JULIUS POLITE, Fitness Trainer and Nutritional Consultant
Julius Polite is an Athletic/Fitness Trainer and Nutritional Consultant with Shortstop Management LLC. In his dual capacities, Julius will work with both youth and adults as a personal trainer and provide nutrition counseling to clients.
Born in California and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Julius attended South Mecklenburg High School and was a standout basketball player who co-captained his team. Julius was diligent in the classroom as well, and was recognized as a National Honor Society Merit Scholar. After high school, he attended Belmont Abbey College for two years and continued to excel academically and athletically as a starting guard for the Varsity Men’s Basketball Team. During the 2014-15 season, Julius helped his team win the Conference Championship and secure a berth in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball tournament. He was also inducted as a member of the Chi-Alpha-Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society and provided mentorship and community service to elementary school-age children.
As a junior, Julius transferred to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and graduated cum laude in May 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science. His coursework included Anatomy, Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Testing, Biomechanics and Nutrition. Although he battled injuries during his last two years of basketball eligibility, Julius participated in Professional Basketball Overseas Exposure Showcases and received numerous honors and accolades as a scholar-athlete, most notably his inductions into the National Society of Leadership and Success, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and the Order of Omega. Additionally, in his senior year, he was nominated to represent UNC Charlotte in the “Knowledge Bowl”, was a member of the Executive Board of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and interned as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Athletic Revolution.
Upon graduation, Julius weighed the potential of a professional basketball career overseas but ultimately decided to accept a career position as a sales representative with Aerotek, a Global Recruiting and Staffing Agency, in Fairfield, CA. He was a top sales leader in his division in Northern California before transitioning to Biotech as a Medical Device Sales Representative with Smith and Nephew. Julius is currently employed with AT&T as a Sales Executive.
Julius resides in the East Bay and is an avid reader and gym enthusiast.
AUSTIN BOOKER, Baseball Instructor and Fitness Trainer
Austin Booker is an experienced and dedicated Baseball and Athletic/Fitness Trainer with Shortstop Management LLC. His passion for coaching and training stems from his own career as an accomplished athlete and his drive for success on and off the field.
Austin began his athletic career at James W. Robinson, Jr. High School in Fairfax, Virginia where he lettered and earned distinctions in both baseball and football. In baseball, he was heralded as MVP twice as well as receiving all district, all region, and all state honors. In football, he also succeeded in gaining all district, all region, and all state honors as a defensive back. He would continue his prestigious athletic career at the University of California, Berkeley.
At Berkeley, Austin was a key member of the Division 1, Pac 12 baseball team where he played second base, left field, and center field. In the summer of 2010, Austin participated in the Clark Griffin League where he was named League MVP, All-Star, stolen base leader and Defensive Player of the Year. His outstanding play continued into the 2011 collegiate season where he earned distinction as a Pac 12 Player of the Week and the George Wolfman Award. Additionally, he was a driving force on the historic 2011 Cal Baseball Team that participated in the Collegiate World Series. The school had cut the baseball program earlier in the year due to budget cuts, but veteran leadership, perseverance and impressive play from Austin and his teammates made it possible for Cal to be one of the elite 8 teams to advance to Omaha.
Aside from being a gifted athlete, Austin also excelled in the classroom. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies in 2011. Upon graduation, Austin was drafted to the Oakland Athletics organization where he continued to shine on the field. He would become a New York Penn League All- Star in 2012, followed by two-time Penn League Player of the Week, and organization player of the week nominee.
Since retiring from professional baseball, Austin has continued his love for athletics and fitness through personal training and coaching. He has plans to continue his studies and obtain a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Austin resides in the East Bay.
AMANDA HUNTER, Academic Coordinator
Amanda Hunter is an Academic Coordinator with Shortstop Management LLC. Amanda oversees the SSM Academic Tutoring, which is an educational service for SSM clients, athletes, and community members in the Elementary to High School range.
Amanda graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in American Studies and Rhetoric in May 2013. During her time at UC Berkeley, Amanda was both captain of the Track & Field Team and a member of the Cal Dance Team. She competed in Triple Jump and Long Jump earning 10th place All-Time record holder at UC Berkeley. Her athletic talents led her to numerous recognitions and career highlights including NCAA Track & Field Champion, Pac-12 Champion, 3-time All-American, 2-time All-Academic, MPSF All-Academic Team, and Pac-12 All American.
Amanda is currently employed full-time as a Senior Enterprise Account Manager with WeWork, a commercial real estate company that provides flexible shared workspaces for technology startups and mid-level to enterprise companies located in Manhattan, New York. She is also a global lead for We of Color at WeWork, an employee resource group focused on creating inclusive spaces for people of color, charged with spearheading all-company mentorship programs for underrepresented employee groups.
Amanda continues to prioritize physical fitness and enjoys HIIT training, cycling, lifting, and dancing. Amanda resides in the East Bay.