Leo Young

President, and Founder of The Lupos Initiative

Hailing from St. Petersburg, FL, Leo Young’s passion for baseball and dedication to sports education began early and inspired his mission with The Lupos Initiative. With a B.S. in Education from Florida State University, Leo launched his career in coaching and development, combining his love for baseball with a strong foundation in teaching principles. Early in his career, he had the privilege of working alongside legendary coaches Jeff Hogan and the late Fred Hatfield, who played pivotal roles in honing his coaching skills.

Leo’s journey led him to a successful tenure as a college coach at Tallahassee State College, where he guided the program to three state championship appearances and helped countless players reach the next level. His success earned him a role as a professional scout for the Seattle Mariners, where he refined his ability to evaluate talent and develop athlete-centered methodologies—insights that now shape the core of The Lupos Initiative.

Leo is also a published author of BASS: Barrel Accuracy and Swing Strength—The Path to Elite-Level Hitting, further showcasing his dedication to advancing athlete development. The Lupos Initiative stands as a testament to Leo’s vision, combining his extensive experience with a commitment to accessible, high-quality sports development. Through this foundation, Leo continues to empower young athletes, support coaches, and foster a thriving, community-centered sports culture across Florida.

Steve Kozak

Executive Director

Steve Kozak, the Executive Director of The Lupos Initiative, combines leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to community impact in support of the foundation’s mission to provide accessible athletic and personal development for youth. As the visionary behind The Discipleship Project on YouTube, Steve engages a global audience with discussions on spiritual growth, practical faith, and personal development, fostering a community focused on meaningful change.

An accomplished author, Steve has written several personal, spiritual, and secular development books, including 21 Days to Better Mental Fitness, The Truth Is, and Beyond the Edge of the Water. These works reflect his dedication to inspiring others to achieve growth in all areas of life.

Through Kozak Creative, his digital media agency, Steve uses his expertise in video production, storytelling, and branding to amplify The Lupos Initiative’s outreach while empowering other organizations to connect impactfully with their audiences. Known for his high-quality, inspiring content, Steve continues to foster positive change through both media and ministry.

At The Lupos Initiative, Steve leverages his extensive experience in community building, creative media, and personal development to further the foundation’s mission. His leadership helps create an inclusive, transformative environment for youth to excel in sports, personal growth, and social engagement. Steve’s commitment to excellence and community defines The Lupos Initiative’s vision of empowering the next generation through sports and life education.

Derek Stewart

Director

With both an undergraduate and graduate degree in education and over 20 years of experience as an educator and coach, Derek brings a strong focus on youth development and organizational impact to The Lupos Initiative. As the head of Florida Virtual School’s Driver Education program, Derek reaches over 75,000 students annually, championing safe driving and earning recognition for excellence in education. His holistic approach emphasizes athletic skills, character building, and resilience.

A seasoned basketball coach, Derek has held key roles with the Tampa Bay Rain (ABA), USF, and Florida College, instilling teamwork and sportsmanship in young athletes. As the executive director of OnCourt Basketball, he fosters growth on and off the court, while his multimedia company, EchoReign, supports educational and athletic initiatives in partnership with Tampa Bay organizations.

At The Lupos Initiative, Derek leverages his expertise in education and strategy to develop accessible, high-quality athletic programs, fostering an environment where young athletes can thrive. His dedication to building skills and community is essential to The Lupos Initiative’s mission of empowering Florida’s youth.