about the founder
D’erek Fernandez is a performance coach and mobility specialist from Pocola, Oklahoma. A former Division I football player at the University of Central Arkansas.
Credentialed with a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and a Master’s in Sports Management. He is also NASM, ISSA, NCSA, EXOS Performance Certified, and CPR certified, specializing in speed & agility, mobility/stretching, and athletic development for all levels.
He also runs a sports marketing brand that works with professional athletes and currently coach 7-on-7 football and track and field. He brings energy, expertise, a passion for helping athletes perform at their best, and to be a light for the youth.
The name “The Garden Sports Complex” is rooted in growth, development, and purpose. Just like a garden, success begins from the ground up. When you water the seeds and nurture the soil, strong roots form. And over time, those roots produce something beautiful. That’s the foundation of what we stand for.
Derek’s mission is to create a place where the youth can grow, not only as athletes but as individuals. He aims to provide the right environment, mentorship, and opportunities that help them build character, discipline, and confidence. Traits that extend far beyond the field and be a light.
The inspiration behind The Garden comes from his own story. Going into his senior year of high school, he met a trainer who completely transformed his life. Not just in sports, but in mindset, discipline, and personal growth. Even now, he continues to have a lasting impact on who he is today. D’erek often thinks about the difference he could have made if he was in his life even earlier.
That’s what he wants The Garden to represent. A place of guidance, growth, and giving back. A foundation young athletes can always return to. A light in the community where roots run deep, and every seed has the chance to grow into something great.
why the garden?
why the complex?
Sports have always been D’erek’s calling. It’s what he’s known, lived, and built his life around. His original vision was to open a gym. But when he came across an open field in a prime location nestled between a softball complex, a gym, and a private airport, it sparked something bigger. He saw potential for more than a gym. He saw an opportunity to create a destination.
After taking time to think, trust himself, and map out a plan, he decided to build a sports complex. Not just for him, but for the community. Seguin and the surrounding areas have long needed an all-terrain, all-weather facility that could serve athletes, families, and teams year-round.
With his background in performance training, playing ball, marketing, coaching, and sports management, he knew he could make a real impact. As a coach and trainer, he’s often faced the challenge of finding reliable spaces to train and realized others may have been dealing with the same issue. Bridging a gap in the community along with helping others be able to build, create, train, and coach is something he stands for. Building his own facility not only solves that problem but also creates a lasting foundation. A place where others can grow, compete, and build memories.
This project represents more than a business. It’s a dream turned into a mission. The Garden Sports Complex is where passion meets purpose, and where the community can continue to grow from the ground up.