Leadership & Mentors
Building character-driven athletes through professional
experience and spiritual integrity.
Founding Visionaries
Edgardo & Leira Pagan
Edgardo and Leira Pagan are lifelong community leaders, dedicated parents of four boys, and faith-driven advocates for youth development in Central Florida. Together, they founded Fortitude Elite Athletics with a clear mission: to build young men of character, discipline, and integrity through sports while putting God first in all they do.
Rooted deeply in their Christian faith, they believe athletic excellence should be paired with spiritual growth, emotional strength, personal responsibility, and moral leadership. Their vision for Fortitude is shaped not only by their love for baseball, but also by their calling to serve families, mentor young men, and glorify God through sports, leadership, and community.
As local business owners since 2005, Edgardo and Leira have longstanding ties to the community and a history of service through faith-based programs and youth initiatives. Together, they previously led BOOM Basketball—Beyond Ordinary Outstanding Men—where their teams won multiple championships and helped young men grow academically, graduate from high school, and pursue greater opportunities.
With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Edgardo has helped shape young athletes both on and off the court. He served as Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach at Southland Christian School, where he helped lead the team to a state championship, and as Head Coach of the elementary basketball program. At North Kissimmee Christian School, he served as JV Head Coach and helped guide the program to its third consecutive state championship.
When their youngest son developed a passion for baseball, Edgardo transitioned into the sport and served as an assistant coach with HR14 for nearly three years. There, he became especially known for his expertise in advanced defensive positioning and for bringing a strategic, detail-oriented approach to the game.
Beyond sports, Edgardo and Leira have served faithfully as leaders in their local churches. They share a deep love for worship and music, with Edgardo serving as a drummer and Leira as a worship team member. Over the years, they have also opened their home to boys during difficult and formative seasons, offering guidance, stability, encouragement, and support.
At Fortitude, they prioritize a culture of respect, discipline, unity, and purpose. Their approach blends competitive training with personal growth so every athlete develops not only as a player, but also as a young man of integrity, courage, humility, and faith.
Doriel Escobar
Head Coach / Pitching Director
Born in Puerto Rico, Doriel Escobar is an accomplished pitcher and baseball coach with a strong track record as both a competitor and mentor. Doriel graduated from Montverde Academy and continued his athletic career at Ellsworth Community College at the NJCAA Division II level.
As a pitcher in Puerto Rico's Double-A league with the Atenienses de Manatí, Doriel was selected to two All-Star Games and nominated for Pitcher of the Year, compiling a career record of 31–17. As Head Coach and Pitching Director for Fortitude Elite Athletics, he brings advanced pitching knowledge, structured instruction, and a strong commitment to mentoring young athletes with integrity, discipline, and purpose on and off the field.
Carlos Gallardo
Performance Coach
Carlos Gallardo is a former professional catcher and high-performance baseball coach with experience at the highest levels of the game. After signing professionally at 14 years old, Carlos spent more than seven years in the New York Yankees organization, developing advanced skills in game strategy, leadership, and catcher development while competing in the minor leagues and internationally.
He was part of the 2017 Gulf Coast League championship team and played for professional clubs in Venezuela, including Tiburones de La Guaira and Navegantes del Magallanes. Since transitioning to coaching in 2023, Carlos has worked with players ranging from youth athletes to Major League players, focusing on advanced hitting mechanics, catcher technique, and mental performance.
At Fortitude, Carlos is committed to developing resilient young men who compete with confidence, lead with character, and respect the game.
Ashley Negron
Board Member/Mental Health Advocate
Ashley Negron is a dedicated mental health professional and proud baseball mom who believes strong minds build strong athletes. As a board member and mental health advocate for Fortitude Elite Athletics, Ashley supports the emotional well-being, confidence, and personal growth of young athletes both on and off the field.
With a passion for youth development, structure, and positive discipline, Ashley helps ensure mental wellness remains an important part of athletic performance. She works closely with coaches and families to promote emotional regulation, resilience, focus, and healthy communication, helping players grow not only as athletes, but also as individuals. Her goal is to help every player develop the mindset needed to succeed in baseball and in life.