Core Sports Academy was founded in 2014 by Natalie Rogers Soto in Orlando, Florida. She grew up in Hunter's Creek playing soccer, and at the young age of 18, was invited by her Aunt, Ms. Roberta to teach soccer at Sunchild Academy (a local daycare in their community). Natalie accepted the challenge, and brought in her now husband Jacob Soto to be the co-founder, and began what we know today as Core Sports Academy.
As they grew, the company's foundation was built on their passion for sports and desire to share that with the younger generation. This passion quickly turned into so much more during the realization of how much of an impact a sports program can really have on a child's life. Core Sports Academy is not only dedicated to sports, but on core values and character development.
The company quickly expanded their programs, added another sport, and dedicated coaches who also shared the same passion and values. One of these key members of the team was Karena Picciotti, who also grew up playing soccer with Natalie in Hunter's Creek. She stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2017. She too, was passionate about soccer, had an infectious positive energy, and strong leadership qualities. This led to her taking over the company in 2019, and Natalie and Jacob moved on to other endeavors, making Karena the new owner.
Since then, Karena has dedicated her life to the success and mission of Core Sports Academy to empower her local community. Her love continues to touch thousands of lives in Central Florida while serving at 20 schools, 50+ programs and three different sports. Karena's husband, Derek, has also joined the team as Co-Owner/C.O.O. and is excited to nurture the family business that began in 2014.
This small start up company is honored to give back in the very community that gave so much to them, and is looking forward to all the kids they'll reach next. They specialize in quality coaches, a quality curriculum, and quality relationships to enrich the lives of everyone they meet.
So while much of the world has changed, Core Sports Academy's motto remains the same: Core Sports, Core Values, Core Strong!