Meet Mike & Alicia
Your Tournament Travel Guides
Hey fellow coaches! 👋 We're Mike and Alicia, former athletes and longtime coaches who have lived the tournament grind ourselves. From small-town showdowns to the big stages in Orlando, we've seen it all.
Now that we've retired from the sidelines, our passion is helping other coaches and teams make the most of their tournament travel. Because we know it's not just about the games.
Tournament Veterans
Baseball & Cheerleading Coaches
What We've Learned Over The Years
Some practical lessons from the road that might save you some headaches. These little things can make a big difference in how smoothly your tournaments go.
Group Room Blocks
The biggest game-changer for me? Finding places that actually understand group bookings. No more calling 10 different hotels or dealing with clueless staff!
- Saved 30% on our last tournament budget
- Flexible when kids got sick last minute
- Different room types for different budgets
- Coordinator who actually responds quickly
Early Bird Breakfast
Early breakfast was a total game-changer for my teams. When kids are properly fueled, they play better. Simple as that. These places get it!
- Real food starting at 6:30 AM
- Grab-and-go options for early games
- Accommodates dietary restrictions
- Staff who understand tournament schedules
On-Site Laundry
Clean uniforms make a difference in how kids feel and play. These places have laundry facilities that actually work - no more smelly jerseys on day 3!
- Quality detergent provided
- Multiple machines available
- Quick turnaround time
- Staff helps with tough stains
High-Speed WiFi
Good WiFi might not seem crucial, but it's essential for tournament communication. Parents need to stay connected, and coaches need to share updates quickly.
- High-speed internet throughout the property
- Meeting rooms for team communications
- Business center for printing needs
- Mobile app support for convenience
Safety & Security
As both a coach and parent, team safety is my top priority. These places have proper security and safety protocols that give everyone peace of mind.
- 24/7 front desk staff
- Security cameras throughout the property
- Well-lit common areas
- Emergency response protocols in place
Meet Mike & Alicia
Hey fellow coaches! 👋 We're Mike and Alicia, former athletes and longtime coaches who have lived the tournament grind ourselves. Mike spent years as a baseball coach, and Alicia as a cheerleading coach, traveling with teams to competitions all across the U.S. From small-town showdowns to the big stages in Orlando like ESPN Wide World of Sports and other major complexes, we've seen it all.
Our Journey: Now that we've retired from the sidelines, our passion is helping other coaches and teams make the most of their tournament travel. Because we know it's not just about the games. It's about creating the right environment for athletes, families, and staff to thrive on and off the field.
The Learning Curve: Early in our coaching careers, we focused only on the game. But we quickly learned that tournament success depends on so much more - logistics, comfort, and team morale.
The Discovery: Over the years, we found that certain places just "get it" when it comes to tournament teams. They understand our needs before we even ask, and that makes all the difference.
Why We're Sharing: After years of coaching and hundreds of tournaments, we've learned what works. We want to help other coaches avoid the mistakes we made and focus on what really matters - their players.
"The best part of coaching is seeing teams succeed. These places help make that happen by taking care of the logistics so coaches can focus on their players."
- Coach Mike
Places That Work Well
Over the years, I've stayed at quite a few places. These ones tend to understand team travel and make things easier. Just sharing what's worked for us.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando at Flamingo Crossings Town Center
Modern glass façade with resort-style amenities. Pool with resort-style water slides, full kitchens in every suite, and 24/7 gym with convenient laundry facilities.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando at Flamingo Crossings Town Center
All-suites layout with full kitchens and spacious rooms. Shared pool area with Home2 Suites featuring resort-style water slide. Large practice field opposite hotel. 24/7 gym and Target nearby for supplies.
Residence Inn Orlando at Flamingo Crossings Town Center
Brand-new, all-suite hotel with two-bedroom options. Fully equipped kitchens with stovetop and dishwasher.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossings Town Center
Newest hotel in Flamingo Crossings with 273 rooms. Outstanding sports facilities with mini turf soccer field and batting cages. Microwave and mini-fridge in every room. Laundry services available. Target nearby for supplies.
SpringHill Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossing Center
Older property with dated furnishings. Serviceable but limited breakfast. Tiny and dark fitness room.
TownePlace Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossing Town Center
Shows wear with smaller suites. Persistent hallway noise and peeling wallpaper. Functional but not polished.
Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Park
Big resort with high resort fees and menu prices. No microwaves or fridges in rooms. Slow elevators.
Quality Inn & Suites Kissimmee by the Lake
Budget motel with stained carpets and musty odors. Narrow, firm beds and unreliable WiFi. Only 3.8/5 rating.
Tournament Locations
Some of the venues we've played at over the years. Each has its own character and challenges.
ESPN Wide World of Sports
Home to the 2025 U.S. Youth Soccer Nationals! This is where dreams come true and champions are made.
Disney Sports Complex
Premier tournament destination with world-class facilities. Because every athlete deserves to feel like a champion!
Orlando Sports Center
Year-round tournament hosting with perfect weather. Because Florida sunshine makes everything better!
What Coaches Are Saying
A few coaches who've shared similar experiences on the road.
Coach Sarah
Cheerleading Coach
"Coach Mike literally saved our tournament! The early breakfast was a game-changer, and our bus driver was so happy with the parking setup. Finally, a hotel that actually gets what coaches need!"
Coach David
Baseball Coach
"I've been coaching for 12 years and this is the first time I didn't stress about hotel logistics. The laundry facilities kept our uniforms fresh, and the kids loved the pool. Coach Mike knows his stuff!"
Coach Maria
Cheerleading Coach
"The group booking process was so smooth! No more calling 10 different hotels. Coach Mike handled everything, and we got better rates than I could have negotiated myself. Total lifesaver!"