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 — always putting God first in all they do.
Rooted deeply in their Christian faith, they believe that athletic excellence must 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 by their calling to serve families, mentor young men, and glorify God through sports, leadership, and community.
As local business owners since 2005, they have longstanding ties to the community and a history of service through faith-based programs and youth initiatives. Together, they previously led a successful youth basketball organization - BOOM Basketball (Beyond Ordinary Outstanding Men) - Where they won multiple championships and helped countless young men grow academically, graduate high school, and move on to greater opportunities in life.
With over 20 years of coaching experience, Edgardo has played a significant role in shaping 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, in addition to serving as Head Coach of their elementary basketball program. At North Kissimmee Christian School, he served as JV Head Coach, helping guide the program to it's third consecutive state championship.
When their youngest son devoloped a passion for baseball, Edgardo transitioned into the sport, serving as an assistant coach with HR14 for nearly three years. There, he became especially known for his expertise in advanced defensive positioning, bringing a strategic and detail oriented approach to player development.
Beyond sports, Edgardo and Leira have served faithfully as leaders in their local churches for many years. They also share a deep love for worship and music — Edgardo serving as a drummer and Leira as a worship team member — using their gifts to serve their church and honor God.
Over the years, they have also opened their home to many young boys during difficult and formative seasons of their lives, offering guidance, stability, and support. Their own parenting journey — with both its joys and challenges — has deepened their compassion for families and strengthened their commitment to walking alongside parents in raising resilient, disciplined, and purpose-driven young men.
At Fortitude, they prioritize a culture of respect, discipline, and unity, creating a space free from profanity and negative influences while fostering teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Their approach blends competitive training with personal development, ensuring that every athlete grows not only as a player, but as a person.
Guided by faith and grounded in integrity, Edgardo and Leira Pagan are committed to raising up the next generation of leaders — on the field, in the classroom, in their homes, and in their communities
Doriel Escobar
Head Coach / Pitching Director
Born in Puerto Rico, Doriel Escobar is a highly accomplished pitcher and baseball coach with a strong track record both as a competitor and as a mentor. Doriel graduated from Montverde Academy and continued his athletic career at Ellsworth Community College at the JUCO Division II level.
As a pitcher in the AA league in Puerto Rico with the Atenienses de Manatí, Doriel earned selections to two All-Star Games and was nominated for Pitcher of the Year, compiling a lifetime record of 31–17. As Head Coach for Fortitude Baseball, Doriel brings elite pitching knowledge, structured player development, 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 deep experience at the highest levels of the game. Signing professionally at just 14 years old, Carlos spent more than seven years in the New York Yankees organization, where he developed elite 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 multiple professional clubs in Venezuela, including Tiburones de La Guaira and Navegantes del Magallanes. Since transitioning to coaching in 2023, Carlos has worked with players of all ages — 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 lead with character and respect for the game.
Ashley Negron
Board Member/Mental Health Advocate
Ashley Negron is a dedicated mental health professional and proud baseball mom who believes that strong minds build strong athletes. As a member of the Board for our baseball academy, Ashley focuses on supporting 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 works to ensure that mental wellness is a core part of athletic performance. She collaborates closely with coaches and families to promote emotional regulation, resilience, focus, and healthy communication—helping players grow not only as athletes, but as individuals. Her goal is simple: help every player develop the mindset they need to succeed in baseball and in life.