About Us & Our Team
Welcome to Real Neal Sports! We are dedicated to helping athletes of all levels reach their full potential and achieve peak performance. With a passion for sports and a commitment to excellence, we provide exclusive training programs that focus on enhancing strength, speed, agility, and overall athletic ability. Our team of experienced coaches and trainers are here to provide you with top-notch guidance and support, ensuring that you have the tools and knowledge needed to excel in your respective sport.
What sets us apart is our commitment to individualized attention. We understand that every athlete is unique, with different strengths, weaknesses, and goals. That's why our trainers take the time to assess your abilities and create personalized training plans that address your areas of improvement. Through ongoing coaching and mentorship, we help you overcome obstacles and push past limits, so you can achieve greatness. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your fundamentals or an elite athlete striving for excellence, we've got you covered!
Our wide variety of equipment and cutting-edge techniques will help you push past your limits and break through barriers. From dynamic warm-ups to sport-specific drills, we focus on building a solid foundation while also challenging you to constantly improve. Through our progressive approach, you'll witness tangible results and see your skills soar to new heights.
But it's not just about physical prowess at our facility – we also emphasize the importance of mental conditioning. We believe that success starts from within, which is why our programs incorporate mindset training and goal setting techniques. Our coaches emphasize the importance of discipline, resilience, and teamwork, instilling these qualities in every athlete who walks through our doors. By developing a winning mindset, possessing sharp mental fortitude, and staying focused on your objectives, success is within your reach!
Meet Our Team
We revolutionize the way to train athletes and elevate them to unparalleled success!
Founder & Ceo
MICHAEL NEAL
Mike is the Founder & CEO of Real Neal Sports, a sports performance optimization company established in 2012. Mike has dedicated his life to enhancing athletic performance across all levels and disciplines.
Education:
· B.A. in Sports Administration & Business Management; University of Nebraska Kearney.
· Master's degree in Biomechanics; UCSF
Athletic Experience: · Four sport letterman in high school (football, basketball, baseball & track) · JUCO State & National Championship in football at CCSF · Two time 1at all conference defensive back · RMAC conference champion at University of Nebraska Kearney
Career Highlights & Specializations: · Developed holistic training programs that encompass mechanics, speed, strength, mobility, and endurance. · Mentored athletes who have excelled on the international stage. · Specializes in maximizing linear and lateral explosive movements. · Known for optimizing movement patterns and honing athletic abilities. · Prepares athletes for NFL, NBA, and MLB combines, pro days, and showcases.
Training Philosophy: · Cultivates high-performance mindsets that extend beyond sports into all aspects of life. · Aims to unlock the full potential of each athlete by creating efficient movement patterns, building foundational strength, and developing explosive power.
Youth Development Director
SAM PROTICH
Education:
· De La Salle High School graduate.
· Bachelor’s in Physiology, Applied Mathematics & Biochemistry; University of AZ.
Certifications & Credentials:
· ISSA Personal Trainer
· Sports Nutrition
· Strength & Conditioning
· Certified Aquatic Fitness and Hydrotherapy Instructor
Sports Experience: · Introduced to multiple sports by his father, fostering a lifelong love for physical activity. · Competed in Jr National Championship swim meets, gaining valuable competitive experience. · Developed a passion for lifting, recognizing the importance of strength training in overall health and fitness.
Motivation & Coaching Approach: · Embarked on a constant journey of self-improvement, fueled by setbacks and criticism, demonstrating resilience and determination. · Motivated and inspired by loved ones, Sam strives to make a positive impact on others' lives. · Works with young promising athletes, using his experience to promote sound lifestyle choices and guide their athletic journeys. · Emphasizes the importance of understanding proper movement mechanics, teaching the 'why' behind exercises and movements.
Training Philosophy: Sam’s knowledge and expertise significantly improves overall sports performance and results, inspiring athletes to challenge their limits and see their untapped potential.
President & Sr. Performance Engineer
SAM PROTICH
Education:
· De La Salle High School graduate.
· Bachelor’s in Physiology, Applied Mathematics & Biochemistry; University of AZ.
Certifications & Credentials:
· ISSA Personal Trainer
· Sports Nutrition
· Strength & Conditioning
· Certified Aquatic Fitness and Hydrotherapy Instructor
Sports Experience: · Introduced to multiple sports by his father, fostering a lifelong love for physical activity. · Competed in Jr National Championship swim meets, gaining valuable competitive experience. · Developed a passion for lifting, recognizing the importance of strength training in overall health and fitness.
Motivation & Coaching Approach: · Embarked on a constant journey of self-improvement, fueled by setbacks and criticism, demonstrating resilience and determination. · Motivated and inspired by loved ones, Sam strives to make a positive impact on others' lives. · Works with young promising athletes, using his experience to promote sound lifestyle choices and guide their athletic journeys. · Emphasizes the importance of understanding proper movement mechanics, teaching the 'why' behind exercises and movements.
Training Philosophy: Sam’s knowledge and expertise significantly improves overall sports performance and results, inspiring athletes to challenge their limits and see their untapped potential.
Vice President & Performance Engineer, Head of Basketball Performance
ALONZO WASHINGTON
Education:
· Graduate of De La Salle High School.
· Contributed to winning a North Coast Section tournament at the Division 1 level.
· Earned a scholarship to play Division 2 basketball at Cal Poly Humboldt.
Certifications & Credentials:
· After a career-ending injury, Alonzo found a new passion in performance and skills training.
· As a basketball performance engineer, Alonzo teaches kids the importance of taking care of their body and helps them reach their full potential.
Sports Experience: · Nominated for the prestigious McDonald's All-American team. · Played for the Oakland Soldiers National 14u EYBL team and the Lakeshow National 16u and 17u teams, showcasing his talent on a national stage.
Motivation & Coaching Approach: · He offers advanced training in various areas including: o Mechanics o Speed, Strength & Mobility o Ball Handling, Finishing Techniques, Shooting Skills & Film Study
Training Philosophy: Alonzo's ultimate goal is to serve as an inspiration to empower the next wave of athletes impacting their lives in both sports and beyond. With experience, dedication, and technical expertise, his journey serves as a testament to his resilience and passion for the sport, making him an ideal mentor for aspiring athletes.
Youth Performance Engineer & Youth Football Specialist
DARRELL BROWN
Education & Career:
· Passionate basketball and football coach since 2018.
· Defensive back and wide receiver coach at Pinole Valley High School.
Certifications & Credentials:
· Certified Sports Performance Trainer.
· Personal trainer for young talent.
· His expertise shapes athletes as he brings strategic acumen, elevating their performance
Sports Performance Expertise: · Derrell achieved certification as a Sports Performance Trainer. · Equipped with this skill set, he elevates athletes across all sports, transforming them into formidable competitors. · Many of his trainees have secured college scholarships, thanks to his personal guidance.
Career Highlights & Specializations: · Leadership in Youth Football: · Derrell is the Vice President of a Youth Football Organization that he co-founded. · His pivotal role ensures the smooth running and success of the organization.
Training Philosophy: · From budding youngsters at age 7 to seasoned pros, Derrell works with a diverse range of athletes. Derrell’s mission is simple, yet impactful: to transform athletes into formidable competitors—beasts on the field who grow stronger and faster as the game progresses, outlasting those who falter both physically and emotionally.
Jr. Performance Engineer & Basketball Specialist
Bobby Turnquist
A dedicated Youth Athletic Coach and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, passionate about guiding athletes to reach their full potential both physically and mentally. A former Varsity Basketball Athlete and Captain with years of athletic experience to instill discipline, teamwork, and skill development in young athletes. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Chico State, that helps combine strategic planning with athletic expertise to design impactful programs. Having coached multiple basketball camps and trained multiple individuals, I’m committed to installing confidence, growth, and excellence in every athlete I work with.
Jr. Performance Engineer Coach
MICHAELA NEAL
Hi, I’m Michaela Neal—yep, Mike’s little sister! I’m a college athlete at DVC, majoring in kinesiology with plans to go into physical therapy. I’ve been active and involved in sports since I was 4, with everything from dance, gymnastics, and cheer to flag football and now track. I’m a hurdler and also compete in long jump. I started training with Mike back in 9th grade and officially began working with him earlier this year (2024). Even in this short time, I’ve learned something new almost every day. Being with him has made me stronger physically, emotionally, and most importantly, mentally. I’m so grateful for the positive impact he’s had on my life!
Jr. Performance Engineer Coach
Shoshana Mahoney
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of being part of the Real Neal Sports team, serving in social media, content creation, and athlete development. I work closely with our Elite Volleyball athletes and LTG Softball group, helping support their growth both in performance and confidence. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is working with female athletes and watching them develop not only as competitors on the court and field, but also as strong, confident young women off of it. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and bring a creative background in dance, which has shaped my understanding of movement, discipline, and performance. I am passionate about continuing to grow my knowledge in sports performance and training while learning alongside the incredible coaching staff at Real Neal Sports. I am grateful to be part of an organization that is committed to helping athletes of all ages reach their full potential.