Meet the Team

Sarah Moore
Head Coach

Sarah Moore graduated from Franklin Road Academy in 2009 and was a member of the 12 year club. While she was here at FRA she ran track and cross country all 4 years and cheered her senior year. After graduating from Franklin Road Academy Sarah went on to the University of Arizona in 2009 where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. After graduation she then went on to Graduate school at Lipscomb University where she graduated in 2016 with a Master’s in Special Education. After graduation Sarah came back to Franklin Road Academy where she started coaching the Varsity football cheer squad in 2015 and then the next year became the head coach in 2016. She also started coaching Middle School basketball cheer leading in 2018. Sarah is a Heart to Heart instructor and has been in that role for the last 5 years.

 

Alana Hilkin
Assistant Coach

Lisa Zenner
Head Coach

Sarah Rigsby
Head Coach

Sarah Rigsby is a seasoned dance professional and the Director of Dance at Franklin Road Academy, a role she assumed in 2019. Hailing from Hampton, Virginia, Sarah's dance journey began at the age of 2, evolving into a highly decorated competitive dancer with numerous national titles to her name. She pursued her passion for dance academically, earning a BFA in dance with a focus on ballet and modern techniques thanks to a dance scholarship to Virginia Intermont College. Her college years saw her professionally performing with the Contemporary Dance Theater of Virginia, where she discovered her true calling in teaching. Since her move to Nashville in 2006, Sarah has shared her expertise, instructing a wide range of styles at the Nashville Dance Center, and she currently oversees the thriving and expansive FRA dance program, growing it into a large and competitive program. Sarah's remarkable ability to teach dancers of any age and style is a testament to her passion for dance education and mentorship.

Emily Starkey
Head Coach

Emily Starkey is the Dance Teacher at Franklin Road Academy for daytime dance classes and some of the after-school classes, as well as the Head Coach for the Upper School Panther Pom Dance Team, Head Coach for the Middle School Silver Squad, and Assistant Coach for the Middle School Navy Squad. Emily trained and competed in jazz, hip hop, ballet, musical theater, and contemporary for 14 years at a competitive dance studio in South Carolina, where she grew up. While attending high school, Emily was a cheerleader for 6 years, where she served as captain and competed through UCA, winning multiple All-American Awards. Emily pursued higher education at the University of South Carolina, where she studied Elementary Education and Dance. She trained in a variety of styles of dance and performed in USC Dance Company showcases, as well as participated in the Project Dance organization. In addition to this, Emily was also a member of the competitive Carolina Dance Team. She performed at SEC football and basketball games, and she competed with her team through NDA. Emily also taught competition dance classes at Move Dance Academy, where she choreographed jazz and contemporary competition pieces. She has choreographed dances for studios throughout South Carolina and is thrilled to be pursuing her passion for teaching, dance, choreography, and coaching with the Panther Pom Dance Teams and FRA dance students of all ages!

Julia Fleming
Assistant Coach

Julia Fleming is the 5th Grade English teacher at FRA, as well as the assistant dance team coach for the middle and upper school dance teams. Julia grew up dancing competitively North Shore Dance Studio in Mequon, WI. While attending Homestead High School, Julia served as the captain of the varsity dance team, guiding them to success in Pom, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Kick competitions at regional, state, and national levels. Julia pursued her higher education at Vanderbilt University, where she studied Elementary Education and Education Policy. Her love for dance remained a core part of her life as she actively participated in two student organizations, Momentum Dance Company and VIBE Hip Hop Squad. Julia loves being involved in the dance program at FRA where she is able to share her love of dance with the students!

Justin Geisinger
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator

Coach Geisinger earned his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Education degrees from Vanderbilt University, where he was also a member of the football team. He was a four-year starter at left tackle, a two-year captain, and an All-SEC selection and Outland Trophy nominee his senior year for the Commodores. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL draft. His professional career spanned five years playing for the Bills, Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders, and Carolina Panthers. For the last seven years, Justin has been the head football coach at Pope John Paul II High School, leading the Knights to multiple state playoff appearances including a TSSAA DII Class AAA State Semi-Finals appearance in 2021 and increasing the school’s season win totals each year.

Justin is the epitome of an education-based athletics educator and coach. He understands the rigors of building a program from the ground up and energizing a school community,” said Franklin Road Academy Athletic Director Kris Palmerton. “His faith and passion for education, football, and developing young men into future leaders is insurmountable. I am excited to walk alongside Justin on the journey of continuing to build the Panther football program.”

“This is a special opportunity for my family and two boys to become immediately entrenched into the FRA community, and I am excited to be joining the school as the head football coach. The school’s faith-based mission aligns well with my beliefs in building a program around a strong school community, and I look forward to the new challenges ahead. Together, we will continue to organically build a strong culture through the game of football. Developing strong relationships will always be a priority in our program, and I look forward to advancing the strong foundations that have been established as the FRA football program pushes into the future,” said Geisinger.

“I want to thank Head of School Sean Casey and Athletic Director Kris Palmerton for their belief and trust in me as a leader for the future of the football program at FRA,” shared Geisinger. “I look forward to working with the leadership team, faculty, and staff to continue developing our program into something that will make the entire school community proud. Lastly, I am eager to begin building new relationships between our coaching staff, players, and families. It’s a great day to be a Panther!”

 

Ed Sanders
Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator

Ed Sanders, a native of Nashville, Tennessee and Maplewood High School, joins the Franklin Road Academy Football program after coaching at Goodpasture, Tennessee State, and Delaware State. Ed will take over as the defensive coordinator this season.

During his time with the TSU Tigers, the defensive unit ranked sixth in pass efficiency in 2014 and as high as fourth in 2013. In 2014, the Tigers held their opponents to an average of 153.3 yards per game through the air, good for fourth in the FCS.

A four-year letter winner at Tennessee State, Ed in his career helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference championships in 1998 and ’99. During the 1999 season, TSU posted an 11-0 regular season record and No. 1 Division I-AA and Black College final regular season national rankings. That season, Sanders was an All-Ohio Valley Conference Second Team selection and All-America candidate. He also earned the Alvin “Cat” Coleman Award as the team’s Most Outstanding Defensive Back. During the 1999 season, Sanders led the team in tackles with 100 which is third-best in TSU history (since 1987). Ed earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Tennessee State in 2000.

During DSU’s 2007 MEAC championship season, his unit helped the Hornets earn a No. 9 national ranking in pass efficiency defense with a 105.33 rating. DSU was 13th in the country in scoring defense (18.4 ppg) in 2007. His ’07 secondary also featured All-MEAC First Team selection Akeem Green, among the league leaders in interceptions and defended passes.

In 2002, he was a member of the Canadian Football League Saskatchewan Rough Riders. Sanders began his coaching career as a graduate assistant (secondary) at Tennessee State University in 2000. He and his wife Wajehah have three daughters, Khalia, Kaden and Tamiah, and two sons, Omarii and Travon.

 

After TSU Ed became the Head Coach at McKissack middle school. During his tenure the team when 16-0 and were back to back Metro City Champions in 2017 & 2018. Ed then went onto coach at Harding Academy and then moved on to Goodpasture Christian High School. Here he served as the Defensive Coordinator for defense in 2020 and held opponents to 17 points per game. The team went 9-3 on the season and made it all the way to the State Semi-Finals. Right now Ed is the defensive coordinator and also coaches the linebackers. He also serves as a Middle School physical education instructor and will be the head coach of the boys middle school basketball team.

 

 

Matt Hanson
Director of Football Operations/Offensive Line

Coach Matt Hanson played football at Birmingham-Southern College while receiving his Bachelor of Arts. Coach Matt began coaching football as the offensive line coach at Pope John Paul II in 2017 and taught English for 3 years. He also assisted the Strength and Conditioning program. He has since received his USAW Strength Certification in 2020. At Pope John Paull II in 2020 he took over as head strength and conditioning coach.

 

Kyle Strazzeri
Special Teams Coordinator/Quarterbacks

 

Scott Winteron
Wide Receivers/Special Teams Assistant

 

Joseph Holzmer
Tight Ends/H-Backs

Coach Joseph Holzmer Jr. played football at Butler University and graduated from Ole Miss in 2019. In 2020 Coach Holzmer completed the Scouting Academy certification and served as a 3rd party NFL scout. In 2020 he had an internship with Tracking Football, performing data and analytics for NFL and college football.

In 2021, Coach Holzmer graduated from University of the Cumberlands with a Masters of Science in coaching. He coached wide receivers at Fr. Ryan High School the last 2 seasons and Nashville Catholic 7th-8th grade for 1 season.
 

Sean Adams
Outside Linebackers/Special Teams Assistant

Coach Sean Adams is originally from Maumelle, Arkansas and attended Arkansas State University. While attending Arkansas State University he ran cross country and track & field as middle distance runner while earning his bachelors in Sport Management and master’s degree in sport administration. He has recently moved to Hendersonville, Tennessee and previously worked at Pope John Paul II Preparatory school. His former role was athletics assistant and full time substitute teacher while also coaching varsity football and varsity track & field.

John Williams
Defensive Line Coach

Coach John Harris is originally from Charlotte, NC. He attended Rhodes College in Memphis for two years, playing Defensive Line for the Lynx. He then transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill where he majored in History and Classics. Coach Harris, during the fall of 2021, was as an Assistant Defensive Line coach at Charlotte Latin School in his hometown. Coach Harris serves as a Faculty Fellow in the Upper School History department while also serving as a MS Basketball and MS Baseball coach.

Matt Perez
Assistant Coach

Originally Matt is from Atlanta, Georgia where he attended The Marist School. He then attended Georgia Tech and earned his bachelor’s in business administration. After graduating from Georgia Tech he returned to Marist to be an assistant 7th grade football coach and an assistant varsity baseball coach. After a year of coaching and working in the business world he pursued his Master’s in Education from the University of Notre Dame where he taught full-time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for two years while completing the master’s degree.

After his time in Philadelphia he moved to Nashville where he taught high school math, coached middle and varsity football, and varsity baseball at Pope John Paul II Preparatory School in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Matt currently serves as a middle and upper school math teacher, coach middle school and varsity football, and varsity baseball.

Hayden Copeland
Head Coach

Hailing from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Hayden Copeland relocated to Nashville in 2018 to serve as a Franklin Road Academy Faculty Fellow for the Religious Studies department. He earned his undergraduate degree from Clemson University, studying both entrepreneurship and leadership. During his time in the Upstate, Hayden was mentored by NASA Scientist and Team USA Ultimate Board Member Benjamin Slade in both Ultimate Frisbee strategy and coaching. While at Clemson, he was also a member of the Club Waterski Team, known as the Boathouse Waterski Club on Lake Keowee.

From the moment he walked onto the hallowed grounds of Augusta National for the historic 1997 Masters Tournament, Hayden knew that he wanted to be a golfer. As he reveled in the glory of Amen Corner, something almost spiritual about the game resonated with him. When his family moved to Hilton Head Island, his golfing career really began to blossom. Hayden played for legendary golf coach Doug Langhals at Hilton Head Christian Academy, the prep school powerhouse that has won 3 golf state championships in the last 10 years. Hayden decided to dedicate himself completely to the game of golf after playing a memorable round at the Colleton River Pete Dye course during his junior year. As a young player, he would volunteer as a standard bearer each year for the PGA Tour’s Heritage Golf Tournament at Harbour Town Golf Links. Currently Hayden is a member of NewClub Golf Society and he has served as the assistant coach for FRA’s varsity boys and girls golf team since 2018. In 2021, Hayden was tapped to be the next head coach for the middle school golf program at FRA.

Hayden was raised in a basketball family and coached by his grandfather Jim Perry, a 1954 University of Kansas graduate and walk-on for the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team. During Hayden’s time at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, he worked with youth to develop their skills in waterskiing, wakeboarding and most importantly, basketball. Hayden began his basketball coaching career under the leadership of Josh Flegel and has studied under coaches including John Pierce, Brandon Albright and Sam Moran. He has served as the assistant coach for FRA’s middle school boys basketball team since 2018.

During the day, Hayden teaches religion in the upper school.

 

John Martin
Assistant Coach

Becky Knight
Head Coach

Becky Knight is from Auburn Alabama where she also attended college receiving her degree in Physical Education. Becky is the Varsity Girls Soccer coach, Middle School PE teacher, and also serves as the Physical Education and Wellness Department Head.

 

Ryan McDonald
Assistant Coach

Ryan McDonald is back at Franklin Road Academy. After attending FRA for 4 years he is back to coach soccer following in his father’s footsteps- Ken McDonald. After graduating from FRA, McDonald was recruited by the University of Louisville where he played for four years. His senior year he led the team in goals and ranked second on the team in scoring with 14 points (6 goals, 2 assists). His team in 2008 went 11-8-2. He was elected the team’s most valuable player during his 2011 senior year, when he had eight goals and seven assists in 16 games. After his collegiate career ended, the Nashville, Tenn., product played in the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL) for the Louisville Lightning from 2009-13.He also played and captained the Nashville Metros of the PDL from 2009-2014. Lastly, he finished up his professional career playing and captaining the Toledo United/Toledo Villa team from 2015-2017.

After his time playing McDonald switched his sights to coaching. McDonald was a recreational soccer coach year-round from 2009-2015 until accepting this position at Adrian College. He also was a club/select coach in the fall of 2011 and managed the overall youth program. McDonald served as head soccer coach at Waggener High School in the fall of 2013. In addition, he worked at Superkick/Teamzone in Columbus, Ohio as a facility operator and soccer trainer. McDonald was an integral part of the historic milestones Adrian saw over his four seasons as an assistant coach, building the success the program has seen in recent years. In 2017, Adrian hosted its first-ever MIAA tournament home game and made its debut in the championship game after beating Hope College in the conference semifinals. The Bulldogs put together back-to-back winning seasons to compile a 22-14-2 record, tying the school record of 11 victories and placing as the MIAA regular-season runner-up for their highest finish ever. McDonald helped coach eight all-conference selections as an assistant, plus the program's first two CoSIDA Academic All-American® finalists which included Tad Davis in 2017. McDonald has worked as a camp counselor at the University of Louisville, Bellarmine University and Franklin Road Academy. He has also worked with the Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club in a variety of roles.In 2018 he was hired as the head coach and in his first season he led the Bulldogs to an 8-8-1 mark, setting a school record for most wins by a first-year head coach.Adrian finished tied for second in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), the second straight year AC finished second and hosted an MIAA semifinal. The Bulldogs defeated Trine University in penalty kicks to advance to the championship game for the second consecutive year. Had four members of the Black and Gold named All-MIAA with senior Tad Davis named a College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American®.

He is married to his wife Maggie who works at Vanderbilt as a nurse. They also have a Golden Retriever puppy named Mavrik! He is excited to be involved in the soccer programs and ready to continue the success of his father and other coaches over the years.

Shelton Wicks
Assistant Coach

Jesse Ramoya
Assistant Coach

Jesse Ramoya enters his first season as an assistant coach with the Panthers girl’s soccer team in 2023.

Jesse was a four-year starter and two-year captain at NAIA Division 1 school Milligan College. He was an All-conference Honoree and a two time All conference All-Academic team finalist.

Jesse graduated with a degree in Political Science before earning his JD at the University of Tennessee College of Law. He is currently a Private Wealth Management Trust Advisor at Regions Bank.

Lisa Schaad
Head Coach

Coach Lisa Schaad earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University, where she was a four-year letter winner in volleyball and team captain her senior year. Schaad has 26 years of volleyball coaching experience, and for the past 14 years, she has served as the director of operations for Elevation Sports Volleyball in Cincinnati, where she led the club program to a top 20 national ranking. She has also spent the last seven years as the head volleyball coach at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, where she posted a 137-45 record, won multiple league titles, and appeared in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Final Four the past three seasons.

We are very lucky to have Lisa joining the coaching staff at FRA.

Keith Gray
Head Coach

Keith Gray is from Chester, SC. Keith has coached varsity girls basketball for 5 years in Huntsville, AL. He also coached varsity boys basketball for the past three years in Nashville, TN. He teaches Upper school Biology and Chemistry.

Ed Sanders
Assistant Coach

Ed Sanders, a native of Nashville, Tennessee and Maplewood High School, joins the Franklin Road Academy Football program after coaching at Goodpasture, Tennessee State, and Delaware State. Ed will take over as the defensive coordinator this season.

During his time with the TSU Tigers, the defensive unit ranked sixth in pass efficiency in 2014 and as high as fourth in 2013. In 2014, the Tigers held their opponents to an average of 153.3 yards per game through the air, good for fourth in the FCS.

A four-year letter winner at Tennessee State, Ed in his career helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference championships in 1998 and ’99. During the 1999 season, TSU posted an 11-0 regular season record and No. 1 Division I-AA and Black College final regular season national rankings. That season, Sanders was an All-Ohio Valley Conference Second Team selection and All-America candidate. He also earned the Alvin “Cat” Coleman Award as the team’s Most Outstanding Defensive Back. During the 1999 season, Sanders led the team in tackles with 100 which is third-best in TSU history (since 1987). Ed earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Tennessee State in 2000.

During DSU’s 2007 MEAC championship season, his unit helped the Hornets earn a No. 9 national ranking in pass efficiency defense with a 105.33 rating. DSU was 13th in the country in scoring defense (18.4 ppg) in 2007. His ’07 secondary also featured All-MEAC First Team selection Akeem Green, among the league leaders in interceptions and defended passes.

In 2002, he was a member of the Canadian Football League Saskatchewan Rough Riders. Sanders began his coaching career as a graduate assistant (secondary) at Tennessee State University in 2000. He and his wife Wajehah have three daughters, Khalia, Kaden and Tamiah, and two sons, Omarii and Travon.

 

After TSU Ed became the Head Coach at McKissack middle school. During his tenure the team when 16-0 and were back to back Metro City Champions in 2017 & 2018. Ed then went onto coach at Harding Academy and then moved on to Goodpasture Christian High School. Here he served as the Defensive Coordinator for defense in 2020 and held opponents to 17 points per game. The team went 9-3 on the season and made it all the way to the State Semi-Finals. Right now Ed is the defensive coordinator and also coaches the linebackers. He also serves as a Middle School physical education instructor and will be the head coach of the boys middle school basketball team.

David Gallagher
Head Coach

Gallagher joins Franklin Road Academy with over 13 years of coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels. Most recently, Gallagher served as head coach for the men’s basketball program at John Milledge Academy in Georgia, where he built a championship-caliber program. In his eight seasons as head coach, he guided the program to four state final four appearances, including two state runner-up finishes and a state championship in 2021. His career record at JMA was 161-45 with five 20+ win seasons and five region tournament championships. Gallagher was named Coach of the Year in 2021 and the Georgia All Star Coach on multiple occasions, and his players received numerous accolades including 13 All-State nominations. Gallagher began coaching following a playing career at Auburn University Montgomery under head coach Larry Chapman.

An accomplished educator and coach, Gallagher earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from AUM, where he graduated magna cum laude and was the recipient of the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. He holds a master’s degree in mathematics for teaching from Harvard Extension School and a Specialist in Education degree in educational leadership from Georgia College & State University. As a classroom teacher, Gallagher won the STAR Teacher of the Year award three times over the last 10 years teaching advanced statistics and advanced placement calculus and served as the upper school dean of students for the last five years.

Gallagher’s appointment is the culmination of an extensive search led by Athletic Director Kris Palmerton and Assistant Head for External Affairs Ryan Harris. “We are very excited for Coach Gallagher to join the FRA community as the new head coach of the Panther basketball program. He has a tremendous amount of high school and collegiate-level coaching experience and has successfully led his teams to complete at the state and regional levels,” said Palmerton. “His passion for basketball, our mission, and our student athletes is clear, and we look forward to him making a big impact on the Panther basketball program and in the lives of our students.”

“Franklin Road Academy is a special place, and I am overjoyed to join the community as the head coach for the men’s basketball program and as an upper school mathematics teacher. FRA’s faith-based mission aligns with my family’s perspective on sports as a vehicle to cultivate Christ-like character. I look forward to building new relationships with the players, coaching staff, families, and colleagues on campus. I am excited for the opportunity to work alongside someone with such a prolific basketball background as Coach Lester. As a coach, I truly believe that good teams consist of good players, while great teams consist of great teammates. While developing as individual players, we will always emphasize teamwork and how to achieve excellence as one unit on and off the court,” said Gallagher.

 

Tom Gilroy
Assistant Coach

Tom Gilroy is entering into his twenty eighth year of coaching basketball. He spent his first twenty three years in Pennsylvania and is now entering into his fifth year in Nashville and his first year at FRA. Coach Gilroy is also a member of the Social Studies Department where he teaches AP US History, AP Government, and Economics.

Eli Ziegler
Assistant Coach

Keith Gray
Assistant Coach

Keith Gray is from Chester, SC. Keith has coached varsity girls basketball for 5 years in Huntsville, AL. He also coached varsity boys basketball for the past three years in Nashville, TN. He teaches Upper school Biology and Chemistry.

Ed Sanders
Assistant Coach

Ed Sanders, a native of Nashville, Tennessee and Maplewood High School, joins the Franklin Road Academy Football program after coaching at Goodpasture, Tennessee State, and Delaware State. Ed will take over as the defensive coordinator this season.

During his time with the TSU Tigers, the defensive unit ranked sixth in pass efficiency in 2014 and as high as fourth in 2013. In 2014, the Tigers held their opponents to an average of 153.3 yards per game through the air, good for fourth in the FCS.

A four-year letter winner at Tennessee State, Ed in his career helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference championships in 1998 and ’99. During the 1999 season, TSU posted an 11-0 regular season record and No. 1 Division I-AA and Black College final regular season national rankings. That season, Sanders was an All-Ohio Valley Conference Second Team selection and All-America candidate. He also earned the Alvin “Cat” Coleman Award as the team’s Most Outstanding Defensive Back. During the 1999 season, Sanders led the team in tackles with 100 which is third-best in TSU history (since 1987). Ed earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Tennessee State in 2000.

During DSU’s 2007 MEAC championship season, his unit helped the Hornets earn a No. 9 national ranking in pass efficiency defense with a 105.33 rating. DSU was 13th in the country in scoring defense (18.4 ppg) in 2007. His ’07 secondary also featured All-MEAC First Team selection Akeem Green, among the league leaders in interceptions and defended passes.

In 2002, he was a member of the Canadian Football League Saskatchewan Rough Riders. Sanders began his coaching career as a graduate assistant (secondary) at Tennessee State University in 2000. He and his wife Wajehah have three daughters, Khalia, Kaden and Tamiah, and two sons, Omarii and Travon.

 

After TSU Ed became the Head Coach at McKissack middle school. During his tenure the team when 16-0 and were back to back Metro City Champions in 2017 & 2018. Ed then went onto coach at Harding Academy and then moved on to Goodpasture Christian High School. Here he served as the Defensive Coordinator for defense in 2020 and held opponents to 17 points per game. The team went 9-3 on the season and made it all the way to the State Semi-Finals. Right now Ed is the defensive coordinator and also coaches the linebackers. He also serves as a Middle School physical education instructor and will be the head coach of the boys middle school basketball team.

Chris Hart
Head Coach

Chris Hart has been coaching legendary women's Basketball teams at FRA for the past 18 years. He has coached numerous athletes that have gone onto play at the NCAA level with great success. At FRA he is the Dean of Students in the Middle School as well as the Academic Coordinator. In the 8th grade he teaches Advanced Pre-Algebra Classes and Pre-Algebra Class. One fun fact about Chris is that he has started to perfect carpool duty in the afternoons with his blow horn. He has gotten so good at it that he has started memorizing the cars that parents drive and does not even have to ask anymore. Chris is so excited for this next basketball season and ready to take this team to new heights by building the leadership and team unity among the players.

 

Stephanie Feyes
Assistant Coach

Stephanie Feyes is entering her fifth season as an assistant coach for the Franklin Road Academy Girls Basketball team. Stephanie serves as the science department chair and teaches biology courses in the upper school at FRA.

Feyes graduated from the University of South Carolina Upstate in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis in biology. While at USC Upstate, Feyes was a four-year starter for the women’s basketball team. She ended her time as a Spartan as the career leader in 3-point field goals made, 3-point field goals attempted and free throw percentage. Feyes became a member of Upstate’s 1000 point club during her senior season.

In 2009, Stephanie earned her master’s degree in education from Middle Tennessee State University. While at FRA, she has been awarded the William L. Campbell Award for Excellence in Teaching (2018-2019), as well as the William B. and Gretchen Akin Faculty Award (2016-2017). Feyes previous taught biology and assisted with the girls basketball program at Ravenwood High School in Williamson County.

Bill Zepeda
Head Coach

Bethany Humphrey
Head Coach

Bethany is from Memphis, TN where she attended the University of Memphis and was a cheerleader on the team. Bethany is thrilled to be part of FRA's cheerleading team this season. With a deep love for cheerleading and a dedication to fostering team spirit, she can't wait to contribute to FRA's success on the sidelines.

Shelby Mire
Assistant Coach

Sarah Rigsby
Head Coach

Sarah Rigsby is a seasoned dance professional and the Director of Dance at Franklin Road Academy, a role she assumed in 2019. Hailing from Hampton, Virginia, Sarah's dance journey began at the age of 2, evolving into a highly decorated competitive dancer with numerous national titles to her name. She pursued her passion for dance academically, earning a BFA in dance with a focus on ballet and modern techniques thanks to a dance scholarship to Virginia Intermont College. Her college years saw her professionally performing with the Contemporary Dance Theater of Virginia, where she discovered her true calling in teaching. Since her move to Nashville in 2006, Sarah has shared her expertise, instructing a wide range of styles at the Nashville Dance Center, and she currently oversees the thriving and expansive FRA dance program, growing it into a large and competitive program. Sarah's remarkable ability to teach dancers of any age and style is a testament to her passion for dance education and mentorship.

Emily Starkey
Head Coach

Emily Starkey is the Dance Teacher at Franklin Road Academy for daytime dance classes and some of the after-school classes, as well as the Head Coach for the Upper School Panther Pom Dance Team, Head Coach for the Middle School Silver Squad, and Assistant Coach for the Middle School Navy Squad. Emily trained and competed in jazz, hip hop, ballet, musical theater, and contemporary for 14 years at a competitive dance studio in South Carolina, where she grew up. While attending high school, Emily was a cheerleader for 6 years, where she served as captain and competed through UCA, winning multiple All-American Awards. Emily pursued higher education at the University of South Carolina, where she studied Elementary Education and Dance. She trained in a variety of styles of dance and performed in USC Dance Company showcases, as well as participated in the Project Dance organization. In addition to this, Emily was also a member of the competitive Carolina Dance Team. She performed at SEC football and basketball games, and she competed with her team through NDA. Emily also taught competition dance classes at Move Dance Academy, where she choreographed jazz and contemporary competition pieces. She has choreographed dances for studios throughout South Carolina and is thrilled to be pursuing her passion for teaching, dance, choreography, and coaching with the Panther Pom Dance Teams and FRA dance students of all ages!

Julia Fleming
Assistant Coach

Julia Fleming is the 5th Grade English teacher at FRA, as well as the assistant dance team coach for the middle and upper school dance teams. Julia grew up dancing competitively North Shore Dance Studio in Mequon, WI. While attending Homestead High School, Julia served as the captain of the varsity dance team, guiding them to success in Pom, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Kick competitions at regional, state, and national levels. Julia pursued her higher education at Vanderbilt University, where she studied Elementary Education and Education Policy. Her love for dance remained a core part of her life as she actively participated in two student organizations, Momentum Dance Company and VIBE Hip Hop Squad. Julia loves being involved in the dance program at FRA where she is able to share her love of dance with the students!

 

Rich Melin
Head Coach

Rich has been involved with FRA’s hockey program for 11 years in different roles (varsity assistant coach, head coach and JV coach). He is currently the program’s manager and is helping to launch a middle school team that will compete in the Spring, 2022. During his tenure, FRA hockey has won two state championships and was in the finals (Hines Cup) 4 straight years. Prior to coming to FRA, he was an assistant coach in travel hockey at the U14 and U16 level (coaching defense) in Nashville with the A-Game Storm. Originally from New York, Rich went to Miami Palmetto High School and graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management, was a varsity athlete running cross country and track, completing two marathons (one for each tooth he lost playing hockey).

Ethan Burau
Assistant Coach

Coach Ethan Burau is entering his 6th season with the Panthers. During his time with the Panthers, he has developed two GNASH players of the year and has had 11 players move onto the junior hockey ranks. Before the Panthers, Coach Burau coached with the Nashville Flyers and TPH Thunder organizations. Leading the Flyers- to back to back National Championship appearances. Originally from Chicago, Illinois and is USA Hockey level 5 certified coach and played college baseball at Eastern Illinois before graduating from Belmont University with a degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Athletic Training.

 

Michael Bartha
Assistant Coach

Ryan Simpson
Head Coach

John Harris
Assistant Coach

Phil Anderson
Assistant Coach

Matt Perez
Head Coach

Jared Mendiola
Assistant Coach

Dalton Ney
Assistant Coach

Matthew Olsen
Head Coach

Amanda Steinmuller
Assistant Coach

Amanda comes to us after coaching for two years at Capital University in Ohio. As a collegiate athlete she had a standout career at Division I Gardner-Webb University. Amanda played in 67 games as a midfielder with the Bulldogs, amassing 122 goals and 48 assists for 170 points over her four years. She increased her scoring totals each of her first three seasons, going from 18 goals scored as a freshman to 28 as a sophomore and 38 as a junior. She tied that career-high with 38 goals as a senior. Her 18 freshman goals led the team. As a sophomore she was named Second Team All-Big South Conference and she earned Honorable Mention All-Big South Conference selections as a junior and senior. In 2017 she became the school’s all-time leader in points, goals and assists.

Amanda Steinmuller coached for two years at Capital before she graduated with her Masters of Education and Counseling in the spring of 2020. In her first season with the program, the Crusaders tallied an 11-6 overall record and went 7-1 in the OAC and second place in the conference. This was their third appearance in four years in the conference tournament championship game. Seven Crusaders received All-OAC honors and two were named Academic All-OAC. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree from Gardner-Webb in 2018. Amanda is another Maryland lady originally from Ellicott City. Currently she is the 6th grade school counselor at Woodland Middle School.

Daphne Budd
Assistant Coach

Daphne is originally from Darien, CT. While at Darien, she was a two-time all-state selection in lacrosse. She was named captain her senior year. All four years, Darien won both conference and State Tournaments. After playing with the Blue Wave, Daphne went on to play at Gettyburg College. Daphne was a vital member of the defensive unit for the bullets. Daphne majored in globalization with dual minors in Spanish and Business. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta, and studied aboard in Argentina during her junior year fall.

Preston Cooper
Assistant Coach

Preston Cooper is originally from Vero Beach Florida. She then attended Baylor school in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After Baylor, Preston never left TN. She attended the University of the South where she competed in three seasons, before her senior year season was cut short due to Covid. Preston was an integral part of the Sewanee attacking unit. Preston majored in English and loved learning about different writers throughout history.

Janaye Godfrey
Goalie Coach

 

Janaye Godfrey is originally from Portland, Oregon. Janaye attended Lincoln High School where she served as the goalkeeper for 3 years. She was named first team all-conference for three years and second team all-state in 2017. Janaye went on to attend Illinois Wesleyan to play goalie. Her freshman year she was named the "Top Newcomer" in the conference. Her sophomore year she was named All-Region and first team All-Conference. Janaye's senior year she was named as a third team All-American goalie. She was also named the conference player of the year. Janaye majored in pre-law and now attend Belmont University Law School.

 

Alana Hilkin
Head Coach

Alana Hilkin serves as the Head Coach of the Franklin Road Academy softball team. Alana has spent most of her coaching career as the head coach at McGavock High School recording 141 wins and 40 losses as well as leading the program to 5 consecutive district championships. Before coaching at McGavock Alana was a private pitching instructor. Her specialty areas include pitching, base-running, slapping and infield.

Hilkin was a four year starting pitcher and graduated in 2005 from Tennessee State University with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology and Sociology after transferring from the University of Tennessee. She holds two master’s degrees in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from Lipscomb University.
 

Kris Climer
Assistant Coach

Kris Climer has been coaching softball at FRA since 1996, primarily as assistant coach but occasionally filling in as interim head coach. He was the first high-school softball coach in Tennessee to use live game, on the field, stat recording.

Coach Climer’s undergraduate degree in French is from Vanderbilt University, and he completed graduate work and obtained teaching licensure through Peabody College. He holds an MA in Applied Linguistics from UMass Boston.

In other athletic seasons Coach Climer is the scoreboard operator and spotter for home varsity football games, and he keeps the scorebook for boys and girls varsity basketball teams.

 

Amanda Geile
Assistant Coach

Amanda Geile is entering her second year as an assistant softball coach at Franklin Road Academy. Prior to that, Amanda was an assistant coach at McGavock High School from the 2015-2019. Amanda is an EL Certified Second Grade teacher at McGavock Elementary School.

In 2014, Geile graduated from the University of Arkansas with her Undergrad Degree in Childhood Education (with an English Language Learner Focus) and a minor in Child Development. In 2015, Geile graduated with her Masters of Education from the University of Arkansas. While in undergrad, Geile was a four year outfield starter for the University of Arkansas softball team. On the field she was able to make contributions in the outfield but also in the batting lineup. Geile was an Academic All-American during her senior year and SEC Honor Roll Member all four years. Off the field, Geile was an avid member of Student Athlete Development, a Co-Captain for the team, an FCA member, and a member of the Leadership Council.

Ryan McDonald
Head Coach

Ryan McDonald is back at Franklin Road Academy. After attending FRA for 4 years he is back to coach soccer following in his father’s footsteps- Ken McDonald. After graduating from FRA, McDonald was recruited by the University of Louisville where he played for four years. His senior year he led the team in goals and ranked second on the team in scoring with 14 points (6 goals, 2 assists). His team in 2008 went 11-8-2. He was elected the team’s most valuable player during his 2011 senior year, when he had eight goals and seven assists in 16 games. After his collegiate career ended, the Nashville, Tenn., product played in the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL) for the Louisville Lightning from 2009-13.He also played and captained the Nashville Metros of the PDL from 2009-2014. Lastly, he finished up his professional career playing and captaining the Toledo United/Toledo Villa team from 2015-2017.

After his time playing, McDonald switched his sights to coaching. McDonald was a recreational soccer coach year-round from 2009-2015 until accepting this position at Adrian College. He also was a club/select coach in the fall of 2011 and managed the overall youth program. McDonald served as head soccer coach at Waggener High School in the fall of 2013. In addition, he worked at Superkick/Teamzone in Columbus, Ohio as a facility operator and soccer trainer. McDonald was an integral part of the historic milestones Adrian saw over his four seasons as an assistant coach, building the success the program has seen in recent years. In 2017, Adrian hosted its first-ever MIAA tournament home game and made its debut in the championship game after beating Hope College in the conference semifinals. The Bulldogs put together back-to-back winning seasons to compile a 22-14-2 record, tying the school record of 11 victories and placing as the MIAA regular-season runner-up for their highest finish ever. McDonald helped coach eight all-conference selections as an assistant, plus the program's first two CoSIDA Academic All-American® finalists which included Tad Davis in 2017. McDonald has worked as a camp counselor at the University of Louisville, Bellarmine University and Franklin Road Academy. He has also worked with the Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club in a variety of roles.(Can just delete that part) In 2018 he was hired as the head coach and in his first season he led the Bulldogs to an 8-8-1 mark, setting a school record for most wins by a first-year head coach.Adrian finished tied for second in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), the second straight year AC finished second and hosted an MIAA semifinal. The Bulldogs defeated Trine University in penalty kicks to advance to the championship game for the second consecutive year. Had four members of the Black and Gold named All-MIAA with senior Tad Davis named a College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American®.

He is married to his wife Maggie who will be working at Vanderbilt as a nurse. They also have a Golden Retriever puppy named Mavrik! He is excited to be involved in the soccer programs and ready to continue the success of his father and other coaches over the years
 

Kevin Ford
Assistant Coach

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Ryan McDonald
Head Coach

Ryan McDonald is back at Franklin Road Academy. After attending FRA for 4 years he is back to coach soccer following in his father’s footsteps- Ken McDonald. After graduating from FRA, McDonald was recruited by the University of Louisville where he played for four years. His senior year he led the team in goals and ranked second on the team in scoring with 14 points (6 goals, 2 assists). His team in 2008 went 11-8-2. He was elected the team’s most valuable player during his 2011 senior year, when he had eight goals and seven assists in 16 games. After his collegiate career ended, the Nashville, Tenn., product played in the Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL) for the Louisville Lightning from 2009-13.He also played and captained the Nashville Metros of the PDL from 2009-2014. Lastly, he finished up his professional career playing and captaining the Toledo United/Toledo Villa team from 2015-2017.

After his time playing, McDonald switched his sights to coaching. McDonald was a recreational soccer coach year-round from 2009-2015 until accepting this position at Adrian College. He also was a club/select coach in the fall of 2011 and managed the overall youth program. McDonald served as head soccer coach at Waggener High School in the fall of 2013. In addition, he worked at Superkick/Teamzone in Columbus, Ohio as a facility operator and soccer trainer. McDonald was an integral part of the historic milestones Adrian saw over his four seasons as an assistant coach, building the success the program has seen in recent years. In 2017, Adrian hosted its first-ever MIAA tournament home game and made its debut in the championship game after beating Hope College in the conference semifinals. The Bulldogs put together back-to-back winning seasons to compile a 22-14-2 record, tying the school record of 11 victories and placing as the MIAA regular-season runner-up for their highest finish ever. McDonald helped coach eight all-conference selections as an assistant, plus the program's first two CoSIDA Academic All-American® finalists which included Tad Davis in 2017. McDonald has worked as a camp counselor at the University of Louisville, Bellarmine University and Franklin Road Academy. He has also worked with the Mockingbird Valley Soccer Club in a variety of roles. In 2018 he was hired as the head coach and in his first season he led the Bulldogs to an 8-8-1 mark, setting a school record for most wins by a first-year head coach.Adrian finished tied for second in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), the second straight year AC finished second and hosted an MIAA semifinal. The Bulldogs defeated Trine University in penalty kicks to advance to the championship game for the second consecutive year. Had four members of the Black and Gold named All-MIAA with senior Tad Davis named a College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American®.

He is married to his wife Maggie who will be working at Vanderbilt as a nurse. They also have a Golden Retriever puppy named Mavrik! He is excited to be involved in the soccer programs and ready to continue the success of his father and other coaches over the years
 

Kevin Ford
Assistant Coach

Jay Atwill
Head Coach

Jay Atwill will be leading the middle and high school boys tennis teams this year. He is a baseball player turned tennis pro after a career ending injury in baseball. Jay quickly took up the game of tennis, playing and officiating . Jay has had the honor of officiating OVC and SEC tournaments, the Girls National 14 yr. Old tournament, Western Southern Open, many Pro Challengers and The U.S. Open. Jay now prides himself on the love of teaching and coaching kids and adults the love for the game of tennis. Jay is a member and certified thru the PTR (Professional tennis registry). In recent years Jay has been working with USTATN running Rally cats and PlayTennisee programs throughout the Nashville and surrounding area. Jay is excited to be a part of the FRA Family, and is looking forward to being a positive role model and our tennis coach.

Madison Mummert
Head Coach

Madison has been involved with tennis for 17 yrs and has a strong passion for the game. He has been a certified teaching pro for 10 yrs. Madison went on to play collegiate level tennis at Tennessee State University as well as Cumberland University where he studied Human Performance with a concentration in Exercise Science. He is currently a teaching pro at Maryland Farms and works with many of the elite players as well as beginner level players. He has been coaching at FRA as head coach for middle school and the high school girls team. Since coaching at FRA, the middle school girls team have won the HVAC tournament in 2019, and finished 2nd in 2021. The high school team won the their district in 2021 as well as getting runner-up in the regional tournament. They ended the season by making it to the quarterfinals in the State Tournament. Madison is excited for a competitive season this year.

Reggie Ludwig
Assistant Coach

My passion for the game of tennis started as a toddler and has stayed with me all these years across three continents. After playing the sport for many years leading up to my permanent stay in the United Kingdom. I realized I wanted to take one more step and that was to teach tennis. I have been working towards this for the last 20 years spending most of that time at Maryland Farms YMCA. At this time I now have the opportunity of teaching at FRA and its my honor and privilege to continue guiding and teaching students to love the sport the way that I do.
 

Lanie Jones
Assistant Coach

Lanie Jones is a excited to join the FRA community as a faculty fellow teaching middle school history this year. In addition to teaching, Lanie will be coaching middle school girls tennis, upper school girls tennis, and middle school girls basketball. She has been a tennis player since she was old enough to hold a racquet, and her first job as a teenager was coaching at the academy she trained with. Lanie is excited to share her love for the game and experience with the FRA players. She also spent time playing basketball and grew up around the sport, so she’s looking forward to digging back in with the MS girls this winter!

Shawn Allen
Head Coach

Shawn has over a decade coaching track and field, specifically in the sprint and jumps. He spent two years helping the Vanderbilt Track and Field team as a volunteer jumps coach, and six years in the high school world as both a head coach and assistant coach. He was a graduate assistant for Florida State University, and prior to that a four year letterman and two time All Conference, where we won six conference titles, two NCAA Regional titles, and one National Title. In high school, Shawn played five Varsity sports. Shawn has an USATF Level II certified in Jumps and was a member of the FSU SAAC.

Shawn is excited to take over the program as head coach after legendary David Tucker stepped away after his 2022 State Championship.

 

Courtney Gilreath
Assistant Coach

Courtney Gilreath enters her 5th season as the Assistant Coach of the Franklin Road Academy Girls and Boys Cross Country and Track teams. Courtney also works in the US Aspire department and teaches US Spanish.

Graduating from Belmont University in the fall of 2013 with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Secondary Education, Gilreath was a four-year member of the Cross Country and Track team. After graduating from Belmont University, she lived in Spain for 9 months teaching English as a second language before coming to FRA.

On the track she received Top 3 All-Conference in the Steeplechase her senior year. In cross country, her team received 2nd place at the conference championships her senior year. Her personal record in the 5k was 17:43, 11:11 in the 3k steeplechase, and 4:44 in the 1500m. During her time at FRA she has helped the Track and Field Team, under Head Coach David Tucker, finish runner up in the State Meet in 2018, and she has helped head coach Lisa Zenner lead the cross country team to runner-up team finishes in the Region meet the past couple of years.

 

Drew Matthews
Assistant Coach

Drew Matthews enters his 3^rd season as an Assistant Coach with Franklin Road Academy Track and Field. Originally hailing from Sammamish, Washington, Coach Drew is a graduate of the University of Kansas (2016) where he competed in the sprints and relays. During his time at Kansas, Coach Drew garnered multiple All-Big XII selections and served as Team Captain (2015-2016). As a member of the 4x400m relay, he qualified for three NCAA National Championships and earned a 2^nd Team All-American selection along with a 1^st Team Academic-All American selection.

 

Following his time at Kansas, Coach Drew spent time working at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and coaching at Mill Valley Highschool in Shawnee, Kansas. Prior to arriving at FRA, he served as Graduate Assistant Track and Field Coach at the University of Alabama. While at Alabama, the Crimson Tide Men’s and Women’s Squads experienced success. Most notably featuring, SEC Champion and NCAA Silver Medalist Tamara Clark (200m) and 2020 Olympian Natassha McDonald (400m). As a relays coach, the Alabama Women also experienced great success, running to a school record 3:28.51 4x400m relay and All-American honors at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships in Austin, Texas.

 

Upon graduation from Alabama, Coach Drew moved to Nashville to pursue a career in finance and began coaching at FRA in 2019. Under Coach Drew’s tutelage, the FRA sprinter’s have continued to succeed, highlighted by 2021 Tennessee State 400m Champion Thatcher Frankfather. Coach Drew loves seeing his athletes realize their potential and owes his coaching success to his athletes and mentors Blaine Wiley and David Tucker. Drew is a USTFCCCA Technical Events Certified Coach.

Brandon Grass
Assistant Coach

 

Fran Hoogestraat
Assistant Coach

Sean Adams
Assistant Coach

 

Keith Jones
Assistant Coach