Frequently Asked Questions

Victory Academy is built around four core pillars that support the complete development of each athlete: Academics, Wrestling, Strength, Conditioning & Gymnastics, and Mindset.

To make information easy to find, our FAQs are organized by these four pillars. Each section addresses questions specific to that area of the academy, followed by a General FAQ section covering topics that apply across all programs.

If you don’t see your question answered below, our team is always happy to help.

General Questions

  • Victory Academy is a premier wrestling and academic development program designed for student-athletes who want to excel both athletically and academically. Our program integrates elite wrestling training, strength and conditioning, mindset development, and a fully accredited academic curriculum.

  • September 2026.

  • Victory Academy is designed for motivated 4-8th grade as well as reclassing student-athletes who are serious about reaching their potential on the mat while staying on track academically.

  • No!!! Absolutely not! We want committed student athletes from 4th-8th grade and reclassing students.

    • $9,900 annually ($1,100/month)

    • September 2026 – May 2027

    • 10% discount for full upfront payment

    • Sibling discounts available

    Academic tuition through Acellus Academy is paid separately.

  • Victory Academy is a full-day, structured academy, not just a practice facility. We combine:

    • Progressive, high-level wrestling instruction

    • Strength, conditioning, and gymnastics training

    • Mindset and match preparation

    • Daily supervised academics with accountability proctored by a certified K-8 teacher.

    Everything runs in parallel, just like a high-performance academy model.

  • Our staff includes:

    • Billy Ashnault – Head Coach and Executive Director of Athletic Operations

    • Michael DeMarco – Executive Director of Strength, Conditioning, and Mindset

    • Sean DeDeyn – Executive Director of Operations

    • Len Forsyth – Executive Director of Academic Operations

    All staff members bring Division I, high school, and professional-level experience.

  • Student-athletes are enrolled in a fully accredited online curriculum through Acellus Academy, supported by an on-site NJ Certified Teacher. Academics include:

    • Daily supervised study blocks

    • Built-in accountability and progress tracking

    • One-on-one academic tutoring as needed

  • No! At Victory Academy we believe that academics go hand in hand with high level athletics. Structured work periods and real-time support ensure student-athletes stay organized, accountable, and academically successful.

  • A typical day includes:

    • Structured academic study blocks

    • Wrestling training sessions

    • Strength, conditioning, and gymnastics

    • Mindset training and recovery

    The schedule is designed to balance workload, performance, and recovery.

  • Victory Academy operates out of MultiSports Kingdom Manalapan at:
    150 Woodward Rd
    Manalapan Township, NJ 07726

  • Limited financial considerations may be available on a case-by-case basis. Families are encouraged to apply early and inquire during the application process.

  • Applications are submitted online. After review, select families may be contacted for:

    • Additional information

    • Interviews

    • Program fit evaluation

    Acceptance is based on motivation, commitment, and program alignment.

  • Victory Academy operates on a seasonal academic schedule aligned with the school year. Specific dates are provided during the application process.

Academic Questions

All Victory Academy students are enrolled by their parents in Acellus Academy, a fully accredited online K–12 program. Victory Academy does not act as the school of record; instead, we support students as they complete their Acellus coursework by monitoring progress, reinforcing concepts, and helping students stay on track academically. 

Below are frequently asked questions about the Acellus program and how Victory Academy supports students within it. 

  • Acellus Academy is well suited for students who are performing above their current grade level. If a student has already mastered grade-level material, parents may choose to enroll them in courses above their current grade, provided they are comfortable with the academic rigor. 

    This flexibility allows students to continue progressing at an appropriate pace and remain academically challenged without being limited by traditional grade-level structures. 

  • Yes. Acellus allows students to take individual courses above their enrolled grade level while remaining officially enrolled in their current grade. 

    This structure is common for students who excel in specific subjects and allows for academic advancement without requiring full grade-level acceleration. 

  • Monday to Thursday, 8:30am - 2:45pm 

  • If a student is reclassing and re-enrolling in the same grade level, Acellus accommodates this structure. The student remains enrolled in the appropriate grade-level program while still having access to higher-level coursework when appropriate. 

    This approach allows students to reinforce foundational skills while continuing to progress in subjects where they demonstrate readiness. 

  • Acellus uses a proprietary system called Vectored Instruction, an AI-driven learning tool built directly into the platform. This system continuously evaluates student performance to identify gaps in understanding. 

    When gaps are detected, Acellus may automatically reintroduce prerequisite concepts or provide additional instruction to help the student build mastery, all within the normal flow of coursework. 

  • If a student demonstrates strong mastery of a subject, Acellus may move them through content more efficiently. This can reduce unnecessary repetition and allow students to complete coursework at a faster pace. 

    When coursework is completed early, students may have the opportunity to begin additional or higher-level courses, based on readiness and parental approval. 

  • Yes. Acellus Academy is a fully accredited online K–12 private school, accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). 

    Regional accreditation ensures that Acellus meets established educational standards and provides families with confidence in the quality and legitimacy of the program for elementary and middle school students. 

  • Accreditation means that Acellus Academy follows recognized academic standards, curriculum guidelines, and instructional practices. For K–8 families, this provides assurance that students are receiving a structured, standards-based education that supports both academic growth and long-term continuity. 

wrestling, Strength, Conditioning & Gymnastics Questions

  • The Strength, Conditioning, and Gymnastics pillars at Victory Academy are led by Michael DeMarco, former Strength Coach for Rutgers University. 

    Mike oversees the entire athletic development framework and ensures all programming aligns with long-term athletic performance and wrestling-specific demands. 

  • Yes. Every athlete at Victory Academy receives a personalized strength and conditioning program tailored to their individual needs, physical development, and athletic goals. 

    Programs are designed with a primary focus on: 

    • Injury prevention 

    • Developing strength to protect common wrestling joints (shoulders, knees, hips, and neck) 

    • Improving explosiveness and mat endurance 

    • Reinforcing correct movement patterns 

    This individualized approach helps athletes build strength safely while reducing the risk of overuse or preventable injuries. 

  • Each athlete is given access to a dedicated training app, which can be accessed on a phone, tablet, or computer. This app contains the athlete’s personalized strength and conditioning program for the entire semester. 

    The app allows coaches to monitor progress, identify areas of improvement, and make adjustments as needed, while also helping athletes understand their own development and stay accountable to their program. 

  • Gymnastics is a core component of Victory Academy’s athletic development model and is programmed by a current Division I gymnastics coach. 

    The gymnastics program focuses on: 

    • Balance and body control 

    • Flexibility and joint stability 

    • Kinesthetic awareness and coordination 

    • Safe movement through complex athletic positions 

    These skills directly support wrestling performance and help athletes move efficiently and confidently on the mat. 

  • Gymnastics training is age- and ability-appropriate and progresses safely over time. Depending on experience level, training may include: 

    • Cartwheels and basic tumbling 

    • Forward and backward rolls 

    • Front and back handsprings for advanced athletes 

    • Flexibility and mobility work, including controlled stretching and splits 

    The goal is not competitive gymnastics, but developing body awareness, flexibility, and controlled movement that translates directly to wrestling. 

  • Together, these disciplines help athletes: 

    • Enter and exit difficult wrestling positions safely 

    • Maintain balance and control under pressure 

    • Improve endurance throughout matches 

    • Develop explosive power without sacrificing mobility 

    This integrated approach produces more resilient, athletic, and technically sound wrestlers. 

Mindset & Mental Preparation Questions

  • The Mindset pillar at Victory Academy focuses on developing the mental skills required for consistent performance in wrestling and athletics. This includes building discipline, composure, confidence, and preparation habits that translate directly to competition and training. 

    Mindset training is integrated into daily programming and reinforces the idea that mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation. 

  • Mindset training emphasizes: 

    • Goal setting and personal accountability 

    • Discipline and consistency in training 

    • Emotional control and composure during competition 

    • Match preparation and competitive focus 

    These skills help athletes perform under pressure and develop habits that support long-term growth both on and off the mat. 

  • Mindset training helps athletes learn how to: 

    • Stay composed in high-pressure situations 

    • Recover quickly from mistakes or setbacks 

    • Maintain focus late in matches 

    • Compete with confidence built through preparation 

    This allows athletes to rely on their training and execution rather than emotion or reaction during competition. 

  • Yes. Mindset concepts are taught in an age-appropriate and practical way. For younger athletes, this may focus on effort, preparation, listening, and consistency. As athletes mature, concepts expand to include goal setting, match strategy, and self-regulation. 

    The approach is designed to build strong mental habits early without overwhelming athletes. 

  • Mindset training is not treated as a separate classroom exercise. It is reinforced through: 

    • Training routines and expectations 

    • Pre-practice and pre-competition preparation 

    • Accountability within strength, conditioning, and wrestling sessions 

    This integrated approach ensures that mental skills are developed through real training and competition experiences. 

  • Together, these disciplines help athletes: 

    • Enter and exit difficult wrestling positions safely 

    • Maintain balance and control under pressure 

    • Improve endurance throughout matches 

    • Develop explosive power without sacrificing mobility 

    This integrated approach produces more resilient, athletic, and technically sound wrestlers.