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"A message that engaged each person in the arena, he had us all inspired."  Pete Delkus / WFAA Weatherman Dallas, TX

"James Vilade is a very moving speaker with a powerful message." - Mike Maddux / MLB Pitching Coach - 2023 World Champion Texas Rangers 
  
""Amazing, uplifting and meaningful, James reaches everybody in the room." Robbie Slocumb / Boys and Girls Club of America 

"The best speaker I have ever heard in my life."  Scott Coolbaugh / MLB Hitting Coach and former MLB Player.  
  
Vilade is the founder of Keeper of The Game Foundation.  This is a foundation that serves those with special needs and disabilities.  After a college and professional baseball careen that span 26 years, he is now the Head Baseball Coach at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Texas.  In his first season he led the Lions to a State Championship.  

His stories will make you laugh, cry, think and be inspired.  For over 25 years, Vilade has delivered his powerful motivational message to thousands.  He has served as a keynote speaker for The Boys and Girls Club of America, University of Texas System, Texas GED program, Special Olympics, high schools, colleges and many other great organizations.  He has recently served as a speaker for Dallas Baptist University, The University of Oklahoma, Chris Collins Inc. and UNIT Drilling. 

Vilade has worked for the Texas Rangers Baseball Club (MLB) as a minor league coach and North Texas scout.  Vilade spent 11 years as an NCAA head baseball coach.  He had the opportunity to start two college baseball programs from the ground up.  He was the head coach at the University of Dallas and The University of Texas at Tyler.  Vilade was hired by Oklahoma State University in 2015 to help the Cowboys get back to the College World Series.  In 2016 OSU was back in the College World Series.  The Cowboys have only been to the College World Series one time in 27 years. 

As one of the most successful college coaches in the history of college sports, he shares his words and life experiences in sports and humanitarian work.  Vilade has been an advocate for the last 28 years for those with special needs and disabilities.  He is a true team builder and inspiration to all.     

Delivering keys to success through motivation, inspiration and care, Vilade takes the audience on a journey that motivates the crowd to achieve more than they ever thought possible... individually and as a TEAM.  Vilade compiled a college coaching career record of 348-117.  His .748 career winning percentage makes him one of the best coaches in the history of NCAA sports and the second-winningest coach in the history of NCAA baseball in Texas.  In 2007, Vilade coached the University of Texas at Tyler to a 37-1 record.  Vilade's historic 2007 team is featured in the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.  

Despite his learning disability diagnosis at the age of 14,  Vilade received his bachelor's degree in Telecommunications from Baylor in 1995.  Vilade also earned his master's degree in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy in 2003.  He has spent more than 25 years focusing on community service, during which time he has directed well over 250 community service events and humanitarian efforts reaching both local communities and foreign countries.  For his work serving others Vilade has been honored by the Texas State House of Representatives, the University of Texas System, the NCAA, and the Boys and Girls Club. 

During the George W. Bush Administration, Vilade received the United States Presidential Gold Service Award for his volunteer efforts, and alongside former Florida State football coaching legend Bobby Bowden, Vilade was honored by the United States Sports Academy for his active role in community service.  For his success in both baseball and community service, Vilade was featured in Sports Illustrated, the 2010 Baylor Alumni Magazine and was named the 2009 United States Sports Academy Alumnus of the Year.  In that same year Vilade became the only person in the history of UT Tyler athletics to have his jersey retired - #12.  On October 16, 2011, Vilade was inducted into the University of Dallas Athletics Hall of Fame.  In 2023, Vilade was inducted into The University of Texas at Tyler Athletics Hall of Fame.  Vilade is recognized as a Five-Star speaker. 

James did an awesome job at our corporate event.  He had a great message and was very personable.  Highly recommended.

James was a consummate professional and a true pleasure to work with on our event. Through his personal stories and humorous anecdotes, he put forth an inspirational message that left a resounding impact on our attendees. His interactive approach to speaking provided for an immersive and motivational experience that served as the perfect keynote at our annual conference. 

James made an instant connection with our staff and was very relatable. He centers his message around sports and his life experiences. A sports loving crowd would highly enjoy his speech.  At one point, you could hear a pin drop as our teachers were so hooked on his story.  Several teachers messaged me after the event to share how much they enjoyed his presentation. 

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JAMES VILADE Reviews

4 Reviews for JAMES VILADE