Toronto Centennial College head coach Ro Russell has just accepted a job to lead the start of a new Private High School Prep Program in Erie, Pennsylvania. The North American Academy (NAA) has been established as an extension of the already fully accredited Erie-based Family First Academy (FAA), which has been in existence since 2003 and which houses students from over 10 countries.

According to the press release, the NAA, which has an enrollment of approximately 280 students, will focus on the academic and athletic development of young players who will one day be elite student-atheltes at the University level. The Prep Program will offer a high quality of educational and sport-specific training while also offering potential student-athletes good housing and a world-class athletic complex which contains a comprehensive fitness centre including four NBA-styled indoor courts.

NAA student-athletes will include elite Canadian, American and International players. The new academy's goal is to catapult the program into a Top 10 nationally recognized school while providing high level academics, training, coaching, exposure and competition for all their players.

Alongside Russell will be Nate B. Philippe, who will be the Head Coach of the NAA Varsity team and Nick Thomas who will be serving as Head Coach of the NAA Prep Team.. Philippe is currently Head Coach of the West Hill Collegiate Institute and an Assistant with Grassroots Canada Elite. Thomas is currently an Assistant Coach with Grassroots Canada Elite and was an Assistant Coach with the Centennial College Colts this past season.