Built to help athletes
reach their full potential.

Where it all began

Sean graduated from Appalachian State University in 1996 with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Math — but his real education happened on the field. From 1991 to 1995, he competed as a Division I soccer player for the Mountaineers, developing the competitive foundation that would define his coaching philosophy for decades to come.

After earning his degree, Sean returned to his alma mater, Davie High School in North Carolina, as Head Boys Soccer Coach. Those early years on the sideline — learning to read players, build culture, and compete at the high school level — set the tone for everything that followed.

When he relocated to Georgia in 2002, Sean quickly established himself at Gainesville High School, compiling a 60-24-5 record and guiding the program to State Final 4 and Quarterfinal appearances. He wasn't just winning games — he was building a reputation as a coach who developed complete players.

Mill Creek and beyond

Sean's nine seasons at Mill Creek High School became the defining chapter of his high school career. His teams went 67-26-1, culminating in a State Runner-up finish and a final national ranking of 18th in 2014. During this stretch, he also earned his Master's degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Coaching from Ball State University — deepening his understanding of athlete development from both a practical and academic perspective.

At Hebron Christian Academy, his boys' teams went 31-22-4 over three years with a region championship and a Final 4 run in 2017. In 2018 he also took the reins of the Girls Varsity team, winning the region and advancing to the second round — demonstrating the same results-driven approach regardless of program or gender.

A career high point

His final stop before founding TSA was Flowery Branch High School, where he served as Head Varsity Boys Coach from 2019 to 2022. In his last two seasons, his teams posted a 28-8-3 record and reached the quarterfinals of the GHSA tournament.

He was named Coach of the Year for the school and received the Torch Award from Hall County Schools in 2021 — an honor reserved for educators who go far beyond the classroom or the field in their impact on students and community.

Giving back at the next level

Throughout his high school coaching career, Sean remained deeply involved at the club level — coaching in ECNL, Academy, Select, and Rec programs at GSA, LSA, and DSC for over 21 years in Georgia. He currently coaches the 2011 AFU ECNL Girls.

From 2023 to 2025, Sean also served as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for the University of North Georgia Men's Soccer team — staying connected to the college game and reinforcing his commitment to developing athletes at every level of competition.

Auburn's home for elite training

In 2022, Coach Garnett opened The Sports Academy in Auburn, GA — the culmination of everything he had built over a 26-year career. TSA was designed from the ground up to offer elite, personalized training across soccer, baseball, softball, and speed and agility programs for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

The academy isn't just a training facility. It's a community — built on the same principles Coach Sean has carried throughout his career: hard work, accountability, and the belief that every athlete, given the right environment and the right coaching, is capable of more than they think.

More than wins and losses

Sean is deeply committed to the Auburn community and the athletes who trust him with their development. His philosophy is simple: the work you put in on the training ground — the discipline, the repetition, the willingness to be coached — is the same work that shapes the person you become off it.

At TSA, every program reflects that philosophy. Coaches aren't just teaching skills — they're building habits, instilling confidence, and preparing young people to compete and lead, in sports and in life.