The team, behind your team.
Chris Godwin, Chief Executive Officer
Hitting/Catching/INField
Chris was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Chris was a 4 year varsity letterman at Christian Brothers High School, and helped lead the “Brothers” to back to back State Championships concluding both championship seasons with a national ranking in the top 25 as rated by ESPN and Baseball America. During his high school summer years, Chris played for the Dulin's Dodgers out of Memphis, TN. Following high school, Chris played collegiately at various levels from Union University (NAIA) to Jackson State Community College (JUCO) to University of Memphis (D-1). Additionally, Chris played in the Northwoods League for the Thunder Bay Border Cats in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Chris had the opportunity to play in the Minnesota Twins minor league system; unfortunately, due to a nagging shoulder injury following shoulder surgery, his playing career was cut short.
Following Chris’ playing career, he moved to Dallas, TX in December 2005 and worked in various roles with Bank of America from 2005 through 2013. In 2009 Chris continued baseball by getting involved in coaching and providing private instruction to kids around Dallas, TX. Finding a new love for the game and a passion for helping, guiding, and mentoring kids, Chris took his outlook on baseball to a completely different level. In 2014, Chris was selected to coach with USA Baseball National Team Identification Series. In 2015, Chris led the 13u North Texas Team USA to a Silver Medal. In addition to his role with Diamond King Baseball Academy, Chris also serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Kelley Bats, Vice President of Residential Mortgage Lending with Herring Bank (NMLS# 1481887), as well as President of the University of Memphis Alumni Association – Dallas Chapter.
Hitting/Catching/Infield
Jorge Hernandez, Instructor
Jorge Hernandez coaching background includes assistant coaching positions at the University of Mobile from 1993 – 2001 and Texas A & M University -Corpus Christi Tx from 2001 – 2003. Jorge then went on to coach the Pensacola Pelicans Independent League from 2003- 2005 followed by a coaching position at the University of West Florida from 2005 – 2007. In 2007, Jorge joined the Florida Marlins organization as a hitting coach for 2 seasons. Over the last 5 years, Jorge has been a minor league manager with the Florida Marlins. Recently, Jorge was promoted to Infield Coordinator with the responsibility of overseeing all infielders in the Florida Marlins minor league system. Jorge was recognized as the Florida Marlins Development Coach of the Year in 2009 followed by the Gulf Coast League Manager of the Year in 2010. For private instruction rates, please click the “Services” tab, then the “Lessons” subtab.
Brandon Haygood, Instructor
Haygood, a native of East Texas, graduated from Airline High School in Bossier City, LA and went on to become a four-year starter as a middle infielder for Louisiana Tech from 2001-05. The four-year letter-winner continues to rank second in school history for doubles in a season, as he totaled 20 as a senior for the Bulldogs. In his playing days with the Bulldogs, Haygood led the team in stolen bases (21), runs (49), at bats (233) and games played (58) as a junior, while leading LA Tech in runs (41), doubles (20) and triples (2) in his senior season.
After completing his collegiate career at Louisiana Tech, Haygood went on to play two years of professional baseball with Shreveport and El Paso in the American Association League.
He has earned a bachelor degree in Kinesiology & Health Promotions and a master degree in Sport Administration from Louisiana Tech, as well as a master degree in Exercise Physiology from UT Arlington.
Prior to starting W Sports, Haygood was an assistant coach at Alabama A&M University, Louisiana Tech University, and a graduate assistant for UT Arlington from 2011-2015. He also spent two season as an assistant coach for Loyola College Prep in Shreveport from 2010-11.