MEET THE TEAM. BELIEVE IN THE MISSION.
CHRIS WRIGHT
Chris Wright, a native of Trotwood, Ohio, is a former professional basketball player, community leader, and founder of the Wright Way Foundation. A standout athlete at Trotwood-Madison High School, Chris graduated in 2007 before continuing his academic and athletic career at the University of Dayton. There, he earned his degree in 2011 and became one of the most electrifying players in program history, widely regarded as the greatest above-the-rim athlete to ever wear a Flyers uniform. Following college, he went on to play 10 years of professional basketball across the NBA, NBA G-League, EuroLeague, and EuroCup, including time with the Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks.
Chris’s impact extends far beyond the court. He has been recognized for both his athletic achievements and community leadership, earning induction into the Trotwood-Madison High School Athletics Hall of Fame (2019) and the University of Dayton Athletics Hall of Fame (2020), as well as being named to Dayton’s 40 Under 40 (2019). He holds an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism and received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from the School of Great Commission Professional Training Institute (2024).
In 2020, Chris made the intentional decision to retire from professional basketball to pursue his long-standing vision of creating a world-class Sports, Life, and Leadership Campus in his hometown. In January 2021, he purchased 32 acres in Trotwood, Ohio to begin Phase 1 of this transformational project. Today, the Flyghtwood Campus holds a 50,000 sq. ft. sports dome and is expanding to include outdoor athletic fields, educational spaces, a food truck park, community walking trails, and an outdoor entertainment district with year-round programming such as sporting events, concerts, festivals, and more.
The Flyghtwood Campus has become a regional hub for local, national, and international events, driving tourism, increasing visitor spending, and contributing to economic growth throughout the Greater Dayton area. The mission is rooted in reinvesting back into the community through four core pillars: education, mental health, character development, and athletics, positioning Flyghtwood as a national model for community stabilization and youth development.
Trotwood, is a strategic and powerful location for this development. Dayton sits at the “Crossroads of America,” where I-75 (North/South) and I-70 (East/West) intersect, making it one of the most accessible regions in the country. According to the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dayton is ranked as one of the nation’s Top 10 “90-Minute Markets,” with nearly six million people able to reach the region within three hours by air or car. This central positioning uniquely supports Flyghtwood’s vision to host local, national, and international events while driving tourism and economic growth.
Founder | CEO
katie valentine
Katie Valentine serves as Chief Business Officer of Flyght Academy, where she plays a key leadership role in the organization’s strategy, business development, operations, and continued growth. Since joining Flyght in 2019, Katie has helped transform the organization’s vision into sustainable programs, partnerships, and systems that support its expanding impact.
With a background in sports medicine, healthcare, operations, and strategic business development, Katie works alongside Flyght’s leadership team to develop partnerships, build organizational infrastructure, and create new opportunities across Flyght’s sports, education, facility, and community initiatives.
Katie earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of Cincinnati.
chief business officer
Tarrell Yancey serves as the Director of Basketball Operations and Head Coach of the Post-Graduate program at Flyght Academy, combining more than eight years of coaching experience with leadership in the day-to-day operation and continued development of the basketball program.
As Head Coach of Flyght Academy’s Post-Graduate team, Yancey has helped build a competitive and winning culture centered on discipline, accountability, player development, and preparation for the next level. Under his leadership, Flyght has produced multiple 20-plus-win seasons while helping more than 20 student-athletes advance to play college basketball across the NCAA Division I, Division II, JUCO, and NAIA levels.
A graduate of West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Yancey also gained valuable experience within the Mountaineer basketball environment as a practice player. His background in psychology and basketball has shaped a coaching philosophy focused not only on developing better players, but also building confident, disciplined, and prepared young men.
Yancey is also a United States Army veteran, having served six years as a Military Police Officer, including an overseas deployment. His military experience continues to influence his approach to leadership, structure, preparation, accountability, and team culture.
In his dual role as Director of Basketball Operations and Head Coach, Yancey plays an integral part in both the competitive and operational success of Flyght Academy Basketball. His mission is to continue building a program that wins, develops players, creates collegiate opportunities, and prepares student-athletes for success both on and off the court.
Director of Basketball Operations | Post-Graduate Head Coach Tarrell Yancey
Darryl R. Smith II serves Flyght Academy as Recruiting Director, Assistant Director of Basketball Operations, and Associate Head Coach. He is a dedicated coach, mentor, and youth advocate committed to helping student-athletes reach their full potential on the court, in the classroom, and throughout life.
As Head Basketball Coach at Grand River Academy, Smith led the program to a historic 25-win season, an Ohio Prep Conference runner-up finish, and earned Ohio Prep Conference Coach of the Year honors. In just three years of coaching, he has helped more than 10 student-athletes advance to the collegiate level.
A former collegiate athlete at Muskingum University, Smith understands the commitment, discipline, and support required to compete at the next level. He is also the founder of The Smith Legacy Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering youth through basketball, education, mentorship, and life development while helping remove financial barriers that can prevent young people from pursuing meaningful opportunities.
Smith dedicates his work and continued commitment to serving the next generation to the legacy of his late grandfather, John R. Smith, and his mother, Lucetta F. Tanner-Smith.
recruiting coordinator | associate head coach post graddARRYL SMITH II
18 years pro overseas and 12 years National team player of Lebanon, winner of many local and international titles, coached many professional teams men and women,
Coached Lebanese women’s National team. Also coached U20 Armenian men’s National teams in European championship. Recently coach Los Angeles Ignite in TBL league and in TBT tournament. Owner and head trainer at Coach Ve elite training inc based in Los Angeles.
FIBA licensed coach and USA basketball golf coach, Athletic Director of Academy usa, owner of Coach Ve Elite training Inc.
Coach_ve IG and LinkedIn / Facebook Vicken Eskidjian
DIRECTOR OF BASKETBALL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS