Who would benefit from the Diamondawgs School of Baseball?
The School of Baseball program caters to student athletes who are striving to play baseball at the next level. For many of our grade 10's this might be Midget AAA or a Canada Cup Team. For our grade 11's and 12's the next level often stems from aspirations of playing at the college / university level. Regardless of the next goal, all of our players have to be passionate about learning to lead the lifestyle of a student athlete in order to get the most from this program.
What is the application process?
There are four parts to the application process. The first part is the completion of the School of Baseball Application Package by the student athlete and parents. Once this application package is received, we will contact you to coordinate a skill assessment and to set up an in person meeting. The meeting consists of a 1-on-1 interview with the student athlete and a meeting with the parents to ensure all questions are answered about the Diamondawgs experience. Once this is complete the full application will be reviewed and it will be determined if the applicant will be accepted into the program.
Step 1: Submit Application Package
Step 2: Skill Assessment
Step 3: In-person Meeting and Student Athlete Interview
Step 4: Review of Application by Admissions Commitee
Step 1: Submit Application Package
Step 2: Skill Assessment
Step 3: In-person Meeting and Student Athlete Interview
Step 4: Review of Application by Admissions Commitee
Is every applicant accepted?
No, not all applicants are successful. An unsuccessful application may be the result of a student athlete's skill level, academic standing, character and work ethic, or a combination of all three areas.
Is there a limit on the number of student athletes who are accepted?
There is no limit on the number of student athletes that are accepted each year. Diamondawgs would look at the possibility of adding an additional training group in period 3 when numbers necessitate this expansion.
To ensure the best quality of instruction we do like to limit the size of our training group.
To ensure the best quality of instruction we do like to limit the size of our training group.
What high school do I need to attend to be part of the School of Baseball?
Students can attend any high school and be part of the School of Baseball. Student-athletes simply need to work with their designated school to coordinate a period 4 spare.
How does the School of Baseball training impact the student athlete’s academic classes?
Student athletes are regular students within their designated school. They will take three other core classes or options in each of the first and second semester. They will train during the last period of the day
When does the National Sport Academy training take place during the day?
The School of Baseball Program trains during the school day in the last period of the day (see sample timetable above).
In order to maximize our training time, our sessions finish later than the regular school day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We are also able to use the lunch hour on Thursdays to accommodate pre- and post-session needs such as changing, showering and having lunch.
In order to maximize our training time, our sessions finish later than the regular school day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We are also able to use the lunch hour on Thursdays to accommodate pre- and post-session needs such as changing, showering and having lunch.
Are there games included with the School of Baseball schedule?
Yes, as a group the Diamondawgs School of Baseball aims to play games each fall and 4-6 games in the spring (weather dependent). Games are a mix of weekday afternoons and weekends (Saturday OR Sunday, but usually not both). Every effort is made to ensure the games do not interfere with any of the club schedules. School of Baseball coaches use the games to determine a development plan for each player.
How does transportation work for National Sport Academy sessions?
When student athletes start their day with a National Sport Academy training session (Tuesday, Thursday morning workouts through the winter), parents are responsible for dropping their student athlete off at Central Memorial High School.
When student athletes end their day at a National Sport Academy training facility (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) parents are responsible for their student athlete’s transportation home from the training facility.
When student athletes train within the school timetable, transportation is provided if the training facility is not within walking distance (Tuesday, Thursday).
When student athletes end their day at a National Sport Academy training facility (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) parents are responsible for their student athlete’s transportation home from the training facility.
When student athletes train within the school timetable, transportation is provided if the training facility is not within walking distance (Tuesday, Thursday).
What training facilities are used for National Sport Academy Baseball sessions?
Glenmore Athletic Park - Fall & Spring outdoor sessions
Diamondawgs Training Centre - Winter indoor skill sessions and strength & conditioning
Four days per week
CMHS Weight Room - Winter strength & conditioning session
Two morning per week
CMHS Classroom - Winter classroom sessions
One day per week through the winter
Coyote Den Training Centre - Winter indoor skill sessions
One day per week
Diamondawgs Training Centre - Winter indoor skill sessions and strength & conditioning
Four days per week
CMHS Weight Room - Winter strength & conditioning session
Two morning per week
CMHS Classroom - Winter classroom sessions
One day per week through the winter
Coyote Den Training Centre - Winter indoor skill sessions
One day per week
Do student athletes have to apply and have a skills assessment each year?
No, student athletes do not have to complete a skills assessment each year. During the first year in the program, we will obviously get to know the student athlete very well. If we have any issues or concerns, we will have a conversation with the student athlete and contact the student athlete's parents. There is a re-application that is sent out in late January or early February for families to confirm they will be returning to the National Sport Academy and to provide us with any new contact information and emergency contact information.
How do the student athletes get from Central Memorial High School to Glenmore Athletic Park?
Glenmore Athletic Park is located three short blocks east of Central Memorial High School so student athletes can easily walk to the diamond.
How many training hours do the student athletes have throughout the year?
We target approximately 60 hours of on-field time during the fall and spring, but recognize that the weather can be a limiting factor in addition to school field trips etc. that may result in cancelling some on-field sessions.
We spend approximately 150 hours training indoors from Thanksgiving until April 15th. When you add our Tuesday and Thursday strength & conditioning sessions, outdoor speed work on the track, and classroom sessions, the number of training hours throughout the school year approaches 330 total hours.
The National Sport Academy Baseball program continues to train through the January exam break and NSA student athletes also have access to optional weekend training times through the winter. Weekend training is popular when students miss sessions due to CBE PD days.
We spend approximately 150 hours training indoors from Thanksgiving until April 15th. When you add our Tuesday and Thursday strength & conditioning sessions, outdoor speed work on the track, and classroom sessions, the number of training hours throughout the school year approaches 330 total hours.
The National Sport Academy Baseball program continues to train through the January exam break and NSA student athletes also have access to optional weekend training times through the winter. Weekend training is popular when students miss sessions due to CBE PD days.
What type of training experiences are the student athletes exposed to in the National Sport Academy?
Sport Specific Training Session
The student athlete experiences a variety of learning environments including 1-on-1 instruction and small group work. These sessions take place either on the field (Sept-Thanksgiving & April 15th-end of school) or indoors (Thanksgiving to April 15th). We teach position specific details as well as discuss, in depth, all team systems. While indoors, players have the opportunity to make significant adjustments to their mechanics and see exponential improvements when combined with quality repetitions and work in the weight room.
Pitching
Develop a player’s knowledge of the defensive tactics used and the situations where they should be employed. Defensive alignments are taught in the classroom and a players instincts are refined during training sessions.
Video Analysis
The structure and size of our training sessions allow for consistent feedback using video analysis. Players are an active part of the analysis and implementation of adjustments.
Coaching & Leadership
To develop the complete student athlete, the requirements are more than just the sport specific training. Below are some of the topics that are included in the 3 year National Sport Academy Coaching & Leadership curriculum.
Besides the detail of our instruction and our classroom sessions, the NSA strength & conditioning program is what sets us apart from any other baseball program in this area. Our head strength coach, Thomas Scarr, is a former college player with his Kinesiology degree from the University of Calgary and he has in depth knowledge of baseball mechanics and how to improve those skills through specific strength in the weight room.
The National Sport Academy strength and conditioning program is individualized and designed to maximize on-field baseball performance by focusing on injury prevention, strength, power, agility and running speed.
The student athlete experiences a variety of learning environments including 1-on-1 instruction and small group work. These sessions take place either on the field (Sept-Thanksgiving & April 15th-end of school) or indoors (Thanksgiving to April 15th). We teach position specific details as well as discuss, in depth, all team systems. While indoors, players have the opportunity to make significant adjustments to their mechanics and see exponential improvements when combined with quality repetitions and work in the weight room.
Pitching
- Pitching specific instruction with pitching coach
- Flat ground work, bullpens, and live game situations
- Development of fastball command and secondary pitches
- Work on the psychological and emotional part of the game to manage performance
- Off-season is the most crucial time to develop arm strength
- Throwing during the fall and spring is integrated into each player's club team schedule
- Athletes can see large gains in throwing velocities
- Develop advanced offensive skills
- 1) Efficient production and transfer of power
- 2) Bat path to maximize bat speed
- 3) Offensive approach to make the most of your at bats
- Quality repetitions in diverse offensive situations
- Live at bats during semester #2
Develop a player’s knowledge of the defensive tactics used and the situations where they should be employed. Defensive alignments are taught in the classroom and a players instincts are refined during training sessions.
Video Analysis
The structure and size of our training sessions allow for consistent feedback using video analysis. Players are an active part of the analysis and implementation of adjustments.
Coaching & Leadership
To develop the complete student athlete, the requirements are more than just the sport specific training. Below are some of the topics that are included in the 3 year National Sport Academy Coaching & Leadership curriculum.
- LEAD Program
- City of Calgary accredited course on youth leadership
- Nine modules covering topics from teamwork to communication and conflict management
- Leading a high performance lifestyle
- Time Management – producing results for the student athlete
- Organizing yourself to manage and minimize distractions in order to get into the Ideal Performance State
- Goal setting – micro and macro goals. Have a vision. Plan for success and review your goals regularly
- Failing forward – using the most important opportunities to improve and develop
- Routes, Choices & Scholarships in baseball
- Exploring the "next level" opportunity for each player and the options available in the baseball industry
- How to effectively promote yourself in the baseball market
- Developing yourself as a student athlete in order to be marketable within the baseball market. What are your future teams looking for? Can you play at the next level or not?
- Student Of The Game (all positions)
- Video clips
- Understanding how to use the skills / tactics you are learning
- Develop a baseball vocabulary to assess yourself & communicate
- Skills Testing / Analysis
Besides the detail of our instruction and our classroom sessions, the NSA strength & conditioning program is what sets us apart from any other baseball program in this area. Our head strength coach, Thomas Scarr, is a former college player with his Kinesiology degree from the University of Calgary and he has in depth knowledge of baseball mechanics and how to improve those skills through specific strength in the weight room.
The National Sport Academy strength and conditioning program is individualized and designed to maximize on-field baseball performance by focusing on injury prevention, strength, power, agility and running speed.
How do we receive feedback on our student athlete’s progress in the National Sport Academy?
The National Sport Academy coaches are available to meet throughout the year when they are not leading training sessions with student athletes. In addition, there will be times throughout the year when we have scheduled individual coach / parent meetings that we hope you will attend. We know these dates and times won’t work for everyone so we can’t stress enough that we can meet at any time the coaches are not working with student athletes.
Can NSA student athletes play school sports?
Yes. In fact, Central Memorial High School and the NSA baseball coaches encourage such participation. In any given year NSA baseball players participate in the following school sports:
Cross Country
Volleyball
Basketball
Badminton
Track & Field
Cross Country
Volleyball
Basketball
Badminton
Track & Field
Are there information meetings I can attend to get more information about the National Sport Academy and Central Memorial High School?
In late November and early February Central Memorial High School has an Open House that the public is encouraged to attend to learn more about the benefits to students attending Central Memorial High School and training with the National Sport Academy. Parents and student athletes are also able to request a tour of the school by contacting Central Memorial High School. As each student athlete’s circumstances may be unique to that student athlete, the National Sport Academy prefers to have one on one meetings with the family and student athlete interested in the National Sport Academy training.
Who do I contact for more information?
Miki Kawahara is the Head Coach of the National Sport Academy Baseball Program. There are many components to the National Sport Academy Baseball Program and a conversation over the telephone or a meeting in person may be helpful. Contact Miki at 403-540-8797 or by email at miki@diamondawgs.com