Learning from failures as well as successes.

Character

Building leadership, sportsmanship, resilience, humility, and self-awareness.

Opportunity

Connecting student-athletes with the exposure, guidance, and resources needed to reach college-level athletics and beyond.

Academy Overview

Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep, based in Dayton, Ohio, is a premier postgraduate program designed to bridge the gap between high school and collegiate athletics. Our mission is to prepare student-athletes for success not only on the football field, but also in the classroom and in life.

We offer a structured environment that combines academic advancement, athletic development, and personal growth. With a dedicated leadership team—including President Fred McDaniels, Vice President Ricky Youngblood, Athletic Director Loren Nelson Sr., MBA, and former professional football player and Head Coach Derrick Shepard—our academy is committed to building a tradition of excellence rooted in mentorship and opportunity.

At Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep, athletes benefit from:

Credit recovery, NCAA-approved courses, and college-level coursework that strengthen eligibility and prepare students for higher education.

Elite coaching, strength and conditioning, film study, and competitive
play designed to showcase talent and maximize exposure to recruiters.

– A holistic support system that provides tutoring, mentorship, life skills training, and wellness resources to help athletes thrive.

– Programs that emphasize discipline, character, and responsibility, preparing student-athletes to succeed far beyond the game

Dayton, Ohio

At Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep, we don’t just prepare athletes for their next season—we prepare them for their future

Head Coach

Derrick Shepard

Head Coach & Former Professional Player

Background

Born and raised in Dayton, Derrick Shepard discovered his passion for football at an early age. A standout at Meadowdale High School, he earned recognition as one of the top 10 players in the school's history. His athletic excellence earned him a football scholarship to Georgia Tech, where he became a four-year starter and a cornerstone of the program.

Professional Career

After college, Derrick Shepard pursued his professional football dreams, signing as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins in 1998 and later joining the New England Patriots in 1999. He went on to play eight successful years in the Arena Football League, further cementing his reputation as a dedicated and resilient athlete.

Professional Career

“My coaching philosophy is simple: get the job done. I believe in teaching sound technique and fundamentals, but true success comes from giving maximum effort. If you bring 110% commitment, I’ll give you the tools, guidance, and support to reach your full potential.”

Success Story

“A true success story for me is when a player I coached over 10 years ago still calls me ‘Coach’—and then shares a picture of his son proudly wearing the same number I wore in college. Moments like that remind me how blessed I am to make an impact that lasts across generations.”

Student Life

At Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep, academics are the foundation of our program. While athletic development is a key focus, we believe true success begins in the classroom. Our academic model is designed to help student-athletes strengthen their educational standing, recover credits, and prepare for the demands of college-level coursework.

For athletes needing to complete or improve prior coursework, we offer structured pathways that ensure academic eligibility and open doors to higher education.

Our program aligns with NCAA requirements, giving athletes the academic foundation necessary to qualify for collegiate athletics.

Student-athletes have the opportunity to enroll in college-level or dual-enrollment courses, easing their transition into higher education and setting them apart in the recruiting process.

Daily supervised sessions ensure athletes stay on top of assignments and receive personalized academic guidance.

Each student-athlete is paired with mentors who provide support in goal-setting, time management, and balancing academics with athletics

Financial literacy, career readiness, and leadership training are integrated into the curriculum to prepare athletes for life beyond football.

We believe that a strong academic foundation creates options, builds character, and
prepares athletes for long-term success. At Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep, athletes don’t
just prepare for their next season—they prepare for their future.

Campus Support

At Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep, we understand that success on the field and in the classroom depends on the support athletes receive in every area of their lives. Our campus support system is designed to ensure student-athletes thrive academically, athletically, and personally.

Daily structured time for focused learning, homework completion, and one-on-one tutoring.

Academic advisors and mentors help athletes set goals, track progress, and stay on pace for eligibility and graduation.

Dedicated support for navigating NCAA requirements and ensuring athletes remain on track for recruitment opportunities.

Professional trainers dedicated to athlete development, safety, and performance optimization.

On-campus access to athletic trainers, recovery programs, and injury prevention education.

Facilities and technology to review practice and game performance with coaching staff.

Training in leadership, financial literacy, time management, and career readiness.

Access to support services that promote resilience, stress management, and mental well-being.

Pairing athletes with role models who encourage personal growth and accountability.

Safe, structured housing environments that foster responsibility and independence.

Team meals and guidance on fueling the body for performance and recovery.

Volunteer and service opportunities to strengthen character and connection to the Dayton community.

At Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep, we believe that developing great athletes begins with supporting the whole person. From academic success to athletic performance to personal well-being, our campus support network ensures that every athlete has the tools they need to succeed—today and in the future.

Housing

Student-athletes at Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep enjoy comfortable, secure housing designed to support both academic focus and athletic performance. Our living spaces feature fully furnished rooms with free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and in-room kitchenettes, providing the convenience and independence athletes need to succeed. With 24-hour security and a structured residential environment, families can feel confident that their student-athletes are safe and supported. Housing is more than just a place to stay—it’s a foundation for building responsibility, teamwork, and life skills while preparing for the next step in college and beyond.

Facilities

: At Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep, we provide our student-athletes with access to top-tier facilities that create a safe, supportive, and professional environment. Our housing offers comfortable room and boarding with modern amenities, including free WiFi, a kitchenette, free cable TV, and 24-hour security—ensuring athletes have both convenience and peace of mind. Beyond the living spaces, athletes train and compete on professional-grade training facilities and collegiate-level practice and game fields, giving them the same environment and resources used at the next level. From the classroom to the weight room to the field, our facilities are designed to prepare athletes for excellence in every area of their journey.

Nutrition

At Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep, we recognize that proper nutrition is just as important as training and academics in building well-rounded athletes. Our program emphasizes balanced, performance-focused meals that fuel the body for strength, endurance, and recovery. Athletes benefit from structured team meals, access to kitchenettes for preparing healthy options, and ongoing education in nutrition that teaches lifelong habits. From pre-game fueling strategies to post-workout recovery, we ensure every athlete understands how to eat like a champion—because success starts from the inside out.

Mentoring

: At Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep, mentorship is at the heart of everything we do. Our athletes are guided by a network of coaches, educators, and community leaders who serve as role models both on and off the field. Through structured one-on-one mentorship, leadership workshops, and small group sessions, athletes gain valuable guidance in academics, athletics, and personal development. Mentors help studentathletes set goals, build discipline, and make informed choices that prepare them for the challenges of college and life. By surrounding our athletes with positive influences, we ensure they leave the program not just as stronger players, but as responsible young men ready to lead.

Daily Schedule

Structured days including morning conditioning, academics, strength training, practice, study hall, and mentorship programs—building discipline and time management.

Campus Support

Partnerships with Schools, Businesses, Community Supporters

At Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our success is built on strong partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to education, athletics, and community development. These relationships allow us to provide student-athletes with resources, mentorship, and opportunities that extend far beyond the playing field.

Dayton Public Schools

Working together to strengthen academic support and expand access to educational opportunities for student-athletes across the region.

DayAir Credit Union

Partnering to provide financial literacy education, family support programs, and pathways that help athletes and their families plan for the future.

Paideuo Power

Collaborating on leadership and mentorship initiatives that equip athletes with the tools to succeed as students, athletes, and community leaders.

More Partnerships to Come!

We continue to build connections with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders who believe in our mission to prepare young men for success in academics, athletics, and life.

We continue to build connections with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders who believe in our mission.

Daily Schedule

Example Daily Schedule – Ohio Valley Elite Academy Prep

Morning stretch, mobility work, and cardio to start the day with energy and focus.

Team meal emphasizing balanced nutrition; athletes receive guidance on fueling for performance.

Credit recovery, NCAA-approved courses, or college-level online coursework with tutoring support.

Supervised session focusing on power, agility, and injury prevention.

Cool-down, athletic training room access, followed by film review of practices/games to improve strategy.

Healthy meal plus structured time for leadership development, mentorship, or guest speakers.

Continued coursework, study hall, or workshops on topics such as time management, career planning, or financial literacy.

Position drills, playbook installation, and team practice under Head Coach Derrick Shepard.

Team dinner reinforcing proper recovery nutrition.

Small group mentorship sessions, community service planning, or workshops on life skills (resume writing, interview prep, etc.).

Quiet, supervised time for athletes to complete coursework and receive academic assistance.

Optional yoga, ice baths, or personal downtime.

Rest is mandatory — recovery and discipline are vital to performance.

World-Class Facilities

State-of-the-art equipment and training spaces

April 25, 2025

Fall 2026 Season Prep Underway

Our coaching staff, led by Head Coach Derrick Shepard, is

May 10, 2025

Academic Support Expansion

This year, the academy introduced additional tutoring and mentorship programs

September 9, 2025

Community Partnerships Growing

Ohio Valley Elite Academy has partnered with local schools, businesses,