Former Pro Cricketer Says He Is Training The U.S. National Team’s Stars Of The Future!
(Above) Coach Vishal Jain (in back, with sunglasses) poses with the younger group of cricketers in his Excel Cricket Academy, which has been based at the Wesley Chapel District Park on Boyette Rd. since 2024. (Photos by Charmaine George)
I’ll be honest — I don’t understand the sport known as cricket. I know it is similar to baseball, in that it has pitchers, called “bowlers,” catchers called “wicket-keepers” and hitters, called “batsmen,” and that the object of the game is to score more runs than the other team.
But, how the teams score runs, how they record outs (there are three different ways) and why the batsmen run while still holding their bats after hitting the ball are all mysteries to yours truly. Even so, it is still a super-exciting game to watch, whether live or on TV.
One of Jain’s young players drives the ball while another (below right) shows how to execute a defensive shot. (Below left) Jain explains some of the basics of the sport to his young cricketers.
Fortunately for anyone in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and the entire Tampa Bay area whose child is interested in learning how to play cricket like the pros, Vishal Jain, a former pro cricketer, from the Indian capital of Mumbai, is now available to teach kids ages 8 and older all of the fundamental techniques and rules of this hugely popular sport. Jain’s Excel Cricket Academy meets every Saturday and Sunday on Field #2 at the Wesley Chapel District Park, which also hosted a cricket tournament the day I visited. And, Jain says, he hopes to be able to one day teach kids how to play cricket at the City of Tampa park now being designed that will one day open in K-Bar Ranch.
(Note-Although the city budgeted the money to design the park in K-Bar [which also will include other facilities, in addition to a cricket pitch], the necessary funds to build it are not yet in the city’s budget.)
Jain has all the credentials anyone who wants their child to learn how to play cricket could possibly want. He played for both Mumbai and Goa and won India’s premier first-class cricket tournament, known as the Ranji Trophy, which was named for K.S. Ranjitsinhji, the first Indian to play Test cricket. The Ranji Trophy is India’s oldest and most prestigious domestic red-ball competition, with Mumbai being the most successful team historically, having won the prestigious trophy more than 40 times.
Jain was trained by the esteemed Ramakant Achrekar, the legendary coach of Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the biggest icon in the history of the sport — which will be played for the first time since 1900 as a medal sport at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. And, in addition to playing cricket at the highest level, Jain (who also owns Excel Cricket Academies in Mumbai) also has been the head coach of the Mumbai Central Zone U19 and U23 teams.
His bio on the “Excel Cricket Academy Tampa Florida USA” Facebook page says, “Known for his expertise in diverse coaching methodologies, Coach Vishal is dedicated to helping players unlock their full potential. His approach emphasizes mindset, discipline and continuous learning, incorporating personalized training, workshops and motivational sessions.”
He also has battle scars on his hands and arms, from fielding the balls hit with the heavy cricket bats bare-handed. Only the batsmen and wicket-keepers usually wear gloves in cricket.
All I can tell you, after watching one practice with his younger Excel Academy group, he definitely has the attention and admiration of not only his young athletes, but also of their parents, many of whom travel from Brandon and as far away as St. Petersburg to have their children trained by Jain.
And, it was immediately obvious why. While “bowling” the harder-than-baseball balls to each Academy student, he not only told but also showed each one how to execute a defensive “shot” one moment, how to drive the ball the next and which foot to focus their weight on for each batting maneuver.
And, the kids and parents all really seemed to love him, and he certainly seemed to be in complete control of them, without ever raising his voice. When he tried to get his younger players all to pose for the picture above and some of them were acting up, all he had to do was point at them and say “Discipline” and they all got the message. Super impressive.
“And, if they ever still don’t listen, I will pack up their stuff, bring it over to their parents and tell them to take them home and come back next week. They get so embarrassed I’ve never had to do that to the same player twice.”
Training Future U.S. National Stars
It’s clear that virtually all of the young players Jain coaches are of Indian descent, but the Excel Cricket Academy is open to anyone who wants to learn the proper way to play this sport that continues to grow in popularity here.
“The U.S. National Team is one of eight teams (India, Australia, England, Afghanistan, South Africa, Bangladesh and the West Indies are the others) that qualified for the 2026 [ICC Men’s T20] World Cup,” Jain says. “In other words, cricket is growing in this country and I want to train the future stars of the sport here.”
And, best of all, he says, there are no set fees to train with Coach Vishal — who also offers individual coaching sessions for those who want them. “The parents usually agree to an amount to each pay me (for the team sessions),” he says. “I’ve already made money playing cricket. All I want now is to find and train the best players I can and help each one reach his or her potential.”
For more info about Excel Cricket Academy, call (813) 523-5871, email Coach Vishal at excelcricketacademytampa@gmail.com or stop by the Wesley Chapel District Park, Field #2 (7727 Boyette Rd.) any Sat., 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Small Kids 10-11:30; Leather Ball Kids 11:30- 1:30) or Sun., 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (Small Kids 8-9:30; Leather Ball Kids 9:30-11:30).
The older group of Excel Cricket Academy players and their families are excited to pose for pictures with Coach Vishal. (Photo provided by Vishal Jain)
The new traffic signal at the intersection of Overpass Rd. & Epperson Blvd. has replaced the former four-way stop. (Photos by Joel Provenzano)
Residents and commuters traveling through the Epperson community are beginning to see long-anticipated improvements finally taking shape along Overpass Rd., the main east–west corridor connecting Epperson Blvd. to Curley Rd.
Construction is currently under way to widen this short, but critical stretch of roadway, a project that aims to significantly improve traffic flow, safety, and daily travel times for the growing northern Wesley Chapel area.
When finished, the work being completed by Epperson developer Metro Development Group will allow this portion of Overpass Rd. to transition from its current two-lane divided configuration to a four-lane divided roadway, with an additional through lane added in each direction.
This expansion reflects the rapid growth of the Epperson community and surrounding areas and the increasing traffic volumes, especially during peak morning and afternoon hours.
One of the most impactful changes is occurring at the signalized intersection of Overpass Rd. and Curley Rd. Additional eastbound left-turn lanes are being added so that two eastbound through lanes will be able to continue straight through the intersection.
This improvement will align the roadway configuration with the existing layout on the opposite side of Curley Rd. in the Watergrass development, eliminating a common bottleneck that has caused backups during busy times of day.
Additional turn & through lanes are being added at the intersection of Overpass Rd. & Curley Rd.
In conjunction with the widening project, a new traffic signal has been installed at Overpass Rd. and Epperson Blvd., replacing the former four-way stop located in front of the entrance to the Epperson lagoon. This signalization is expected to enhance safety and improve traffic operations at one of the community’s most active entrances, benefiting residents, visitors, pedestrians and bicyclists alike.
Perhaps the most welcome news for daily commuters is what comes next. Once construction has been completed, the existing eastbound right-turn-only lane along Overpass Rd. (approaching the new signal) will be re-striped and converted into an additional through lane.
This change will allow traffic to move more efficiently eastbound, particularly during peak travel hours, and should substantially reduce the delays that drivers have been experiencing.
While construction can, of course, be just as inconvenient, these improvements represent a major investment in the area’s transportation infrastructure — facilitated with private funds instead of taxpayer dollars.
The expanded roadway, improved intersections and upgraded signalization are designed to support continued growth while making everyday travel smoother and safer.
Motorists are encouraged to remain patient during the construction, follow posted signage and exercise caution while crews complete the work. Although we don’t know exactly when the work is expected to be completed, it will be in 2026, so residents can look forward to a more efficient and commuter-friendly drive through the heart of their Epperson community soon.
Bonchon Korean & Hummus Republic Added To The Hub At Lexington Lineup; Grand Opening Event To Be Announced
Have you driven by The Hub at Lexington recently? If it looks like it’s ready to open, your eyes are not deceiving you. But, before you think you’ve already missed something, co-developers Courtney Bissett-Hayes of Center Connect Development and her brother Paul Bissett say that now that the buildings themselves have been completed and turned over to the tenants, it will be several weeks before the first businesses start turning on their lights to several months for all of the previously announced restaurants — and two new ones recently added to the lineup — to be fully open.
“The first businesses could start opening this quarter,” Bissett-Hayes told me just before my deadline for this issue. “And we are planning a big Grand Opening event for a few months from now, but we will definitely keep you posted about the date for that event.”
The two new eateries are both growing national chains that have existing locations not too far from us.
The first is Hummus Republic, a counter-serve Mediterranean eatery offering customizable bowls, pita bread and wrap sandwiches that has an existing location at 7021 E. Fletcher Ave. (between USF and I-75).
Hummus Republic, which has more than 60 locations in 15 states, offers bases like rice, couscous and warm garbanzo beans, plus a variety of hummus flavors and other spreads, five different proteins (including falafel, chicken or mushroom shawarma, gyro meat and lemon chicken), more than a dozen toppings (from beets to kalamata olives) and six different dressings and you get to choose all of your favorites.
The other newcomer is Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken, which has a nearby location at 24814 S.R. 54 in Lutz among its nearly 150 U.S. and nearly 500 worldwide locations.
In addition to crunchy Korean drumsticks, wings and boneless options (below) with five different sauces (from Korean BBQ to sweet & spicy Yangnyeom sauce), Bonchon offers starters like pork, veggie, shrimp and even octopus (really!) dumplings, plus Bao buns, Korean tacos and edamame, main dishes like udon noodle soup, bibimbap bowls, bulgogi, chicken katsu and more).
And, don’t forget all of the other eateries coming to The Hub we previously announced:
• La Creacion Bistro, the sister restaurant to La Creacion Express in the KRATEs, which will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a completely different menu than what they serve at the container park.
• Brew Bar Self Pour, which will share a space with Urban Crunch Creamery Café.
The Brew Bar/Urban Crunch combo will offer self-pour beer and wine, similar to what the Brew Bar offers at the KRATEs, plus ice cream, açai, coffee and perhaps most important of all, frozen drinks like daiquiris.
• The Landing Bar & Grill, which is where you’ll watch all of your favorite sports.
• The Monk’s Indian Fusion Cuisine, a “Desi-Chinese” eatery combining the different flavors of India and China in one location.
• Saigon Pho Wesley Chapel, which has a location called Banh Mi & Boba at The Hub at Bexley. Saigon Pho also will feature beloved Vietnamese fare, including pho noodle soups, grilled plates, banh mi sandwiches and more.
• Farmer’s Milk, which is a café and bakery with a sister location in Hollywood, FL.
• Cinnaholic Gourmet Cinnamon Rolls
• Island Grill Caribbean fusion restaurant
The other non-food businesses previously announced as coming to The Hub are :
• The Clubhouse golf simulator
• Headlines Barber Shop
• Suncoast Charging (for electric vehicles)
• Lexington Nail Lab, which is the only Hub business that had a sign on it as we went to press with this issue.
Of course, we will keep you posted about all of the openings as they happen, in these pages and on our Facebook & Instagram pages! — GN
Although Wesley Chapel residents Nathan and Ayesha Philyaw also own locations in New Tampa and Carrollwood, there’s no doubt that their Club Pilates franchise in The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel is their largest and most popular.
“This is what we call a double studio,” Nathan says. “Our Wiregrass location has two separate studios, each with twelve Pilates reformer machines, plus a separate studio with two more machines for private and semi-private lessons. During peak times in the mornings and after-work hours, we usually have both studios going with often-full classes.”
The reformer is the foundation of the Club Pilates experience. It uses your own body weight, combined with adjustable spring tension, to create resistance through controlled movements, which help build strength and stability without pounding the joints or spine.
The equipment traces its roots back to Joseph Pilates, who developed his method during World War I while living in England, where he used bed springs to help rehabilitate injured soldiers. After emigrating to New York City in the 1920s, Pilates refined his apparatus further and opened his first studio, laying the groundwork for the reformer-based practice that is still used by Pilates studios around the world today. The springs provide resistance for both upper and lower body work while allowing movements to stay controlled and joint-friendly.
The Wiregrass club also has a larger lobby area, with a larger retail shop and more room for hosting members-only events than the other two locations the Philyaws own. “We bring in vendors from time to time, like a smoothie shop,” Ayesha says. “We love being part of the community and one of the benefits of boutique fitness locations like this is that you’re not just working out here, you’re part of a family where our members feel at home.”
All three Club Pilates studios owned by the Philyaws also offer free Pilates “mat” classes at various locations throughout the Tampa Bay community, such as at “cancer walks at Raymond James Stadium, to help everybody warm up before the walk,” Nathan says, “as well as at Armature Works and other locations. We basically offer free mat classes someplace around the area almost every weekend.”
Part of why Pilates works for so many people, including those with injuries, is not just the reformer machines but also the additional equipment used throughout the class. There also is a springboard wall that includes a ballet bar which, for beginner classes, is used for stretching, which is great for between sequences.
For more challenging elements, tools like the Bosu ball and hand weights are incorporated. Bosu balls looks like inflatable rubber domes on flat platforms. They can be added to exercises like squats, push-ups, or planks, increasing difficulty without adding impact. There also are TRX (Total Resistance eXercise) suspension straps, developed by U.S. Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick, which use your body weight to build strength, balance and flexibility.
Club Pilates trainers go through a 500- hour certification — and the company has its own certification program — although you can work for Club Pilates if you’ve been certified by another qualified Pilates training facility. But, Club Pilates trainers also offer thoughtful modifications, injury-awareness guidance and individualized support. Classes are not scripted, so no two are exactly the same, which allows each instructor to adapt to the needs of the people in the room.
“And, even if an instructor comes to us already certified someplace else,” Ayesha says, “we put them through something called ‘bridge’ training, just to make sure they’re in line with our Club Pilates standards.”
Classes are offered at progressive levels from Level 1 through 2.5, allowing participants to build strength, confidence and technique gradually. For those who need or prefer more individualized attention, private and semi-private sessions also are available.
For gentle, rehabilitative movement, there are classes like Center + Balance and Reformer Flow 1. As members progress, classes such as Reformer Flow 1.5 and Reformer 2 introduce more complex sequences. Specialty formats like Control, Suspend and Cardio Sculpt incorporate balance challenges, functional strength and cardiovascular elements.
Melissa Boetjer, the regional manager for the three Club Pilates studios owned by Nathan and Ayesha, says that Club Pilates is rooted in the original principles of Joseph Pilates. “We believe,” says Melissa, “that Pilates should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or physical limitations.”
(Above) Neighborhood News correspondent Iris Vitelli (front) was proud to complete a 50-minute workout without pain at the New Tampa Club Pilates in Tampa Palms. The Wesley Chapel Club Pilates location is in The Shops at Wiregrass.
Neighborhood News correspondent Iris Vitelli had this to say about her experience when she took a class at the New Tampa ocation in Tampa Palms:
I stood outside the New Tampa Club Pilates location in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms with a familiar mixture of hope and hesitation. Years ago, a car accident left me with a fragile back, and every time I have tried to exercise beyond walking or swimming, pain would chase me. Over time, I stopped trying.
So, when I was given the opportunity to take a class at Club Pilates and write about my experience, I accepted the challenge. I wanted to push myself and work hard, but I was afraid of paying for it later with pain, especially in muscles I had neglected for so long.
Walking inside, I noticed the rows of Pilates reformer machines lined up neatly across the room. I had done some research prior to visiting Club Pilates, so I knew that the reformers have a bench-like frame, sliding platforms and adjustable springs. I looked at these machines and it felt as if they were looking back at me, quietly saying, “I’m waiting for you and I will twist your body into a pretzel.”
My instructor, Mackenzie, introduced me to the equipment by explaining how the springs worked and walked me through what the class would include. When I shared my concerns about my back, she told me about her own experience after having an accident and the back issues that followed. “Pilates,” she explained, “was the only thing I could do and what was recommended for my rehabilitation.”
The class began with lights turned low, and the only thing I heard was the smooth sound of Mackenzie’s voice guiding us from one movement to the next.
I spent the entire 50-minute class moving slowly and deliberately, completing light stretches and resistance work, when something remarkable happened. I felt safe. I felt supported. My muscles were engaged, not strained. To my surprise, I actually felt good.
I’ll admit that 50 minutes sounded like a long time to me. But, once the class began, I lost track of time entirely. And, when it ended, I felt proud of myself.
Before class, MacKenzie had asked me to let her know if I experienced any pain during the session. It never got to that point. At one moment, when I was lying flat on the reformer, my back felt some discomfort, but not pain. That distinction alone felt significant to me.
She explained that the precise, slow movements of Pilates help create muscle around affected areas, while strengthening the core, which in turn supports the back. Not only did it help with her post-accident pain, she also fell in love with it enough to become an instructor.
A Little History + Membership Info
The first Club Pilates opened in 2007 in San Diego, CA, and the brand started franchising in 2012. Nathan and Ayesha opened their Carrollwood and Wesley Chapel franchises in 2017 (although it was in a different location at the mall at that time, having moved to its current Paseo Dr. location in May of 2025) and they opened their New Tampa Club Pilates in 2019.
“People in this community have known us for nearly a decade,” Nathan says. “Our members are very loyal to us and our amazing staff. We know there are other Pilates studios popping up around the area, but with our 4.8-star (out of 5) Google rating on more than 150 reviews, we know people love this location.”
Ayesha adds, “Club Pilates is true Pilates. All of our classes follow basic Pilates structures and foundations, so I think that’s one thing that makes Club Pilates studios stand out. And, as far as our studios are concerned, what really makes us stand out is our amazing staff.” “A lot of our instructors have been with us five years, six year, nine years,” Nathan says. “Our instructors keep our members happy.”
In fact, in a very recent 5-star Google review, member Sebnem T. says, “The Club Pilates studio at Wiregrass is the best club I have ever attended. The staff are always helpful and happy to help anytime — their positive energy carries out to the rest of the facility. I love so many instructors there, I have hard time scheduling my classes. I typically take 6-8 classes per week and enjoy every single class. I have completed 460 classes and see the changes throughout my body. I feel blessed to be part of Club Pilates!”
Ayesha also noted that because Club Pilates Wiregrass members have nearby access to the mall’s only parking garage, “where they can always find parking, even during the holiday season. And, our members don’t mind parking there and getting a few steps in as a warmup.”
The Philyaws, who have two children, are both retired pharmacists who say they were drawn to Club Pilates because of its focus on health, wellness and helping people improve their quality of life.
Their franchises are among more than 1,200 Club Pilates studios throughout the U.S. today, including about 115 in Florida.
The company offers a Club Pilates Passport, which allows members to use all of the studios in the U.S. This is great for “snowbirds” who live in another city but come to Florida for a few months every year. You can purchase single classes at Club Pilates, as well as monthly and yearly memberships, which will provide significant savings when you pay in full. With an annual membership, members can take unlimited classes at all three locations. You can pay for the whole year or monthly, but must commit to a full year for unlimited classes.
The Club Pilates app gives you access to a points system. Join for free and earn points by taking classes, which can unlock free classes and other rewards. Take four classes in your first four weeks of enrolling and unlock 400 bonus points. Take eight classes in your first four weeks of enrolling and unlock 800 bonus points. Members can redeem these points for retail discounts and special rewards like a 90-day booking window. Celebrate your birthday with a complimentary class. And yes, your first class is free of charge, with no obligation to continue.
Club Pilates Wiregrass is located at 28330 Paseo Dr. It is open Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sat. & 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sun. For info, call (813) 607-6655. Club Pilates New Tampa is at 15341 Amberly Dr. For info, call (813) 461-6010. To schedule a free class at either location, visit ClubPilates.com/location/newtampa.com, or follow on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.
Seven Oaks Parcel S-19 Multifamily, located between Sam’s Club and S.R. 56, east of Ancient Oaks Blvd., may finally be ready to move forward with a mixed-use residential/commercial project. (Map source: Pasco County, modified by NN)
More than three years after it was first reported that a developer had finally secured approval for the long-discussed Seven Oaks mixed-use apartment project just north of S.R. 56 and east of Ancient Oaks Blvd., new details indicate that construction on the long-vacant land next to the Wesley Chapel Sam’s Club could begin at any time.
The mixed-use development, currently referred to in county documents as “Seven Oaks Parcel S-19 Multifamily,” is planned for the still-empty lot immediately adjacent to the Sam’s Club parking lot (see map).
While the project does not yet have an official marketing name, its scope and design are now firmly in place.
According to recently submitted plans, the developer applied for a site development placard in November 2025, signaling that the project has cleared most major hurdles and is eligible to move forward.
Final construction plans were submitted to the county at the beginning of 2026, another key milestone that positions the project for an imminent groundbreaking.
The Seven Oaks Parcel S-19 project will span approximately 10.6 acres and feature a blend of residential and commercial space designed to complement the rapidly developing S.R. 56 corridor.
Plans call for two four-story buildings containing a total of 320 apartments — 188 one-bedroom/studio, 113 two-bedroom and 19 three-bedroom apartments. Similar to The Flats at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel project, the apartments will all sit above ground-floor commercial space, creating a walkable, truly mixed-use environment.
The commercial component will include approximately nine flexible retail or office ground-floor suites, located on the north side of Building 2A, totaling 26,099 square feet. These spaces are expected to attract a mix of small shops, professional services or (hopefully, at least from our standpoint) dining options that will cater to both residents and nearby shoppers.
A number of amenities are a major part of the project’s design. A central swimming pool will be located in the middle of Building 1, providing a shared outdoor space for all residents. Building 2A will include a four-story parking garage, helping to manage traffic and reduce surface parking.
In total, the site will provide 610 parking spaces, exceeding minimum requirements to accommodate residents, visitors and commercial tenants alike.
The land has remained vacant for years, despite its prime location, just steps from Sam’s Club and minutes from I-75.
When the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News first reported on the project in November 2022 in an article entitled “Developer Finally Gets Approval for Seven Oaks Project,” many residents expressed cautious optimism that the property would finally be put to use after it was met with significant pushback — after the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners had placed a moratorium on new apartments in the Wesley Chapel area.
Now, with permits for the project advancing and construction authorization in place, that optimism appears increasingly justified.
While no official groundbreaking date has yet been announced, county records suggest construction could begin at any time, now that the site development placard has been requested.
Once under way, this mixed-use project is expected to bring new housing options, additional commercial services and increased activity to one of Wesley Chapel’s already-busy central intersections.
And, as growth along S.R. 56 continues, the Seven Oaks Parcel S-19 development represents another significant step in the area’s transformation from suburban crossroads to a denser, more urban-style commercial and residential hub.
Residents can expect to see additional updates in these pages as construction begins and leases for the commercial tenants are announced.
