Michael Sullivan

Head of Coaching and Academy Founder

Michael Sullivan has dedicated over thirty years to the sport of darts, transitioning from a top-tier competitive career to becoming one of the most respected coaches in the Northeast. His caring approach is rooted in his belief that anyone can achieve greatness with the right mindset and a solid foundation of fundamentals. Michael’s coaching style is patient and analytical, focusing on the minute adjustments that lead to consistent accuracy. He has coached multiple state champions and is a frequent contributor to national darts publications, sharing his insights on the biomechanics of the throw. Michael believes that the key to a great coach is the ability to see the world through the eyes of the student, and he spends a significant amount of time studying the psychological barriers that prevent players from reaching their full potential. At the academy, Michael oversees the development of our curriculum and personally mentors our junior coaching staff, ensuring that his wealth of knowledge is passed down to the next generation of instructors. He is a constant presence on the floor, always ready with an encouraging word or a subtle correction that can change a player’s entire trajectory. His dedication to the academy is matched only by his love for the game, a passion that is infectious to everyone who has the privilege of learning from him.

Sarah Jenkins

Youth Program Director and Senior Instructor

Sarah Jenkins joined the academy with a background in childhood education and a passion for competitive sports. As our Youth Program Director, she has been instrumental in creating a curriculum that is both fun and educationally rigorous for our younger members. Sarah believes that darts is an excellent tool for building self-esteem and resilience in children, and she works tirelessly to ensure that our youth sessions are supportive and engaging. Her warm personality and ability to connect with students of all ages make her a favorite among our families. Sarah holds several certifications in sports psychology, which she uses to help her students overcome performance anxiety and build a healthy relationship with competition. She understands that for a child, the academy is often a second home, and she takes that responsibility seriously, fostering an environment where every child feels safe to fail and encouraged to try again. Sarah’s work has been recognized by local school boards for its impact on student engagement and mathematical proficiency, and she is a frequent speaker at conferences on the benefits of non-traditional sports in youth development. Her commitment to our junior members is the bedrock of our academy’s future, ensuring that the next generation of players is equipped with both skill and character.

David Chen

Technical Director and Professional Coach

David Chen brings a unique perspective to the academy, combining his experience as a professional mechanical engineer with a lifelong love for darts. He focuses on the technical aspects of the game, helping players choose the right equipment and understand the flight dynamics of their darts. David’s approach is highly personalized; he uses video analysis and statistical tracking to help players identify patterns in their performance and make data-driven improvements. His commitment to technical excellence is balanced by his friendly demeanor and his willingness to spend extra time helping a student get their setup just right. David is also responsible for the maintenance of our high-quality playing surfaces, ensuring that every board is in perfect condition for our members. He believes that the interaction between the player and their equipment is a critical, often overlooked component of the game, and he enjoys the challenge of fine-tuning a setup to match a player’s unique biomechanics. David’s workshops on dart maintenance and customization are always well-attended, reflecting the deep respect our members have for his expertise. He is a perfectionist in the best sense of the word, and his influence can be seen in the high level of technical proficiency displayed by our students.

Elena Rodriguez

Community Outreach Coordinator and Instructor

Elena Rodriguez is the heart of our community engagement efforts, working to bring the joy of darts to underserved neighborhoods across New York City. With a background in social work, Elena understands the power of sports to bring people together and build community pride. She leads our introductory clinics and coordinates our volunteer programs, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of ownership in the academy. Elena’s coaching style is energetic and encouraging, making her an ideal first point of contact for new players. She is passionate about making the academy a diverse and inclusive space, and she frequently organizes events that celebrate the many cultures represented in our membership. Elena believes that the academy should be a reflection of the city it serves, and she works tirelessly to ensure that our programs are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial or social background. Her work with local community centers has introduced thousands of new players to the sport, and her ability to build partnerships with other non-profits has greatly expanded the academy’s reach. Elena is a tireless advocate for the social benefits of our sport, and her enthusiasm is a driving force behind our mission to build a more connected and supportive New York City.

James Thompson

Senior Performance Coach

James Thompson is a veteran of the international darts circuit who now focuses on preparing our advanced players for high-level competition. His coaching is intensive and focused on the mental stamina required for long tournament days. James shares his wealth of experience in match play strategy, teaching his students how to handle the pressure of the big stage and how to read their opponents. Despite his competitive focus, James remains a warm and approachable mentor who is always ready to share a story or a tip with a beginner. His deep knowledge of the game’s history and his respect for its traditions inspire everyone who works with him to aim higher. James understands that at the elite level, the game is played mostly between the ears, and he specializes in mental toughness training and strategic planning. He has a keen eye for the psychological shifts that occur during a match, and he teaches his students how to maintain their focus even when the crowd is loud and the stakes are high. His influence on our competitive teams has been profound, leading to a significant increase in our members’ rankings and tournament successes. James is a true professional who brings a level of international prestige and tactical depth to the academy that is unmatched.