What AAO Does in Northwest Arkansas

At AAO, we are passionate about sports and the vital role it can play in our communities. We believe environments have a profound effect on people. When young athletes work and play inside our phenomenal facilities, surrounded by skillful and positive coaching mentors who deliver exceptional programs that put the development of a player ahead of winning, then games are transformed and lives are changed. 

OUR MISSION

Building Champions for Life through the Transformational Power of Sports.

OUR VISION

To be an Industry Leader and Light in the World of Youth Sports.

We believe that Sports should be one of the great training grounds where we develop our youth for life. However, much of youth sports culture today is filled with over zealous parents, win at any cost coaches, and self promoting athletes that create toxic competition environments. AAO Founder Brad Friess started AAO with the belief that a person’s participation in sports should be one of the best experiences in their life. A place to learn, develop and master ones sport. A place to develop important life character traits like hard work, responsibility, teamwork, excellence and gratitude. A place to make and build lasting friendships.

Meet our Board of Directors

Board Chairman - Michael Klaas

General Mills

Sales Director, Walmart Inc. Snacking

Board Treasurer - Phil Shellhammer

University of Arkansas

Executive Director, Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Vice President of the Board - Kristi Coats

Vendor Mint

Senior Account Director

Board Secretary - Chase Miller

Encore Bank

Mortgage Banker

Jami Ingling

Mars

Global Network Lead - Customer

Lindsay Letterle

Clorox

Senior Director of Sales

Jake Lyssy

Pepsico

Senior Director, Walmart Customer Team

Tyler Gill

MJ Holding

Walmart Sales Team Lead

Sarah Lowrance

Krispy Kreme

Senior Director of Sales

Jeff Soderquist

Retired

John Brown University

Dustin Davis

Ambassador Home Maintenance

Founder

Kevin Pate

Walmart

SVP, GMM

Ryland Allen

Walmart

SVP- Health and Wellness

William Silcott

Walmart

Senior Vice President & Chief Counsel, Sam's Club

Jami Ingling

Mars

Global Network Lead - Customer

Lindsay Letterle

Clorox

Senior Director of Sales

Jake Lyssy

Pepsico

Senior Director, Walmart Customer Team

Tyler Gill

MJ Holding

Walmart Sales Team Lead

Sarah Lowrance

Krispy Kreme

Senior Director of Sales

Jeff Soderquist

Retired

John Brown University

Dustin Davis

Ambassador Home Maintenance

Founder

Kevin Pate

Walmart

SVP, GMM

Ryland Allen

Walmart

SVP- Health and Wellness

William Silcott

Walmart

Senior Vice President & Chief Counsel, Sam's Club

Jami Ingling

Mars

Global Network Lead - Customer

Lindsay Letterle

Clorox

Senior Director of Sales

Jake Lyssy

Pepsico

Senior Director, Walmart Customer Team

Tyler Gill

MJ Holding

Walmart Sales Team Lead

Sarah Lowrance

Krispy Kreme

Senior Director of Sales

Jeff Soderquist

Retired

John Brown University

Dustin Davis

Ambassador Home Maintenance

Founder

Kevin Pate

Walmart

SVP, GMM

Ryland Allen

Walmart

SVP- Health and Wellness

William Silcott

Walmart

Senior Vice President & Chief Counsel, Sam's Club

Meet the AAO Team

Our team serves students all across Northwest Arkansas and strive towards shining a light in the world of youth sports.