SYV Sports Academy was founded by Matt and Sara DeMarcus — former UCLA and professional athletes — to bring world-class basketball and volleyball training to the Santa Ynez Valley. Focused on discipline, hard work, and competitive greatness, our programs help athletes from elementary through high school grow 1% better every day. Rooted in Valley pride, we’re building more than athletes — we’re building community.
Meet Your Coaches
Founded and coached by two former Division I and professional athletes who know exactly what it takes to compete at the next level.
Matt DeMarcus
Head Basketball Coach — Matt grew up right here in the Santa Ynez Valley before playing basketball at UCLA and professionally in New Zealand. He brings a player’s perspective to every session — the mechanics, the mindset, and the discipline it takes to truly compete.
Sara DeMarcus
Head Volleyball Coach — Sara competed at the highest levels of volleyball, first at UCLA, then professionally in New Zealand and Austria. She understands the mental side of the game as deeply as the physical side, and helps athletes unlock confidence they didn’t know they had.
Volleyball Lab
Private lessons, small-group training, camps, and clinics built around volleyball fundamentals — serving, passing, and game IQ — for middle school and high school athletes.
Basketball Lab
Private lessons, small-group training, camps, and clinics built around basketball fundamentals — ball handling, shooting, and game IQ — for middle school and high school athletes.
Performance Lab
Private, semi-private, and small-group sessions to build strength, speed, and confidence — increasing vertical jump, foot speed, and overall performance for boys and girls from middle school to high school.