Chad Wilkinson graduated from Avila University (formerly Avila College) in December of 1997. He earned a Bachelor degree in Marketing. For Avila, Chad excelled in baseball as a starting pitcher for the Eagles for three years. He also played basketball for the Eagles in his last semester of school. Prior to Avila, Chad attended Lindenwood University where he was a member of the football and baseball teams. He transferred from Lindenwood to Avila to pursue his baseball career. After joining Avila, his teams earned 45 plus wins per year in all 3 years of his career. Chad also coached baseball at the collegiate level for 6 years, but put his coaching on hold to run AIST full time.

Chad has been involved with international sports since 1996. After playing two seasons of baseball in Antwerp, Belgium (98 and 99) and one in Brisbane Australia (98-99), he provided tours and coached in Western Europe. He has extensive knowledge of traveling abroad and the experience to provide a great tour.

AIST has grown to be one of the most competitive international sports travel organizations for both individuals and team trips. Our select teams have found themselves in the Championship games during tours every year. We continue to grow every year because of the level of players we recruit and because of the great coaches who have helped and supported us with recommendations and passing on our invitations to the selected players. We thank you coaches for all of your support!

Since the start of AIST, Chad has made it a point to be on tour with his teams to meet each athlete and to ensure they have an experience of a lifetime. AIST is growing and so is Chad’s family. Now his travel time is limited so that he can be with his family. The company now has several employees who share the same passion as Chad to make sure each passenger is taken care of on tour. All of AIST employees enjoy meeting each player and getting to know the teams over the course of the tour.

“I enjoy traveling with my groups to give them any additional help that I can. But most important, I enjoy meeting the people who choose to travel with AIST. I want people to feel comfortable traveling with my organization and know that they will be finding a new family of friends to share unforgettable experiences. It’s important to me that everyone has the time of their life so AIST always has staff on tour to make sure you do! I’ve cut back my travel to spend more time with my two kids (Eliana and Savannah) and my wife Katie. If I miss you on tour I hope to cross paths with you at another time.”