Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Mike.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My dad came from India when he was 14 and started a part-time high school job rebuilding cars and learning how to scout baseball games. He started working for the Baltimore Orioles as a scout in the ’70s and ’80s. I often traveled with him around the country in his 18-wheeler scouting games. We also enjoyed going to see the Redskins, Capitals, and Bullets play.
I was my dad’s “son” and I grew up as such. I love everything sports and my dad always instilled in me to go to college. He often made “Sports Packs” for the homeless which were comprised of blankets/socks, baseball cards, gloves, resource pages to get resources. He also started a book program to get and donate books to elementary schools whose libraries were depleted.
Being a Student-Athlete is a direct path that enables a student to go to college and in a lot of cases, earn a scholarship for athletics and academics. In 2014, my mom and I decided to open a sports facility to honor my dad’s memory. We had a foundation started in his name in 2004 when he passed away of cancer, that would promote obtaining a college education by working hard, incorporating reading programs, sports, and youth-based programs that all had, an end goal of going to college.
We work closely with organizations like WeFam United, Family Promise of Central FL, Apopka Youth Works, Children’s Home Society, Rylands Ark, and more to provide services to underserved youth to ensure they can obtain easy access to sports programs at little to no costs. We also help get the equipment and sponsor their fees for their recreational sports seasons.
Prior to 2014, I had many years of experience working around the world in various industries as a Marketing, Sports Venue Management, Communication, and Government Relations Consultant.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We thought it would be, but being a minority and female in this business is not as easy.
Local governments have a lot of “red tape” that they put one through. A lot of times they don’t think that you are qualified or knowledgeable enough to own and operate a business. Usually, I am able to overcome their assumptions to show a well-accomplished, well-spoken, intelligent, and very capable business professional.
My dad prepared me for these obstacles and each time I meet someone who assumes that because I am a female, I lack significant sports knowledge, are quickly shocked when I start to inquire about their knowledge or skill set. We experienced a lot of delays when opening the business from the number of parking spaces they wanted us to have or what type of lights we had to use.
But we stayed positive through the process and saw each obstacle as a learning moment. At times, we knew that some demands were unreasonable and them testing us, but we never wavered.
As you know, we’re big fans of All Stars Sportsplex. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Its an indoor Sports Facility that specializes in Baseball, Softball, and Youth Programs. We are family-owned, and most of our proceeds go to the community sports programs, helping youth go to college, and we have kept our rates the same since we have opened. It is the ONLY female-owned and operated sports business on the east coast. I have been told that they are not aware of any others on the west coast, but I can’t confirm.
We utilize the usual marketing efforts, but most of our business comes from referrals by previous patrons. We accept children with disabilities, including ADHD, ODD, Autism, etc., and have sports that cater to children with physical disabilities. We have a NO- Bullying policy where we do not tolerate anyone making fun of or bothering another kid for physical, mental, or socioeconomic reasons. Our partnerships with local sports apparel companies enable us to obtain sneakers, sports equipment, and other items for kids, so they never feel singled out or less than.
I also have high-level coaches and trainers who have agreed to charge reasonable rates to not price some families out of the marketplace.
What’s next?
We are going to be retrofitting the existing batting cages with advanced technology so professionals like Jemile Weeks can better assess players.
This technology will enable us to provide data reports on players which can be shown directly to scouts, college coaches, etc. Additionally, we are looking to renovate an outdoor venue so we can offer more events, clinics, games, and other sports to help the youth be well-round athletes. We are also going to be exploring micro-mobility offerings for athletes to get to training, practices, and games, which are safer, reliable, and environmentally friendly.
We are always researching and trying to form partnerships that benefit the youth in our community. We have our sites set on partnerships with USA Softball and Global Initiatives.
Pricing:
- $35 per hour for batting cage
- $20 per half-hour for batting cage
- 60 Ft base Infield for rent $150/2 hours
- Private lessons, small groups, and clinics
- After School Programs $70/week
Contact Info:
- Email: Stephanie@sportsplexfl.com
- Website: www.SportsplexFL.com
- Instagram: @AllStarsSportsplex
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllStarsSportsplex
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