About Us

The Sports Academy is committed to helping athletes of all ages and skill levels achieve their full potential. With expert coaching, cutting-edge training programs, and a supportive environment, we focus on developing skills, building confidence, and reaching athletic goals. From soccer and baseball to softball, strength, and agility training, our mission is to inspire growth, excellence, and a passion for sports.

Mission Statement: To inspire and elevate athletes by providing high-quality, personalized training that develops both physical skills and character, enabling them to excel on and off the field.

Vision Statement: To become a premier sports training facility recognized for cultivating excellence, fostering community, and transforming athletes into confident, well-rounded leaders in sports and in life.

Our Founders

Sean Garnett

FOUNDER AND OWNER

Coach Sean Garnett, founder, owner, and key figure at The Sports Academy, brings a wealth of experience to the table with over 26 years of soccer coaching and education. He has worked with children from U-5 through college soccer players.

Sean graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Math in 1996.

While at Appalachian State University, Sean played D-1 soccer from 1991-1995. Coach Sean received his Masters from Ball State University in Physical Education with a concentration in Coaching 2009. He is married to Amy, and they have two sons and a daughter, Kyle (22), Max (18), and Gabby (14).

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Dwight Waters

FOUNDER AND OWNER

BS Exercise Science, MORR, CSPS

DJ has over 12 years of experience in the field, training hundreds of athletes from the middle school level to the professional level. He graduated from UNG Dahlonega after competing in the Southern Powerlifting Federation through the school. Dwight began his career training NFL, NBA, MLS, MLB, and Collegiate players at CES in Duluth, GA. After a 4-year stint, he moved locations to FAST and then 180 Sports Performance, where he encountered more youth training and began to focus on soccer-specific training and performance. Since then, he has opened The Sports Academy, where he is the Vice President and Performance Director.

DJ has worked with players from Atlanta United, Austin FC, USMNT, multiple NFL and MLB organizations, the Silverbacks organization, and local clubs, schools, and organizations.

Coaches and Trainers