The Frederick Flying Cows are the newest professional basketball team in The Basketball League. Headed by Coach Ed Corporal, the team has had a remarkable first season and has dreams to win the TBL Championship in their inaugural year! We enjoyed our time with them at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) hangar and got to know a little more about these passionate, dedicated young men with big dreams! GoFlyingCows.com
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is the voice of and for general aviation. As the world’s largest aviation community, AOPA provides the provided news, education, advocacy and services for pilots to fly safely, smartly and confidently.
TAVARES "T" SLEDGE
Bay Minette, Alabama
When did you first start playing basketball?
Eighth grade was when I first took it seriously.
What is your basketball background?
I’m a seven-year pro. I’ve played in Chile, Ecuador, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Tijuana and I’ve also played in The Basketball League (TBL) since it first started.
What do you love most about being a part of the Frederick Flying Cows?
The community’s involvement!
Who is your role model?
My mother Karla Sledge. I watched her work two jobs, day in and day out, with no help, and she always held her head high though everything good and bad.
What do you want people to know about you?
I’m one of the nicest people you could ever meet.
What advice would you give a student who wants to pursue basketball?
Discipline yourself to be the best student; and if you can do that, then you can also do the same with basketball.
What’s your purpose in life?
To bring happiness to strangers around the world...I thank God for this gift.
TEVIN FOSTER
Lawton, Oklahoma
Why do you love playing basketball?
I love playing basketball because it’s my passion. It’s all I know. It’s also a great escape; and it’s a place where I can just be free.
What is your basketball background?
I played overseas in Serbia and Croatia after college. Then, I started playing with the Potawatomi Fire in the TBL for two years, where we won a Championship.
What was your process that got you here?
I started my process playing Division I football at South Dakota before transferring to JUCO for basketball, and working my way back up to play Division I basketball my final year. Playing football at the highest level helped me balance a solid game as a guard now.
What are your basketball goals?
My goal and dream is to reach the highest level: the NBA, and to give back to the kids in the community.
What is a goal you have outside of basketball?
My goal is to own my own gym and train kids, giving them opportunities that some kids don’t get.
What do you love about Frederick?
I love the peacefulness of the city and the scenery.
What do you want people to know about you?
I want people to know that I am truly a genuine person and want to help people see their truest potential.
What advice would you give a student who wants to pursue basketball?
Continue to work hard and trust the process. Sometimes it gets hard, but that’s when you grow the most. Also, be coachable and always willing to learn.
CHARLIE MARQUARDT
Rockaway Beach, New York
Why do you love playing basketball?
I love playing basketball because of the team and family feel it creates. It creates a bond amongst individuals that allows them to come together and work toward a common goal—a championship. I also love basketball because I grew up around it. My dad is a coach, my sister played and my mom enjoys it; so, it’s a family affair in which we share love for it.
What is your basketball background?
My basketball background started in the parish of St. Francis de Sales, then continued at Poly Prep High School. I then played for my Dad at Molloy College! I started my professional career in the NBA G league with the Long Island Nets. I then went on to play in the Czech Republic for two years, Albania, Uruguay, and then in the TBL for coach Ed Corporal where I won a championship.
How was it playing for your Dad in college?
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He and I have a bond like no other and it was an amazing experience!
Why did you decide to play for the Frederick Flying Cows?
I decided to join the Flying Cows because of Coach Ed Corporal. The culture he creates is the blueprint for champions. Between Coach and the professionalism from ownership, I knew I wanted to be a part of this organization.
Who is your role model?
My parents because they are hard working people who sacrifice a lot for my family. Their work ethic is something I was raised with as well as being humble. The way they live inspires me to work hard everyday and to be a good person.
What do you like about Frederick?
I like how the community really rally’s around each other. The way the City has embraced us has been nothing short of special.
What do you want people to know about you?
I want people to know that I am a big dog lover! I have a 3-year-old cavapoo named Dunkin who is my most prized possession. Dogs are the best.
KYLE STEWARD
Detroit, Michigan
When did you first start playing basketball?
When I was about six years old.
Why do you love playing basketball?
I watched my older brother love the game and I just wanted to be exactly like him. I found my own love for the game and don’t know what I’d do or be without it.
What is your basketball background?
Collegiately, I played at Butler Community College and the University of Missouri Kansas City Kangaroos. I’ve played professionally in Australia for the Sutherland Sharks, Enid Outlaws of the TBL, Seeb Club in Oman and the San Pedro Tigersharks in Belize.
What do you love most about being a part of the Frederick Flying Cows?
I appreciate how much the city supports the team and shows up for us every game.
What is one of your basketball goals?
One of my goals is to play at the highest level I can reach, and of course to bring a championship to Fredrick.
What goal do you have outside of basketball?
I would love to open a gym back in Detroit to help develop youth basketball.
Who is your role model?
My older brother Keanan; I wanted to be just like him. He set a great example for me.
What advice would you give a student who wants to pursue basketball?
I would tell them to take it seriously and to put your all into it. It’s not going to be easy, but it can be done if you dedicate yourself to the craft.
DAMIEN "DTYME" DANIELS
Kansas City, Missouri
When did you first start playing basketball?
I was four years old.
Why do you love playing basketball?
I love playing basketball because it’s fun competing and winning!
What is your basketball background?
I played AAU for KC run GMC. I went to high school at Hogan Prep and graduated from college at Abilene Christian University.
Why did you decide to play for the Frederick Flying Cows?
To continue my basketball career and win a championship.
What do you love most about being a part of the Frederick Flying Cows?
I love the team and I love the fans!
What are your basketball goals?
I want to make it as far as possible in basketball, whether that’s the NBA, G league or overseas.
Who is your role model?
My role model is my cousin Martez because I want to follow his footsteps in basketball.
What advice would you give a student who wants to pursue basketball?
I would tell them that the sky is the limit! If you put in the work, you will be rewarded!
DEON LYLE
Hastings, Nebraska
When did you first start playing basketball?
I first started playing basketball as soon as I could get a ball in my hand. My father introduced me to the game very early in age.
Why do you love playing basketball?
I love the game and respect the sport as one of the highest forms of art. Basketball has always been my escape and most consistent thing in my life. I give my all to this sport and it has rewarded me time and time again.
What is your basketball background?
I am a JUCO NJCAA All-American in the Jay-hawk Conference and played Division I for UTSA Roadrunners in San Antonio. I played with Lamelo Ball in the JBA, the JBA USA World Tour, in Tijuana, Mexico for the second league (CibaCopa), for FAP Cameroon in the BAL league and for the TBL teams Enid, Albany & Potawatomi.
What is your dream?
My dream is to play and dominate in the NBA. My goals are to win a championship in the TBL and forge my path to the NBA.
What dreams do you have outside of basketball?
I have a dream of starting my own private school with the goal to educate and arm the youth with abilities that will advance their well being in society. My goals are to learn more in that space and find investors and loyal people to join me in my cause.
What do you want people to know about you?
I am related to the inventor of Kool Aid.
What advice would you give a student who wants to pursue basketball?
My advice would be to follow your dreams, have faith and work hard. It’s simply just chopping wood and carrying water day-in and day-out. Have a master plan and a mentor that has done what you want to do to guide you. Believe it with your whole heart and you will achieve it.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is the voice of and for general aviation. As the world's largest aviation community, AOPA provides the provided news, education, advocacy and services for pilots to fly safely, smartly and confidently.
