John Owens founded SBA in 2004 with one team and the vision to introduce life values inherent in the game of baseball. With the foundation of a communal culture and strong core values, SBA opened their first indoor facility in Matthews in 2010. SBA was born to operate as a College Preparatory Academy helping all student-athletes have a place to develop, train, and enhance their academic and baseball skills through value innovation and the highest level of instruction. Today, SBA manages an average of 30 teams which houses close to 400 families. SBA graduates over 40 student-athletes each year going on to play college baseball. This accomplishment is the result of strategic recruiting, academic preparation, and skill development. Owens credits this success to its staff. Jake Robbins (President) has been instrumental in the growth of SBA and the athletes its developed. "Jake has become one of my closest friends and the best baseball mind I've been around,” Owens says. "Tomas Cruz and Rafael Mendez are both V.P.'s that manage baseball ops, recruiting and development - they keep the heartbeat alive every day,” he adds.

"It's time for me to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy my family," Owens says. "I've turned down multiple offers in the past, and have been very careful on who I would sell to. It would have to be a group that understands our culture and vision. It would have to be someone who respects the brand and who will keep SBA growing for years, and someone with a baseball background and the capital to grow. Will Simmons checks all the boxes," he adds. 

In addition to playing baseball at the collegiate level, Will Simmons has founded and operated multiple businesses throughout his professional career. At 26 years old, Simmons was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Small Business Association. In 2007, he was inducted into the Ernst and Young Hall of Fame as Entrepreneur of the Year. In that same year, his company was ranked #77 on the “Hot 500 America’s Fastest-Growing Businesses,” according to Entrepreneur Magazine. Simmons, along with his business partners, currently owns and operates Zero Waste Recycling, LLC. in Charlotte. Simmons, a graduate and former baseball player of Charlotte Christian School, played under the direction of Greg Simmons, and was recruited by Joe Hudak to be a catcher for the Winthrop University baseball team in 1998. Simmons plans to build upon the SBA culture and brand while providing additional resources committed to long term growth.