About Archmere

Summer Sports Camps

Ready to hone your skills and have some fun this summer?

Archmere Academy is hosting sports camps this summer for kids of all skill levels and ages (kids entering 3rd through 8th grade). Get training from the best coaches in the area. Archmere sports camps will teach the fundamentals in sport-specific areas. Archmere Academy will offer sessions in basketball, baseball, football, lacrosse, running, softball, and volleyball. Our staff will not only cultivate your skills in your sport, but they will also give you a fun-filled experience that will have you wanting to come back again. Discounts will be provided for campers that attend more than one camp. Register before March 1 for an early bird discount. Archmere looks forward to hosting you on campus this summer.

Athletes may sign up for one camp per week. Each camp runs Monday through Thursday. Full-day sessions run from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Camp Fees

Full Day Camp
$300 per week, per camper 

Registration Discounts
  • 15% off total camp registration from now through 11:59 pm on February 28th, 2023 using code EARLYBIRD
  • $30 discount for signing up for two camps (including sibling registration) using code 30OFF
  • $70 discount for signing up for three or more camps (including sibling registrations) using code 70OFF

2023 Camp Offerings

List of 7 items.

  • Running & Speed | June 19-22

    FULL DAY
    FEE: $300
    DIRECTOR: JR Creekmore ‘11 and Mark Hannigan

    Archmere Academy Running and Speed Camp seeks to provide young and developing runners of all abilities between 3rd and 8th grade with an opportunity to enjoy the sport of running during the summer months. From novice athletes to the more seasoned runners to those that just want to increase their speed and endurance in the off-season, Archmere Running and Speed Camp will develop the mind, body, and soul.

    Camp will be focused on the middle and long distance as well as cross country distances. During the camp, runners will have the opportunity to jumpstart their summer running, learn about valuable training ideas, and meet others in the young, local, running community through a fun-filled week of camp.

    Archmere’s beautiful campus with grass fields and varying terrain will allow athletes to run on cross country-type courses without leaving campus. Archmere's proximity to local parks will also allow for easy traveling to and from other local running venues. There will be a focus on the development of the whole athlete in addition to just running including: mental preparation, running form, and resistance training among other aspects. Camp will inspire each camper by what they can achieve and help maximize their potential as athletes.
  • Volleyball | June 26-29

    FULL DAY
    FEE: $300
    DIRECTOR: Jerry McCarthy

    Archmere Academy's Volleyball camp aims to teach the players fundamental volleyball skills to be the best volleyball player they can be. The skill sets they'll learn will challenge the camper both physically and mentally. The campers will learn to pass, serve (standing float or jump float), and the proper hitting footwork and arm swing. As the campers are going through the drills and game situations, they will be asked "What if" questions to help them learn how the game is played and to help the campers develop their Volleyball IQ.
  • Football | June 26-29

    FULL DAY
    FEE: $300
    DIRECTORS: John Bellace and Jon Yasik ‘05 

    Archmere Academy’s Football Camp will focus on the fundamentals necessary to be successful in the game of football, both individually and as a team. This will include:
    • Learning techniques from both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball and for multiple football positions.
    • Fun competition through various activities like one on one drills and 7 on 7 games. 
    • Learning how to watch and analyze game film and better understand play design and “chalk talks” for off-field development.
    • Learning and practicing goal-setting, team-building, and leadership skills through discussions with our athletes and coaches. 
    • Safe and proper strength training and speed/agility work.

    Players will be divided into groups from 3-5th grade and 6th-8th grade and the programs will be appropriate for age. Younger players will be encouraged to try and learn all positions; older players can decide whether to focus on one or more positions based on their experience. No experience playing football is necessary - just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn! By the end of our camp, we hope each athlete has learned skills to be a better leader, teammate, and player and, most importantly, has FUN playing football!
  • Baseball | July 10-13

    FULL DAY
    FEE: $300
    DIRECTOR: Nick Sanna '98

    Archmere Academy Baseball Camp will focus on the fundamentals of baseball. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or new to the game, the camp will have something for all levels and skill sets. Archmere Baseball Camp will lay the foundation for success on the diamond. The campers will be broken down into groups based on age level. Skills will focus on: infield/outfield techniques, hitting, throwing, and baserunning. The focus of camp will be the integratgration of fundamentals blended with fun filled games and contests. The goal for each camper will be to come out of the camp with new tools and helpful techniques while having fun in a top notch environment.
  • Lacrosse | July 17-20

    FULL DAY
    FEE: $300
    DIRECTOR: Pete Duncan

    The mission of Archmere Academy Lacrosse Camp is to provide its boys and girls campers with a learning experience where players can have fun, learn about the right way to play the game of lacrosse, and be exposed to the life values of hard work, physical education, camaraderie, and positive self-esteem.  Archmere Academy Lacrosse Camps are designed for boys and girls looking for improvement with all lacrosse skills, concepts, and strategies at each position on the field.  All skill levels are welcome as campers will be divided by gender, age, and in some cases, skill level.
  • Softball | July 17-20

    FULL DAY
    FEE: $300
    DIRECTOR: Dan Pisani

    Archmere Academy Softball Camp will develop all the fundamental skills of softball in a fun and safe environment. They will learn and develop all 5 tools that it takes to be a better player.  Each day will focus on hitting, throwing, base running, pitching, and catching. Players will be broken up into stations in the morning that will focus on skill development.  Afternoons will focus on games, competitions, and contests.
  • Basketball | July 24-27

    FULL DAY
    FEE: $300
    DIRECTORS: Dan Pisani & Nick Sanna '98

    Archmere Academy Basketball Camp is an excellent opportunity to learn and develop in the game of basketball. Archmere Academy has two full-court gyms and a staff that is energetic and ready to meet the needs of players of all levels. Campers will be broken down by age and skill level. The day will be centered around skill sessions, games, and fun competitions. Skill sessions will include ball handling, shooting technique, passing, and offensive moves along with the essentials of defense. Have a great experience while learning the game of basketball the right way.

Meet the Coaches

List of 10 items.

  • Billy Phillips

    Coach Phillips is currently in his 3rd year as a baseball coach at Archmere Academy. Phillips is one of the most decorated high school players in the state of Delaware. As a freshman at St. Mark’s, he won the state championship going 11-0 on the mound en route to 1st Team All-State Honors. Phillips would lead the team to back-to-back titles once again garnering All-State Honors. Despite not playing his senior year due to cancer, Phillips is 2nd all-time in wins in a career by a high school pitcher in the state of Delaware. Billy Phillips would go on to beat cancer and play Division 1 baseball at the University of Maryland.

    Coach Phillips has been instrumental in the Archmere baseball program. He also enters his second year as a member of the Archmere Facilities team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from the University of Maryland.
  • Dan Pisani

    Dan Pisani has been the head coach of the Archmere softball program since 2014. In 2021, he helped lead the Auks to their first state tournament victory in over 10 years. Prior to Archmere, Coach Pisani spent 6 years coaching at Appoquinimink High School where he started the softball program and qualified for the state tournament in each of the school’s first two varsity seasons.  He has won 84 career games at the varsity level and was twice named Conference Coach of the Year.  

    Dan Pisani has been the head coach of the Archmere girls' varsity basketball team since 2015 where he has helped lead the Auks to 7 state tournament appearances with at least one tournament win each year including back-to-back quarter-final appearances in 2020 and 2021. Prior to Archmere, Coach Pisani started the girls' basketball programs at both Appoquinimink High School and Newark Charter School. He has 155 career wins at the varsity level and was named Coach of the Year for Northern Delaware for the 2019-2020 season. He has coached numerous athletes that have gone on to play basketball at Division 1, 2, and 3 levels. 

    Coach Pisani is a member of the Archmere faculty where he teaches math.
  • Jerry McCarthy

    Coach McCarthy enters his second season at the helm of the Archmere Volleyball Program. Coach believes in teaching each player the fundamental skills that it takes to be a successful volleyball player and start to develop an understanding of the game. Coach leads by example to show his players that with hard work anything can be achieved. Coach’s philosophy is that through team sports, players will build confidence and resilience in themselves. 
     
    Coach McCarthy has coached volleyball at all different age levels. He has been a clinician at numerous camps across the tri-state area. He has been a fixture on the travel volleyball circuit. Prior to Archmere, Coach McCarthy was the head coach at St. Elizabeth High School where he was named the 2017 DVCA Coach of the Year.
  • Joe Singley

    Joe Singley was a 2-time All-State catcher for Archmere. Upon graduation, he went on to play at Tulane and Coastal Carolina. Injuries cut his playing career short, but not his passion for the game. In 2021 was recognized for his catching instruction by the Cincinnati Reds where he became a coaching intern. Singley was recently tabbed to be a part of Coach David Bell’s (former Phillie) coaching staff for the 2023 MLB season with the Cincinnati Reds. Joe has become renowned for his work with catchers and players of all levels. After the passing of his father, Joe founded Singley Strong, a foundation that helps families who are struggling with cancer.
  • John Bellace

    John Bellace has been the head varsity football coach for the past seven seasons. Coach Bellace has produced football players that have gone on to play NCAA football at Division I, II, and III levels. During his tenure, the Auks have achieved an overall record of 59-17, five straight state tournament bids (2018-2022), two championship appearances (2020, 2021), and a Class 2A State Championship in 2021.  Bellace was named Division II Coach of the Year in 2020 and the Class 2A Coach of the Year in 2021.  He also helps coach Archmere's rugby team. Coach Bellace has been a faculty member and coach at Archmere since 2000.
  • Jon Yasik '05

    Jon Yasik has been a member of the Archmere Football Coaching Staff since 2016. He spent the 2014 season coaching at Wilmington Charter. He has been the Archmere JV head coach for the past three seasons; going undefeated in the 2021 season. Coach Yasik graduated from Archmere in 2005 after playing on the football team for four years, going to the state championship in 2003, and representing Archmere in the 2005 Blue-Gold All-Star football game. He continued his football career at Franklin & Marshall College where he played slot receiver and punt returner for four seasons.
  • JR Creekmore '11

    JR Creekmore has been an avid distance runner and athlete since he was in grade school. He graduated from Archmere Academy in 2011 after making All-State teams in cross country, track & field, and swimming. During his tenure at Archmere, he was also a key member of two state cross-country championships. He still holds school records on the track and in the pool. JR then went on to the University of Tennessee where he competed for the Volunteers on the cross country and track teams, lettering all four years.

    After graduation, JR joined the National Development Team for USA Triathlon. At his peak, he was ranked 12th in the US and in the top 250 in the world at the draft-legal, Olympic discipline. 

    In 2017 Coach Creekmore returned to his alma mater as a science teacher and coach. He now has a combined 13 seasons of coaching experience in cross country and track & field – 9 as a head coach. During that time, he has coached multiple athletes to All-State teams in cross country, plus cross country teams to as high as 3rd place at the state championship.

    On the track, he specializes in coaching sprints, jumps, and hurdles. He coached the girls’ and boys’ track teams to their highest team finishes in more than 10 years after becoming the head coach. He has also coached multiple state podium finishers in a full range of events including the 100m dash, 4x100m relay, 4x200m relay, and 300m hurdles in addition to a state championship in the high jump. 

    Coach Creekmore is passionate about track and field and watching student-athletes reach their full potential. JR strongly believes in the power of continuing track and field education and he is USATF Level 1 certified. When not coaching or teaching, JR can be found running on his own. He recently completed his first marathon in 2:43.
  • Mark Hannagan

    Coach Hannagan has been coaching at different levels, including both high school and college, for over 6 years. He ran for Salesianum School, University of Delaware, and Wilmington University. While at Wilmington he helped the team reach the NCAA Championship in 2013 and went on to coach a conference championship team in 2015. Currently, he coaches alongside Coach Creekmore at Archmere. He hopes to push athletes to get the most out of themselves. Coach Hannigan is a current faculty member at Archmere serving as a History teacher.
  • Nick Sanna '98

    Coach Sanna is a '98 graduate of Archmere Academy. At Archmere he starred in football, basketball, and baseball and was named Athlete of the Year. After graduating from Archmere he went on to LaSalle University where he played both football and baseball at the collegiate Division I level.

    Sanna is currently in his 3rd season as the head baseball coach at his alma mater. Last season the team finished 12-5 including a win over State Champion Delaware Military. Over the years coach Sanna has coached several players that have gone on to play at the college and professional level.

    Coach Sanna has been running camps and clinics for over 15 years. He is Co-Founder of Basketball the Right Way. He is Co-Director of St. Edmond’s Basketball Camp. He is the Founder of Sports Camps at the Academy. He was previously the Baseball Camp Director of Sanford Baseball Camp. In 2016 Sanna was inducted into the Archmere Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to coaching baseball, he also coaches basketball. He currently works on the Advancement team, is the Assistant Athletic Director, and teaches Spanish at Archmere Academy, and holds a Master's Degree from Wilmington University in Leadership.
  • Pete Duncan

    Coach Pete Duncan is currently Head Boys' Lacrosse Coach at Archmere Academy and, most recently in 2022, guided the Auks to a 14-1 record and state semifinal appearance. Coach Duncan was selected Delaware State Coach of the Year in 2012 and DSAC Coach of the Year in 2014 and 2017, 2018, and 2019. With an overall coaching record of 198-90 in 18 seasons as high school head coach, Coach Duncan has coached 17 U.S. Lacrosse High School All-Americans, including three selected State Player of the Year (2006, 2016, 2019). Over 50 of Coach Duncan's former players have gone on to play NCAA lacrosse. 

    Coach Duncan was raised in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey where he was an All-American and starter on state championship teams in 1995 and 1996. Coach Duncan played Division I lacrosse at the University of Delaware. While at UD, the Blue Hens made the NCAA tournament quarterfinals in 1999 before losing to eventual champion Virginia.  

    Coach Duncan has a B.A. from the University of Delaware and a Master of Education from Wilmington University.

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Nicholas Sanna

    Nicholas Sanna 

    World Language and Cultures Teacher; Assistant Athletic Director; Advancement
    302-798-6632 Ext 732

Sports Camp Weeks

Week 1 | June 19 – 22
  • Running & Speed (full day)

Week 2 | June 26 – 29 
  • Football (full day)
  • Volleyball (full day)

Week 3 | July 10 – 13
  • Baseball (full day)

Week 4 | July 17 – 20
  • Lacrosse (full day)
  • Softball (full day)

Week 5 | July 24 – 27
  • Basketball (full day)
Archmere Academy is a private, Catholic, college preparatory co-educational academy,
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.