GCA enlists former pro athletes to host sports camps

Grace Christian Academy Athletics will host kids of all ages this summer with a variety of sport-specific camps. Open to the community, GCA’s Summer Sports Camps provide expert level coaching by former pro athletes, character building mentorship, skill building instruction, and absolute fun for campers.  Nominated for ‘Best Summer Camp’ in the Franklin Sizzle Awards, GCA offers an active summer with a full lineup of camps available for boys and girls of all skill levels.

 

“You can find a sports camp on almost every corner, said GCA Athletic Director, LenMcKnatt.  What you can’t find are coaches who want to pour into your young men and women on and off the playing fields and courts.  You will find that at GCA this summer.  We are excited to offer expert coaching in multiple sports along with mentoring your children. We want to make a spiritual impact on them as we teach them the fundamentals of each sport.”

 

With a wide range of offerings in baseball, football, golf, soccer, basketball, and volleyball, GCA’s camp program staffs several professional athletes to afford campers the opportunity to be coached directly by former NFL and MLB players, as well as a current PGA instructor.  Equipped with encouragement and enthusiasm, campers will develop their skills and sportsmanship, and receive professional training for physical, mental, and spiritual growth.

 

Former NFL QB and GCA Head Football Coach, Rusty Smith, will begin Padded Lineman Camp on June 11 for rising fifth through eighth graders. The coaching staff for Padded Lineman Camp also includes six-year veteran offensive lineman, Byron Stingily, ten-year veteran defensive lineman, Paul Grasmanis, seven-year veteran offensive lineman, Bubba Miller, and seven-year veteran defensive lineman, Karl Klug. “Over the years, many families have contacted me regarding a quality Padded Lineman Camp for their son to attend over the summer, and I could never suggest one of any caliber that was close enough in proximity to Middle Tennessee, said Smith. So, I started thinking, I know enough guys to help put one together; let’s just start our own.  Campers will receive high quality coaching from four former NFL veterans, all having six years of playing experience or more.  You won’t find this type of coaching anywhere!”

 

Hosted by eleven-year MLB veteran, Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Award Winner, Chase Headley, with GCA Head Baseball Coach, Brad Myers, the Junior Lions Fundamentals Baseball Camp begins on June 10 for rising kindergarten through sixth graders, with Advanced Baseball Camp beginning on June 11 for rising seventh through twelfth graders.

 

PGA and Top 50 Junior Instructors in America, Ben Pellicani, with Pro Instructor and GCA Head Golf Coach, Chuck Hammett, will host a Co-ed Golf Camp beginning on July 9 for rising sixth through twelfth graders at the prestigious Westhaven Golf Course.

 

Junior Lions Soccer Camp, as well as Boys Advanced Soccer and Girls Advanced Soccer Camps each begin on June 17, as does Junior Lions Volleyball Camp.  Three different Basketball Camps are offered in July, with Junior Lions Co-ed Basketball Camp beginning on July 8, and Advanced Boys Shooting/Competition Camp and Advanced Girls Basketball Camp each beginning on July 15.

 

For a full listing and description of all available GCA Sports Camps, and to register online for the camps of your choice, please visit gcalions.com/summercamp/.  Additional questions may be emailed to Tricia Summers at [email protected].