ABOUT US
The DEA Story
Dallas Elite Athletics was built on a simple belief: sports shape character. Through commitment, discipline, resilience, and competition, we develop not just skilled athletes—but strong, confident young men and women prepared for life.
Our journey began as athletes ourselves – Clarissa in volleyball and myself in basketball – competing at high school and collegiate levels. Sports didn’t just give us opportunities, they shaped who we are. That foundation sparked a passion for mentoring and pouring into the next generation.
We started by giving back to our hometown of Laredo, training young athletes in small groups whenever we could. That passion quickly grew into purpose. At just 23 years old, I became the youngest head coach in Laredo history, leading a high school varsity basketball program and overseeing athletes across all levels. That experience solidified our calling – not just to coach, but to lead and develop young people.
Years later, after moving to Dallas, what started as training our young son and a few kids at a park grew into something much greater – a community built on accountability, growth, and belief. That foundation became Dallas Elite.
In 2018, Dallas Elite officially became Dallas Elite Athletics.
Today, DEA is a multi-sport program known for its high standards, intentional coaching, and commitment to every athlete we serve. As we’ve grown, our mission has never changed: to develop each athlete with care, leadership, and purpose – on and off the court.
We love the game – but more than that, we love what the game builds: confidence, character, and discipline that lasts far beyond sports.
We are family. We love developing young athletes and seeing their growth.
— Chris Martinez
COACH CHRIS MARTINEZ
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog” – Mark Twain
Playing Career:
Varsity Starter, 2006-2008 – Alexander High School (TX)
High School Elite 8 Finalist, 2008 – Alexander High School
All-time Leading Scorer – Alexander High School
B.A. in Business Administration, 2009-2011 – Northwest Vista College
Coaching Career:
Graduate Assistant, 2012 – Texas A&M International University
Head Coach, 2013-2016 – Cigarroa High School
Founder, 2017 – Dallas Elite Athletics
Accolades:
Certified Personal Trainer
COACH CLARY MARTINEZ
“Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” – Coach Clarissa
Playing Career:
Starter 2000-2004 – She Can Play Club
Softball Varsity Starter, 2005-2008 – Alexander High School (TX)
Track & Field Varsity Starter, 2005-2008 – Alexander High School
Volleyball Varsity Starter, All-District Libero, 2005-2008 – Alexander High School
3-time 5A District Champion – Alexander High School
2nd Team-All Decade Award, Bachelors of Science, 2008-2010 – Laredo Community College
Libero, 2011-2013 – Texas A&M International University
Coaching Career:
Volleyball Assistant Camp Director, 2012 – Laredo Community College
Club Volleyball Traveling Team Coach, 2013-2014 – Volleyball Performance Academy
Volleyball Coach, 2012-2014 – United Day (Private Education)
Middle School Volleyball Program Leader – United Independent School District
High School Varsity Track & Field, 2014-2016
Co-Founder, 2017 – Dallas Elite Athletics
Accolades:
2nd Team-All Decade Award at LCC
(2) Athletic Sports Scholarships (LCC & TAMIU)
Academic Scholarship
COACH LEROY BARGAS
“My heart is for the youth. I’m passionate about helping them grow in all areas of life, on and off the basketball court. I want to see them become outstanding individuals.” – Coach Leroy
Playing Career:
High School / College
High School – John B Alexander / Deer Park High School
College – Oral Roberts University
Coaching Career:
Private Skills Trainings and Recreational League (Houston, Laredo)
Accolades:
Youth Ministry Coordinator – Laredo First Assembly (Laredo,Tx)
Youth Ministry Assistant Lead / AVL – Faithbridge Church (Houston, Deer Park)
Youth Leader – Church on the move (Oklahoma / During College)
Oral Roberts University – Theology / Youth Ministry
COACH ODELL TURNBULL
“Pray like it is up to God, but work like it is up to you” – Mark Batterson
Playing Career:
Varsity Starter Football- 2013-2015
Varsity Letter Basketball- 2012-2015
Colorado Football State champion runner up 2015– Valor Christian High School
Scholarship athlete at The University of Houston 2016-2019
Scholarship athlete at Arizona Christian University 2020-2021
NFL Private Workouts with- Las Vegas Raiders, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals
XFL Private Workouts with- Seattle Sea Dragons, D.C. Defenders, and Orlando Guardians
Player Accolades:
High school:
1st team all-district football- 2014, 2015
1st team all-district basketball 2015
2nd team all-state basketball and football 2015
College:
SAC 1st team All-Conference- 2020
SAC 1st team All-Conference- 2021
NAIA All-American honorable mention- 2021
Education:
Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies- Arizona Christian University
COACH JOSHUA CARTER
“Work hard in silence. Let success be your noise”
– Coach Josh
Director of Dallas Elites Elementary Development
Born and raised in Dallas, Tx in the Lake Highlands community. District MVP, All region and All State honors his senior year at Lake Highlands High School.
Played 4 years at the University of Texas A&M in College Station. 7th all-time scorer at Texas A&M and also holds the school records at the university for 3-pointers made in a single season (86) Total 3-point makes (299) and overall 3-point shooting % (42%).
After college, he spent 13 years playing overseas. Teams from Germany, Israel, Russia, Italy, Turkey, France, and Greece. He also spent summers during that period working with numerous NBA teams and also participating in numerous NBA Summer Leagues.
Josh brings a lot of knowledge to Dallas Elite. He’s had opportunities to learn from many great coaches and players. He’s spent time personally learning skills and techniques from Kobe Bryant. He has trained with and/or competed against many NBA All-star players such as Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and many more. He brings a lot of knowledge regarding shooting form, footwork, and technique to become a high-level shooter. He also knows what kind of hard work and effort it takes to be a high-level player at all levels of high school, college, and as a professional. His goal is to push the kids to have fun and enjoy the game of basketball and also teach them the dedication and seriousness it takes to progress to the next level.
COACH TYJUAN “TY” BATTLES
“Chop wood, Carry water.”
– Coach Ty
Middle School Development
3-year starter and graduate of Dallas Christian College, a NCCAA D2 school in the southwest region. 2022 Dwight Coleman Jr. Outstanding Leadership Award winner. 2023 3rd team all region player. 910 career points and the All-Time Scoring Leader of Dallas Christian College. Freshmen boys basketball coach at The Episcopal School of Dallas.
