Chris Griggs of Phoenix on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Chris Griggs and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Aces Elite STEAM Academy is a private charter school proudly serving the Greater Phoenix Area. We offer comprehensive programs for middle school (grades 5–8) and high school (grades 9–12), combining rigorous academics with elite athletic development in a supportive, future-focused environment. Located in the vibrant city of Phoenix, Arizona, Aces Elite STEAM Academy. Our student-athletes pursue academic excellence through Acellus Academy Online, a nationally accredited program offering flexibility without compromising quality. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available upon request, providing motivated students with the opportunity to challenge themselves and earn college credits as well. Our student-athletes will be on path to be accepted to Colleges & university’s across the nation to continue their education.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m deeply passionate about helping young athletes unlock their full potential. With over 17 years of high school and college coaching experience, my mission is simple: to equip student-athletes with the tools to dominate in sports, academics, and life.

The Aces Elite Journey
What started during COVID — training athletes in Chicago & Minneapolis during the offseason — has exploded into one of the nation’s premier 7v7, 5v5, and athletic development programs. Now entering its fourth season, Aces Elite has already helped:
60+ athletes earn D1, D2, and NAIA scholarships
30+ athletes secure significant financial aid at Division 3 schools
Serving athletes from 30+ states, Aces Elite isn’t just a program — it’s a family that builds character, resilience, and leadership.

Beyond the Game
Aces Elite goes further than the field. Our independent model solves the challenges most Private Charter Schools & Junior Colleges face with housing, meals, and facilities. Through our exclusive Condo Association partnership, we provide athletes with:

D1/D2-level housing & meal plans
State-of-the-art training facilities
In-person college classes at local community colleges
All paired with elite coaching, structured development, and life mentorship.

National Exposure & Strong Network
With 30,000+ followers on X and trusted relationships across the college landscape, Aces Elite gives players unparalleled visibility and recruiting opportunities. Our brand, network, and commitment to mentorship & life skills ensure athletes don’t just succeed in sports — they thrive in the classroom, career, and community.

Aces Elite STEAM Academy Programs Offered:
Football | Women’s Flag Football | Men’s & Women’s Basketball Men’s & Women’s Soccer | Men’s & Women’s Track Baseball | Softball | Volleyball

Junior College Sports Programs:
Football | Women’s Flag Football | Men’s & Women’s Basketball Men’s & Women’s Soccer | Men’s & Women’s Track Baseball | Softball | Volleyball

At Aces Elite Athletics, we prepare athletes to win on the field, excel in the classroom, and lead in life — shaping the next generation of game-changers.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I was playing Pee-Wee football in Pop Warner, I had a huge game — scoring five touchdowns against one of our rival teams. After the game, while going through the handshake line, something shocking happened: a coach from the other team ran onto the field, trying to chase me with a pocket knife because his team lost.

I was lucky to have people looking out for me. A few parents and coaches, along with my own family, kept me safe. After that incident, I wasn’t allowed to go to the concession stand or the bathroom by myself, just in case there was any retaliation.

That moment taught me early on about the power of community — and the reality that success on the field can come with unexpected challenges off it. But it also showed me how important it is to have mentors and adults who protect and guide young athletes.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Not making it to the NFL or CFL, and later having to send kids home from my JUCO program in the middle of the season — especially after bringing that program back to the community where I grew up — were some of the hardest moments of my life.

Looking back, not going pro wasn’t because of a lack of talent, but because of my own effort and mindset. I wasn’t fully locked in and focused; deep down, I always knew there would be life after football. I regret not going all in to maximize that opportunity, especially from a financial standpoint.

Starting a junior college program taught me even more. I didn’t take enough time to assess every detail: the finances, the operations, the people I was trusting. Allowing student-athletes to show up without full payment, and trusting parents who made promises — only for them to break those agreements when their own interests were at stake — opened my eyes to how far people will go when desperate.

But through all of this, I found healing by letting God show me my path. I’ve learned that when you’re truly called to make a difference, you will be tested to see how deeply you want your blessings to come to life. These challenges didn’t break me — they shaped me. They pushed me to grow as a mentor, coach, and leader dedicated to serving young athletes beyond the game.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Loyalty, Enjoying Life and Seeing my Family/Friends successful and winning in life.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Self-love means embracing the talents and skills you’ve been blessed with.
Everyone is different and special in their own way — and that uniqueness is what makes us valuable.

Loving yourself and your life, no matter what, is the foundation if you truly want someone else to love and care for you. Because if you don’t fully know and love yourself, how can you expect someone else to love and care for you in the way you truly need?

Real love starts from within.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acejj9/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-griggs-a7a69aa8/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ChrisGriggs9
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.a.griggs
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcesSportsAcademy