Elite Sports Academy, A New Vision for Student-Athletes in Lehi
Balancing Academics and Athletics: Linda Willits Launches Innovative Microschool
When Linda Willits’ youngest daughter expressed interest in a new educational model that would give her more time to train as an athlete while still excelling academically, Willits never imagined it would lead to creating her own micro school. Now, she’s preparing to open Elite Sports Academy in Lehi this August, bringing a fresh approach to education that specifically serves student-athletes.
“If you have a child that is heavily involved in sports, loves to train, and finds they don’t have enough time to do six to seven hours of school a day, then have time to train, and then attend practices , they are literally working overtime,” says Willits. “Through Elite Sports Academy, we’re allowing kids to be academically fed and trained in the same facility within a six to six-and-a-half hour period. After that, they can go home and be a kid.”
A Different Kind of School Day
Elite Sports Academy, affiliated with Elite Performance Prep Academy, offers a unique schedule running Monday through Thursday from 8:15 AM to 2:45 PM. Students are divided into small groups of about ten, alternating between academic sessions and athletic training throughout the day.
A typical day includes:
- Morning academic core curriculum or training sessions (groups alternate)
- Lunch break
- Afternoon meditation to help students refocus
- Life skills training covering entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and leadership
- Sport-specific training tailored to each student’s athletic focus
What makes this program stand out is the absence of homework. “When they are finished for the day, they can go home and spend time with their family,” Willits explains. “These elite athletes usually have tournaments Friday through Sunday, sometimes even Monday. This program is geared toward their schedule, so they don’t miss school.”
From Parent to Founder
Willits’ journey to founding Elite Sports Academy began when she noticed remarkable changes in one of her daughter’s volleyball teammates who had enrolled in Elite Performance Prep Academy. “She went from being shy and conservative to this completely different person , confident in herself and excited about school,” recalls Willits.
After learning more about the program, Willits initially planned to enroll her fifth-grade daughter. However, during a conversation with Tasha Su’a, the CEO of Elite Performance Prep Academy, a different opportunity emerged.
“She asked if there was an opportunity for me to be a part of it, and I literally started crying,” Willits shares. “It’s such a blessing for me and my family to be involved in something I’m passionate about , helping youth and getting them engaged in academics and athletics, merging the two and building them in all facets of their life.”
Affordable Excellence
The full program costs $12,000 per year, which can be broken into ten monthly payments of $1,200. However, Utah’s “Utah Fits All” scholarship program can provide up to $8,000 for homeschoolers, significantly reducing the cost for families.
“For what they’re getting, there’s a lot of value,” says Willits. “The program is worth it.”
Elite Sports Academy aims to maintain a 10-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, with an academic coach handling the curriculum and Kenny Hall from Varsity Sports Performance managing the athletic training.
Beyond Academics and Athletics
What truly sets Elite Sports Academy apart is its focus on developing the whole person. “We want to build these kids better in all facets of life, not just athletics,” Willits emphasizes. “We want them to be more responsible, look for ways to serve, and be part of the community.”
The program incorporates innovative projects like a “Shark Tank” activity where students develop actual business plans, find mentors, and create real businesses that generate income.
“Who gets taught that in elementary school, middle school, or high school , that you can be your own boss?” asks Willits. “The sky’s the limit, and if you put in the work and trust those around you, you will be successful at any age.”
Learn More
Elite Sports Academy is now accepting students for its inaugural class starting August 21, 2023. For more information, visit their Instagram page at @elitelehiut or contact Linda Willits through the link in their Instagram bio. Additional details about the educational model can be found at https://eliteperformanceprepacademy.com.
“We’re helping these athletes, these elite athletes that want some time back to be a kid, to be able to have that. They’re able to train more during the week because our school days are Monday through Thursday. If people are looking for that in Lehi or the surrounding areas , American Fork, Highland , we’re here for you and we want you.” , Linda Willits, Founder of Elite Sports Academy
