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Revolutionizing Sports Training: Embrace the Future with BVSA

Personalized Baseball and Softball Training

In the world of sports, the quest for excellence is endless. At BVSA, we understand that achieving peak performance isn’t just about what happens on the field; it’s about how you prepare for it. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a game-changing solution for baseball and softball online training.

Training for sports like baseball and softball has traditionally been about time on the field, practice sessions with coaches, and physical conditioning. However, in today’s fast-paced world, where accessibility and personalization are key, these methods alone aren’t enough. Athletes need flexible, tailored training that fits their unique needs and busy schedules.

We’re thrilled to unveil our innovative training platform – a revolutionary tool designed to transform how athletes train and improve. This platform isn’t just another training app; it’s a comprehensive ecosystem of personalized coaching, expert feedback, and professional insights.

Upload your training videos and receive detailed, personalized feedback from Frank Ramppen. Based on your videos, our coaches will provide customized drills to target specific areas of improvement.

You can monitor your development with a user-friendly interface that tracks your growth and milestones. Gain exclusive access to training content from MLB players, including their practice videos and personal drills.

This platform isn’t just about improving your swing or pitching technique; it’s about providing holistic development for athletes. Whether you’re miles away or on a tight budget, we bring top-notch coaching to you. This platform democratizes high-level sports training, making it accessible and affordable for everyone.

At BVSA, we’re committed to providing the best resources for our athletes. Our new training platform is a testament to this commitment, offering a blend of technology, expert coaching, and professional insights to help you reach your full potential.

We’re on the cusp of a new era in sports training, and we invite you to be a part of it. Stay tuned for more details, and get ready to experience training like never before.

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Nominate Your Star for the First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Blog Article: Nominate Your Star for the First County Bank Athlete of the Month

The First County Bank Athlete of the Month is more than just a title; it’s a celebration of dedication, perseverance, and the spirit of sportsmanship that defines our athletes at BVSA. Each month, this recognition shines a spotlight on an individual who exemplifies these qualities, both on and off the field. As we open up the nomination process for this prestigious award, we invite our community to participate actively in celebrating the achievements and inspiring stories of our athletes.

Why Nominate for Athlete of the Month?

Recognition of Hard Work and Talent: This award is a way to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent of our athletes. It’s not just about performance statistics; it’s about the effort, improvement, and the heart each athlete brings to their sport.

Inspiration for Others: Recognizing athletes inspires their peers and younger players. It shows them the value of commitment, encourages them to strive for excellence, and highlights the rewards of dedication.

Building a Supportive Community: By nominating someone for the Athlete of the Month, you’re contributing to a culture of support and recognition within BVSA. It’s an opportunity for coaches, parents, and fellow athletes to come together and celebrate the achievements of one of their own.

Spotlight on Success Stories: Each athlete has a unique journey. This recognition allows us to share these stories, offering insights into the diverse paths athletes take towards success and the different challenges they overcome.

How to Nominate

Fill Out the Nomination Form: We’ve made the nomination process simple and accessible. Just fill out the accompanying form with details about your nominee. Remember, the more information you provide, the better we can understand the athlete’s journey and achievements.

Share Specific Achievements: Whether it’s impressive statistics, significant improvement, outstanding leadership, or overcoming obstacles, share specific details that make your nominee stand out.

Personal Stories Matter: If you have a personal story or anecdote that illustrates the nominee’s character or achievements, include it. These stories bring nominations to life and help us understand the impact the athlete has had on their team and community.

Encourage Others to Participate: Spread the word! Encourage coaches, teammates, and family members to participate in the nomination process. The more voices we hear, the more we understand the profound impact these athletes have.

Your Role in Shaping the Future

By participating in the nomination process for the First County Bank Athlete of the Month, you’re not just recognizing an individual’s achievements; you’re helping to shape the future of our sporting community. This is your opportunity to spotlight the hard-working, inspiring individuals who embody the true spirit of BVSA. Let’s come together to celebrate their journeys and uplift the athletes who make our community proud.

So, take a moment to fill out the nomination form. Your input is invaluable in helping us recognize and honor the outstanding athletes among us. Let’s celebrate their achievements together!

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Aurora Levesque – First County Bank October Athlete of the Month

Aurora Levesque - October Athlete of the Month

Aurora Levesque, a standout talent in softball for the Lady Titans and St. Luke’s Varsity Softball, has been rightfully named the First County Bank Athlete of the Month for October by BVSA. Her journey in sports is a testament not just to her exceptional skills on the field but also to her resilience and determination to excel.

Reflecting on her experiences, Aurora shares a valuable lesson from softball, “You are going to fail more times than you are going to succeed, and that is how you get better as an athlete.” This mindset highlights the importance of learning from challenges, a principle that has been central to her success.

Aurora’s future aspirations are as ambitious as her current achievements. She aims to continue her softball career at the college level and hopes to inspire future generations through coaching. Her dedication to the sport extends beyond personal success, emphasizing her commitment to the growth and development of softball.

To younger athletes at BVSA, Aurora offers profound advice: “Give everything they do their all, whether that is in athletics or academics because the hard work will pay off.” She underscores the joy and fulfillment that come from dedication to sports and academics.

Her coach, Elizabeth “Beezer” Joseph, praises Aurora as “the definition of a workhorse,” highlighting her consistent dedication and recent significant improvements. Beezer notes Aurora’s standout performance, especially her impressive showing at the East Hartford tournament where she hit .556, going 5 for 9 with 2 singles and 3 triples. Furthermore, Aurora finished the fall season with a remarkable .583 batting average, going 7 for 12.

Beezer also speaks highly of Aurora’s team spirit, citing her competitive nature and the respect she garners from teammates. Aurora’s consistent support and unique cheering style make her a valued team member.

Being recognized as the First County Bank Athlete of the Month is a fitting accolade for Aurora Levesque, a reflection of her hard work, dedication, and team spirit. Her achievements, underscored by impressive stats and a strong character, serve as an inspiration to young athletes. Aurora’s journey shows that with passion and perseverance, success in both sports and life is within reach.

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Noel Vargas – First County Bank September Athlete of the Month

Noel Vargas
Noel Vargas

Along with our sponsor, First County Bank, we take pride in recognizing exceptional young athletes in our community. This September, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Noel Vargas. Noel, a junior at Stamford High School and a standout player for U18 JA Elite Football Club. He has been selected as our September Athlete of the Month. His remarkable achievements on the field are a testament to his dedication, talent, and unwavering passion for the beautiful game.

A Rising Star on the Field:

Noel Vargas has quickly become a top player in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC). As a junior at Stamford High School, he has been making waves with his exceptional performance. Noel’s statistics for the month of September are nothing short of impressive. In 8 games played, he scored an astonishing 8 goals and provided 1 assist. His consistency and ability to find the back of the net were on full display with 1 hat trick and 2 braces during the month.

An Exciting Local Talent:

Noel’s journey as a soccer player is not just about statistics; it’s about his passion and dedication to the sport. He brings an electrifying energy to every match, captivating fans and teammates alike with his skill and determination on the pitch. His impact on Stamford High School’s soccer team is undeniable, and his contributions are a source of inspiration for aspiring young athletes in our community.

Jhonny Arteaga, Head of JA Elite Football Club, has nothing but praise for this talented player. He says, “Noel is an exciting local player. We are thrilled to have him at JA Elite Football Club, and happy to see him doing well with SHS. I’m certain that he will continue to do great things with both his school team and our club team.”

Noel’s dedication to both his school and club teams is a testament to his commitment to honing his skills and constantly pushing himself to excel. His work ethic, sportsmanship, and love for the game are qualities that make him not just a standout athlete but also a role model for his peers.

A Bright Future Ahead:

As we celebrate Noel Vargas as our September Athlete of the Month, we are excited to see where his journey in soccer will take him. With his remarkable talent, determination, and the support of his coaches, teammates, and community, we have no doubt that Noel has a bright future ahead.

Noel, keep chasing your dreams and inspiring those around you. Your achievements on and off the field make us proud to celebrate you as First County Bank’s September Athlete of the Month. We here at Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy, eagerly await the incredible feats you’ll accomplish in the days, months, and years to come.

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Lady Titans – First County Bank Athletes of the Month

Athlete of the Month - August 2023
Athlete of the Month - August 2023

At Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy, we believe in celebrating the achievements and growth of our young athletes. This August, we have something truly special to share with you as we honor not one, but five outstanding athletes who have graduated from high school and are taking the next big step in their academic and athletic journeys. These remarkable individuals have been a part of the Lady Titan’s program, and their dedication and passion have shone brightly throughout their time with us. Without further ado, let’s meet our August, First County Bank, Athletes of the Month.

Gia Scortino:

Gia Scortino has been a vital part of the Lady Titan’s program since she joined us at 14u. Over the course of four years, Gia showcased her skills on the field, primarily as a first and third baseman. Her journey reached a significant milestone when she graduated from Norwalk High School. Gia’s leadership qualities were recognized when she was named softball captain during her senior year. She’s not only a fantastic player but also the “mom” of the team, offering guidance and support to her teammates. Gia is now furthering her education at Keene State College in New Hampshire, where we have no doubt she will continue to shine.

Analise Trani:

Another Lady Titan’s stalwart, Analise Trani, joined the program at 14u and played as a third baseman for four years. Analise graduated from Greens Farms Academy and has made the exciting decision to continue her athletic and academic journey at Western New England in Springfield, MA, where she’ll be playing Field Hockey. Her two-year stint as a softball captain at GFA showcased her leadership skills. Analise is known for her team spirit and creative team nicknames like “St. Joes” and “Stormy.” Her pre-inning tradition of gathering the team for a game of rock, paper, scissors is a testament to her ability to bring positivity and camaraderie to the field.

Christina Zinicola:

Christina Zinicola, who joined the Lady Titan’s program at 14u, spent four years primarily playing second or shortstop. After graduating from Stamford High School, Christina has taken the next step in her academic journey at Manhattan College. Her senior year at Stamford High saw her being named softball captain, reflecting her leadership on and off the field. Christina is known for her fearless playstyle, never shying away from taking the extra base or making a spectacular diving play. We can’t wait to welcome her back next summer.

Jenna Soltis, aka “Jenny from the Block”:

Jenna Soltis, affectionately known as “Jenny from the Block,” joined the Lady Titan’s program at 18u and played as the starting centerfielder for two years. Graduating from Wilton High School, Jenna has decided to further her education at Ohio State. Much like her namesake, Jenna was a speed demon on the field, always taking the extra base and being an aggressive base runner. Her leadership qualities were recognized when she was named softball captain at Wilton High during her senior year.

Cassie Robotti:

Last but certainly not least, we have Cassie Robotti. Cassie started her journey with the Lady Titans at 14u, initially playing baseball before transitioning to softball. As a middle infielder, primarily at shortstop, Cassie displayed exceptional skills and dedication. Currently pursuing her education at Penn State, Cassie graduated from Stamford High, where she served as a softball captain for two years.

We are immensely proud of each of these talented athletes and their achievements both on and off the field. They exemplify the values of teamwork, dedication, and leadership that we hold dear at BVSA. While they may be moving on to new adventures, they will forever be a part of the BVSA family. Congratulations to Gia, Analise, Christina, Jenna, and Cassie, our First County Bank, August Athletes of the Month! We can’t wait to see the incredible feats you’ll achieve in the future, and we look forward to welcoming you back whenever you’re in town. Good luck, and keep reaching for the stars! 🌟🎓🥎

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from BVSA, where we celebrate the excellence of our young athletes month after month.

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Ava Quinlan – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Ava Quinlan - July Athlete of the Month

“At BVSA, Coach Matt and I do a ton of birthday parties… probably close to one hundred parties per year. They all vary in sports played, competitiveness between the kids, and time spent on each of a minimum of 2-3 sports.

Ava had her birthday party here last year and her and her teammates played ninety minutes of a legit softball game. We were blown away, we could not believe this is what the girls wanted to do and it was some of the most fun we ever had as coaches working a birthday party.”

— Joe Wanderlingh, BVSA Instructor

Bobby Valentine’s First County Bank Athlete of the Month for July is Ava Quinlan! Ava is going into fourth grade at Springdale Elementary School,  and currently plays for the Stamford Stars 8u Red team. This isn’t just any 8u softball team, this team just recently earned a spot in the Babe Ruth World Series in Jensen Beach, Florida. Surprise, surprise, Ava was just awarded Player of the Game during the World Series Tournament!

Ava has played for the Stars for the last five years, starting at just four years old. This is her second year playing travel softball, and it has certainly been a successful one. She is hitting .614 and leading the team in RBIs with 26. She leads the team with 15 extra base hits, including her first career home run in the State Championship game. She ended up hitting for the cycle that game and took home MVP honors along with the championship trophy. 

Ava trains at BVSA in the offseason with Coach Danielle doing both hitting and pitching, and she has already verbally committed that she wants to work here when she is older.

Other than softball, Ava loves dancing at Center Stage Dance Studio and plays basketball for the Stamford Young Timers. Her favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees, with her favorite player being Aaron Judge. In ten years, you can find Ava starting at second base or on the mound for the University of Florida, as she already knows she wants to be a Gator.

We here at BVSA want to congratulate Ava Quinlan once more for earning this honor of First County Bank Athlete of the Month for July. She has made history as the youngest BVSA Athlete of the Month we’ve ever had, and we cannot wait to see her continue to grow into her game. Congratulations, Ava!
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Alex Benevento – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Alex Benevento
Alex Benevento

“I don’t know if I have ever met someone with such intensity, passion, and kindness around the game of baseball. Alex simply does not stop. He goes from the field, to the cage, to the gym, and then back to the cage to coach…

He is undeniably incredible to watch play, but even more impressive to be around and get to know because he is an amazing human being.”

— Joe Wanderlingh, BVSA Instructor

Bobby Valentine’s First County Bank Athlete of the Month for June is seventeen year old Alex Benevento! Alex is a three year varsity starter for the New Canaan High School baseball team, currently finishing up his junior year.

“Seeing Alex grow these past three years has been amazing to watch. He came into BVSA as a freshman and you could see that his energy was on a different level. Not only did he want to improve at every aspect of the game, but he pushed others to do the same…

The dedication that he shows is evident, with an even higher level of respect for the craft. He proves this even further when working with younger players in our clinics, giving plenty of helpful tips while making it a fun experience. The sky is the limit for Alex in his future baseball endeavors, and I can’t want to see how far he can go.”

— Matt Diurno, BVSA Instructor

Alex is primarily a center fielder, but can play the infield as well. In addition to baseball, he is also one of the captains for the NCHS varsity football team. When not on the field, he is watching the New York Yankees or his favorite player, Diamondbacks outfielder, Corbin Carroll. Alex has a 4.0 GPA and plans to study data analytics and play baseball at Brown University. 

We here at BVSA want to congratulate Alex once more for earning this honor of First County Bank Athlete of the Month for June. The tenacity on the field combined with the knowledge he loves to share with the younger kids is one you don’t see very often. He is an inspiration both with his skillset and his leadership. We cannot wait to see where he goes from here. Congratulations, Alex!
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Marissa DelCarmine – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

“One of the hardest working athletes I have ever had the pleasure of working with. One of the most talented, well rounded softball players that I have seen in a while. Powerful, multi position, huge softball IQ. Someone you definitely enjoy watching when she’s playing and definitely am honored to coach her.” – Danielle Simoneau, BVSA Softball Director

Bobby Valentine’s First County Bank Athlete of the Month for May is sixteen year old Marissa DelCarmine!

Marissa started playing softball at the age of five and began her training at BVSA three years later. She is a pitcher and a shortstop, playing for both New Canaan Softball and the BVSA Titans.

“It has been an absolute pleasure getting the opportunity to coach Marissa over this past year with the Titans. She has a competitive presence to her that is unmatched and not just brings the best out of her, but elevates her teammates as well…

Marissa’s passion and drive for excellence makes her exactly the type of player coaches hope to be able to have on their team and in their program. I am excited to see what the future holds for her on the diamond and in the rink!” – Justin Virgulak, BVSA Facility Director

In addition to softball, Marissa plays volleyball and ice hockey for New Canaan High School. She is a honor roll student, undecided on what she might want to study in college being only a freshman.

Marissa is a big New York Yankees and New York Rangers fan, and enjoys watching the Florida Gators on the softball diamond when they are nationally televised. When not playing sports, she can be found at home enjoying time with her twin brother, older sister, and her two French Bulldogs.

We here at BVSA want to congratulate Marissa once more for earning this honor of First County Bank Athlete of the Month for May. Her competitiveness is contagious, her leadership is inspiring, and we cannot wait to see where she goes from here both on and off the field! Congratulations, Marissa!
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BVSA Teaches: Technique for Slow Rollers

BVSA Teaches: Technique for Slow Rollers

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about technique for slow rollers. Today we’re going to discuss one of the toughest plays in the infield, the slow roller running play where you run through the ball and make a throw on the run. This play requires athleticism and practice to master. The basic premise is to field the ball off your left foot and throw off your right foot. The timing is crucial. As you approach the ball, your left foot should be coming down as you field it. This allows you to transfer and throw while maintaining balance. The throw is usually a sidearm throw that may tail up the first base line. 

Some players may choose to come up and throw overhand if they can’t reach the target with a sidearm throw. It’s important to time your footwork correctly to make the play. When making the play barehanded, the timing is a bit different, but you have more time since there’s no need for a transfer. Kids often prefer the barehanded play, so it’s important to teach both methods. Practice and repetition are essential to improve timing and execution.

Contact Us!

Here at BV Sports Academy, we are a passionate group of dedicated baseball and softball instructors with some pretty impressive resumes. More importantly we have been educated by Bobby Valentine himself. We teach a proven curriculum that has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. We’re have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Parties for all ages, we do those too! There is something for everyone at BVSA. We look forward to helping all athletes become the best they can be. If you would like to book anything or have any further questions, please email info@bvacademy.com 

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BVSA Teaches: Techniques for Backhanding a groundball

BVSA Teaches: Techniques for Backhanding a groundball

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about techniques for backhanding a groundball. Hey guys, today we’re going to talk about backhanding a ground ball, and there are several different ways to do it. To be a good infielder, you need to be able to do them all. I know many coaches at the young ages teach their players to get in front of every ball they can, and I think that’s a good plan. However, there is one backhand technique that is much easier when you’re coming through the ball and changing direction than trying to get around it.

So, let’s talk about the basic backhand drills and positioning. First of all, you need to focus on your prep step, which we discussed before. As the pitch is thrown, the ball enters the hitting zone, and you should be landing in your ready position. Your left foot should be down on the ground, ready to react immediately.

Now, let’s say you’re playing shortstop and the ball is hit to your backhand side. Don’t stand up and run towards the ball or pivot your feet. Meanwhile, the reaction should be to stay low, cross over, and head for the ball. You need to stay low and get your head behind the glove and ball while keeping your glove open.

There are two ways to field the ground ball in this backhand situation. In the first method, you reach out with your left foot forward. You’re staying low and trying to get your head in behind the glove and ball. Make sure to keep your glove open and prevent it from turning. This technique is useful when the ball is hit hard.

Second Method for Backhands

The second method is based on timing. Again, you start by crossing over with a right-left movement towards the ball. In this case, your right foot reaches out to make the play. This technique is more like a “foot butt”. You’re keeping your head behind the ball, your glove open, and prevent it from turning.

After fielding the ball using either of these techniques, you need to put the brakes on and throw the ball back. You can either take baby steps and then step and throw or perform a jump throw if you have a strong arm. The jump throw involves fielding off your left and throwing off your right, simulating a throw off your right foot while you’re in the air. Obviously, it requires good arm strength and can be practiced separately.

For more information on backhanding a groundball, click the video below!

Contact Us!

Here at BV Sports Academy, we are a passionate group of dedicated baseball and softball instructors with some pretty impressive resumes. More importantly we have been educated by Bobby Valentine himself. We teach a proven curriculum that has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. We’re have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Parties for all ages, we do those too! There is something for everyone at BVSA. We look forward to helping all athletes become the best they can be. If you would like to book anything or have any further questions, please email info@bvacademy.com