Academi Proving Ground: Building Champions & Opportunities

Established in the Pacific Northwest in 2016, Academi Proving Ground has quietly dedicated itself to strengthening youth athletics and community development across Oregon. 

What began as a silent partnership with local youth sports organizations has grown into a powerful movement—opening doors for families in need and building lasting opportunities through sport.

Our mission has always been to remove barriers to athletic and academic advancement. Through strategic consulting, on-the-ground support, and countless volunteer hours, we’ve helped develop programs that not only elevate athletes but also empower entire school communities.

In the Tigard-Tualatin School District, Academi Proving Ground helped spark a passion for wrestling where none existed before. When the district had no middle school wrestling program, we partnered to launch a pilot initiative spanning two schools. Enrollment filled immediately, reaching 20 enthusiastic participants in the first year, and reached full capacity with 100 percent participation. 

Lewis Academy Ambassadors contributed over 100 service hours to prepare students for their first competitions. The season concluded with a resounding proof of concept, encouraging the district to move forward with permanent programming.

In the Sherwood School District, where young wrestlers were consistently leaving for more advanced programs, our team provided targeted consulting to help restructure their athletic pathway. Working closely with district leaders, we advised on program design, resource alignment, and long-term athlete development. Our efforts culminated in the hiring of an elite development specialist, launching a new era for Sherwood wrestling. 

The Lewis Academy Ambassadors once again played a vital role, recording more than 1,000 volunteer hours throughout the year in mentorship and event support.