Diego Miranda is a seasoned professional coach for JA Elite Soccer Academy. He brings passion and experience to his role in nurturing young soccer talent. His journey begins from a budding player in Ecuador to a respected coach in the United States.

Early Years and Education

Diego Miranda’s journey started in Quito, Ecuador. He sharpen his skills in the youth system of DU which is one of the top professional soccer clubs in the country. His commitment and talent paved the way for a major opportunity when he moved to the US in 2004.
He earned a coveted soccer scholarship to Dominican College in New York. There he played NCAA Division II soccer from 2005 to 2008. His contributions were vital in securing CACC Championships from the college during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He showcased his power and talent both on and off the field.
In 2009, Diego graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He demonstrated his ability to balance academic distinction with athletic achievement.

Coaching Career and Achievements

Diego’s coaching journey started in 2014 when he joined JA Elite Soccer. He had U.S. Soccer Federation National ‘F’, 4v.4, and 11v.11 grassroots coaching licenses. He started a mission to deliver his knowledge and passion for soccer to the next generation and young soccer players. He also completed the USSF Coaching Youth Module and had a US Futsal Federation coaching license which showed his dedication to continuous learning.
His approach goes above and beyond technical skills. He also emphasizes physical fitness, teamwork, and mental resilience. Moreover, he is committed to the well-being of his players which is underscored by his First Aid/CPR certification.

Impact at JA Elite Soccer Academy

At JA Elite Soccer Academy, Diego plays an important role in shaping the soccer program of the academy. He aims to deliver a supportive and disciplined environment where athletes can thrive. Additionally, he is focused on improving individual skills and also emphasizes the importance and respect of game and sportsmanship.
JA Elite has seen notable achievements under his guidance. He also makes sure that everyone gets personalized attention to maximize their potential.

Mentorship and Future Goals

Other than coaching, Diego Miranda serves as a mentor and role model for striving young athletes. His journey from Ecuador to the US is an inspiration that hard work and dedication can unlock various opportunities for you in the sports world.
He continues to grow as a coach and explore new techniques and ways to amplify his coaching arsenal. Moreover, he ultimately wants to nurture talent, have a love for the game, and prepare the upcoming generation for soccer stars both on and off the field.
Through his comprehensive approach, he continues to shape the future of soccer at JA Elite Soccer Academy!

We are thrilled to honor Jeremy Matamis as our First County Bank Athlete of the Month for May.  This second consecutive month that a Stamford High School Lacrosse player has received this honor. This the first time we’ve had teammates recognized in back to back months, since we have started the FCB Athlete of the Month in May of 2018.  

Jeremy Matamis, a senior at Stamford High School, is a stellar student-athlete. He is a National Honor Society member with a weighted GPA of 4.70, consistently achieving high honor roll while taking all AP, honors, and University of Connecticut dual enrollment courses. His commitment to academics is truly exceptional.

On the lacrosse field, Jeremy has been a standout player. As a four-year member of Stamford’s varsity lacrosse team and a two-year captain, he has led his team to new heights. This season, he surpassed the school’s season scoring record and played a pivotal role in the Black Knights’ historic state tournament victory, defeating Conard 9-8. Jeremy was named Stamford’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and an FCIAC scholar-athlete in 2023. Additionally, he was a three-year member of the varsity football team. 

Jeremy’s contributions extend beyond athletics. He tutors K-5 students at Rogers International School, serves as an editor for Stamford High School’s news publication, and volunteers as a youth lacrosse coach. His dedication to helping others and his leadership skills are evident in everything he does.

Mike Nazzaro, Jeremy’s coach, praises his work ethic, attitude towards training, and teamwork. “Jeremy leads by example, always giving 110% in practice and games. His commitment to his teammates and his positive attitude make him a role model for younger players,” says Coach Nazzaro.

This fall, Jeremy will attend the University of Connecticut to study Biological Sciences, where he will undoubtedly continue to excel.

Jeremy Matamis embodies the qualities we celebrate at Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy: academic excellence, athletic prowess, and a commitment to community service. Congratulations, Jeremy, on this well-deserved recognition. We are excited to see all you will achieve in the future!

At Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy, we take pride in recognizing the exceptional athletes who exemplify dedication, skill, and sportsmanship. This month, we’re thrilled to announce that the First County Bank Athlete of the Month is none other than Ben Coutant, a standout lacrosse player whose remarkable achievements and leadership on and off the field make him a deserving honoree.

Breaking Records and Leading the Way
Ben Coutant, a senior at Stamford High School (SHS), has made waves in the lacrosse community with his outstanding performance this season. As the leading scorer for the Black Knights, Ben has broken the school’s record for the most points in a season, propelling his team to an impressive 12-4 record. With state playoffs on the horizon, Ben’s contributions have been instrumental in the Black Knights’ success, showcasing his prowess and dedication to the sport.

Commitment Beyond the Season
Ben’s commitment to lacrosse extends beyond the high school season. He is an active member of the CT City Lacrosse team, where he continues to hone his skills and compete at a high level during the off-season. This dedication to continuous improvement highlights Ben’s passion for the sport and his drive to excel.

Leadership and Teamwork
As a captain of the SHS lacrosse team, Ben exemplifies leadership both on and off the field. His coach, Mike Nazzaro, speaks highly of Ben’s work ethic and attitude towards training. “Ben leads by example, always giving 110% in practice and games,” says Coach Nazzaro. “His commitment to his teammates and his positive attitude make him a role model for younger players.”

Ben’s leadership is not just about his performance but also his ability to inspire and motivate his teammates. His dedication to teamwork and his willingness to support and encourage others have been key factors in the Black Knights’ successful season.

Looking Ahead
With state playoffs approaching, Ben Coutant and the Black Knights are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting culmination to an already remarkable season. Ben’s record-breaking achievements, combined with his unwavering dedication and leadership, set a high standard for his peers and future athletes.

We are proud to celebrate Ben’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing his continued success both on and off the field. Congratulations, Ben, on being named the First County Bank Athlete of the Month. Your hard work, talent, and sportsmanship are truly inspiring!

Grant Perconte has a passion and dedication to his favorite sport of baseball. He embodies the spirit of teamwork and perseverance. When asked what motivates him to excel in baseball, Grant simply answers “My passion for the game and my teammates. We all have each other’s backs.” This camaraderie fuels Grant’s drive to constantly push himself to new heights, both on and off the field.

One pivotal factor in Grant’s journey has been his involvement with BVSA. Under the mentorship of Coach Frank Ramppen, Grant has blossomed into a formidable athlete, both physically and mentally. “Coach Frank has helped me grow into a better player in every aspect,” Grant reflects. “He has made me feel so much more confident in myself.”

Frank had some words of his own when asked about Grant. “Grant is one of the most amazing young players I have ever had the pleasure to work with. His passion and dedication are at such a high level, but what really makes him different from so many other young players is his understanding of the fundamentals and mechanics of the game and his ability to listen to instruction and make adjustments. I often find myself stopping and saying to myself, am I actually going to say this to a 10 year old? I fear that I’m going to teach above his head but I think that’s impossible. It’s amazing! Grant is so deserving of this award, great job Grant.”

Through his years on the diamond, Grant has learned invaluable lessons. “Sometimes things don’t go right in baseball, but if you don’t do anything to change that, it will never get better,” he shares.

When asked about his biggest inspiration in the world of sports, Grant’s answer is unwavering: his father. “My dad taught me the fundamentals of baseball and has been an incredible coach for our team,” he says with admiration.

Looking ahead, Grant’s aspirations in baseball are clear. “I want to play for as long as I can,” he asserts. “I would love to play in college.”

Balancing athletic commitments with other responsibilities is a priority for Grant. “Baseball is awesome, but before I practice, I get my schoolwork done,” he explains. This discipline proves his dedication to both his academic and athletic pursuits.

For aspiring athletes at BVSA, Grant offers simple advice. “My advice is to be confident that you can get better,” he says. “You may not hit the ball 100mph, but step by step you can become the player you want to be.”

Reflecting on his journey thus far, Grant takes pride in his achievements. “My greatest accomplishments in baseball have been with my team when we won States and got to the Regional finals, and when we won the Hudson Valley League.” he says with a smile. 

As Grant Perconte continues to carve his path in the world of baseball, his unwavering passion, coupled with his commitment to excellence, ensures that his journey will be nothing short of extraordinary.