- South Forsyth High
- Athletic Staff
Athletics Administration
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Keith Gravitt- Athletic Director
770-781-2264 ext.100610
Cumming, Georgia native and University of North Georgia graduate Keith Gravitt has served as the Director of Athletics at South Forsyth High School since August 2004. He has previously coached basketball, soccer, baseball, and volleyball at various times while at North Forsyth High School (1995-1996) and South Forsyth High School (1996-Present). In addition, he heads the Girls Basketball Program for the Lady War Eagles, a position he has held since 2003.
Gravitt has been with the Forsyth County School System since 1995 and began his educational career in the Social Studies classroom, teaching World Geography and United States History. When the position of Automotive Collision Repair opened at South Forsyth High School, he applied considering this vocation had been part of Gravitt’s life for over 30 year and was hired. Since arriving at SFHS, he has been part of the CTAE Department, Social Studies department, and Leadership Team.
Coach Gravitt feels blessed to work with outstanding coaches that lead 25 Varsity Sports Programs at South Forsyth High School. He has been fortunate to coach 16 players that have competed at the collegiate level. Ten teams he has coached have reached the GHSA State Tournament, with a Final Four appearance. His greatest satisfaction comes from the relationships that have been built with the community, staff members, and most importantly, student-athletes.
Keith is married to Sarah Montgomery Gravitt, a former educator and coach. They have two girls, ages 12 and 8, who always keep them on their toes!
October 2020
Baseball
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Russ Bayer-Head Coach
Head Baseball Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 100505
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Bayer began coaching at Roswell High School under close friend and mentor, Mike Power. In his 5 seasons at Roswell, Coach Bayer was fortunate to work with multiple draft picks and over 15 players under his tutelage went on to play Division 1 college baseball.
Coach Bayer is in his 12th year as a teacher and Head Coach of the War Eagle Baseball program. He has been teaching and coaching now for 17 years. Coach Bayer teaches a myriad of subjects from Turf Management, Intro to General Horticulture, Driver’s Education, Weight Training and Health!
As the Head Baseball Coach at South Coach Bayer has:
- sent 43 players on to play college baseball at various levels
- 2 players get taken in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.
In Coach Bayer's tenure the program has garnered multiple accolades on the National Level:
- 2010 the War Eagle program rose in the national rankings all the way up to #2 spot in the country before eventually ending a 16 game winning streak and falling out of the top 10.
- 2012 and 2018 South once again broke into the top 25 Nationally and stayed there for the majority of the 2018 season.
- 2019 the War Eagles were invited to participate in the prestigious National High School Invitational in Cary, NC. This great honor was bestowed upon the program as a reflection of the 2018 season where the program won 27 games en route to running away with the Region 5 7A title and spending a large majority of the year atop the state’s polls. The 2018 season also saw 9 War Eagles go on and sign to play at the college level in one graduating class.
Over the years the War Eagles as well have been known to play and beat many state and nationally ranked teams and have played some of the most difficult non region schedules possible in the southeast regularly traveling across state lines to play the best possible competition.
Along with the on the field accolades, War Eagle Field in itself has also had it’s share of success. The major development and expansive growth of the playing surface and facilities in Coach Bayer’s time has helped it garner the honor of the Georgia Dugout Club Field of the Year in both 2011 and 2017. War Eagle Field was also nominated by Turface for National Field of the Year in 2017. The development of the facility allowed Coach Bayer the opportunity with the support of the school and county to launch a career pathway of Turf Management for the High School.
In 2013 Coach Bayer started the Forsyth County unsigned Senior Showcase with the intent of showing off and growing the opportunities for all the young men at each High School in the county by playing in a free showcase for the young men in the county. It has grown tremendously over the 8 years where annually where many young men and colleges attend annually. The showcase has helped over 35 Forsyth County Seniors get offers to play at the next level.
Education:
- Coach Bayer attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he played and lettered 4 years under Head Coach Tracy Smith as a pitcher and first basemen.
Family:
Coach Bayer has been married to the former Jessica Rayburg of Arnold, Pa for 15 years, who was also a scholarship athlete at Miami of Ohio (volleyball) and also coached for 5 years at Harrison High School and just completed her first season helping with the volleyball program at South Forsyth!. They have 2 sons: Tyler (14) who is a freshman at South and Jacob (12), a 7th grade at South Forsyth Middle School.
Personal Awards & Accolades:
- Coach Bayer is native of Naperville, Il. where he was a 2 time All-State selection,
- 2nd Team All-American
- the only 2-time Daily Herald player of the year award winner in the State of Illinois.
- a key member of the 1997 Naperville North Baseball program that was ranked #2 in the Baseball America Polls in the spring of 1997.
- Coach Bayer was then selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 35th round of the 1998 June amateur Draft.
- played for the prestigious Midland Redskins in Cincinnati, Oh where he won a Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico.
- runner up votes for MAC Freshman of the Year in 1999
- Pepsi pitcher of the week multiple times and as well holds many career records in Miami and MAC history. He is still currently 2nd all time in Miami history with career winds (28) and also in the top 10 in career wins, innings pitched, strike outs and complete games.
- pitch in the NCAA tournament, starting Game #3 of the Tempe Regional against University of Texas.
- summer of 2000 and 2001 Coach Bayer was fortunate enough to receive invitations to play in the prestigious Cape Cod summer league for the Wareham Gatemen. In 2001 Coach Bayer finished the summer with a 7-1 record and a 1.67 ERA and won the Francis Tripp award, along with the CCBL summer championship
- 2002 Coach Bayer was again drafted, this time by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Signing his first professional contract, he began his rookie campaign in short season A. During one point in the 2003 season, Coach Bayer led all of minor league baseball in ERA.
- Before his retirement in 2004, Coach Bayer also won a New York Penn league Championship and the Max Boarder “Good Guy” award or his charitable work on and off the field.
October 2020
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Adam Baldwin- Assistant Varsity Coach
Assistant Varsity Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 100465
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Adam Baldwin is in his 10th year of teaching/coaching.Baldwin has been at South Forsyth High School for 7 years teaching in the Special Education department as well as coaching baseball and softball. Prior to coming to South Forsyth High School Coach Baldwin was at Newton High school for 3 years.
Education:
- B.S.- University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
- Master's degree- Georgia Southern University;Statesboro, Georgia
October 2020
Basketball- Boy's
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Scott Givens- Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext.100823
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
This will be Coach Givens 21st year in education. This will be the start of his 8th year at South Forsyth High School. Coach will be starting his 6th year as the Head Boys Basketball coach. Givens was the Assistant Boys Basketball coach for the two years prior. Coach Givens will be taking over the responsibilities for the Boys Golf team and this will be his first year to coach high school golf.
Education:
- B.S. from Tennessee Technological University, 2000; Cookeville, Tennessee
- M.S. from National University, 2009; LaJolla, California
Family:
Coach Given and his wife, Jenny Givens have been married 11 years and have two children; Maddie who is 10 years old, and James who is 8 years old.
October 2020
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Chris Reonas - Varsity Assistant
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Chris Reonas has been teaching for 14 years, this is his 5th year at South Forsyth High School. Reonas teaches Social Studies and this year will be the Assistant Boys Basketball Coach. Coach Reonas has been coaching basketball for 11 years, baseball for 5 years, 2 years softball, and 1 year each Golf and Girls's Lacrosse.
- Region Championship as an Assistant in Basketball in 2007-2008 at Dacula High School
- Region Championship as an Assistant in Baseball in 2014 at Mountain View High School
Education:
- B.A. in History-Georgia College and State University; Milledgeville, Georgia
- M.A. in Teaching-Valdosta State; Valdosta, Georgia
Family:
Coach Reonas and his wife, Laura have a son Brady and expecting their 2nd child in April
October 2020
Basketball- Girl's
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Keith Gravitt- Head Basketball Coach
Head Basketball Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 100610
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Cumming, Georgia native Keith Gravitt has served as the Director of Athletics at South Forsyth High School since August 2004. He has previously coached basketball, soccer, baseball, and volleyball at various times while at North Forsyth High School (1995-1996) and South Forsyth High School (1996-Present). In addition, he heads the Girls Basketball Program for the Lady War Eagles, a position he has held since 2003.
Gravitt has been with the Forsyth County School System for 28 years and began his educational career in the Social Studies classroom, teaching World Geography and United States History. When the position of Automotive Collision Repair opened at South Forsyth High School, he applied considering this vocation had been part of Gravitt’s life for over 30 year and was hired. Since arriving at SFHS, he has been part of the CTAE Department, Social Studies department, and Leadership Team.
Coach Gravitt feels blessed to work with outstanding coaches that lead 25 Varsity Sports Programs at South Forsyth High School.
- Gravitt has been fortunate to coach 16 players that have competed at the collegiate level.
- Ten teams Coach Gravitt has led have reached the GHSA State Tournament, with a Final Four appearance.
His greatest satisfaction comes from the relationships that have been built with the community, staff members, and most importantly student-athletes.
Education:
- BBA, University of North Georgia-1991; Dahlonega,Georgia
- MEd., Kennesaw State University- 2008; Kennesaw, Georgia
Family:
Coach Gravitt is married to Sarah Montgomery Gravitt, a former educator and coach. They have two girls, ages 9 and 5, who always keep them on their toes!
October 2020
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Shannon Thompson- Assistant Coach
Shannon Thompson
Assistant Basketball Coach
770-888-1222 x
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Shannon graduated from Parkview High School in Lilburn, Ga in 1990. She played both softball and basketball in high school but decided to take her basketball talents to Kennesaw State University, where she played collegiate basketball from 1990-1994.
Shannon is currently the physical education teacher at Daves Creek Elementary. She and her husband, Matt, have lived in Forsyth County for the last 18+ years. They have two children who attended South Forsyth High School. Mitchell graduated in 2021 and is a sophomore at Birmingham Southern College (playing football) and Maggie is at South and will graduate in 2023. .
Her coaching experiences include:.
- Graduate Assistant at KSU-1995-1996
- Girls 9th/JV coach at South Forsyth High School 2007-2009
- Girls 8th Coach at South Middle Schools 2015
- Girls 7th/8th Assistant Coach at Lakeside 2018-2019
- Assistant Girls Varsity Basketball Coach- South Forsyth High School 2020-
Education:
- B.S.in Sports Management- Kennesaw State University
- M.S. in Health and PE Education- North Georgia College and State University
June 2022
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Ally Welch- Assistant Coach
Assistant Basketball Coach
770-475-6670 ext.760344
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
South Forsyth Alum, Ally Welch, graduated from South in 2015. Following Welch’s College career, she found herself back at her alma mater in the Fall of 2019. She accepted a position working in the Special Education Department. During her first year back at South she coached Freshman Volleyball and was an Assistant JV and Varsity Basketball Coach.
This school year(2020-2021) Welch is no longer working at the High School but found a home at Midway Elementary School where she teaches in an ACA classroom. She still coaches JV and Varsity Basketball at South and has enjoyed her time working under her old Varsity Coach, Keith Gravitt and staying involved in the basketball world following her playing career.
- Coach Welch was very successful during her time at Mercer;Welch's team managed to collect four conference championships, won two SoCon Tournament Championships in Welch’s Junior and Senior Seasons. These tournament championships took them to the NCAA tournament. These were the first time Mercer went to the NCAA tournament since it became a Division 1 program.
Education:
- B.S.in Education- Mercer University;Macon, Georgia
October 2020
Cheer- Competition
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Stacey Schmuhl- Head Competition Cheer Coach
Stacey SchmuhlStacey Schmuhl is in her 22nd year of coaching and currently serves as the Head Competition Cheerleading Coach at South Forsyth High School. Her previous coaching experience includes Head Cheerleading Coach at Ola High School coaching sideline and competition squads (2006-2018) and Head Competition Cheerleading Coach at Buford High School (2019-2021).
Before coming to South Forsyth Stacey won four State Runner Up Titles (2009, 2011, 2018, 2021) a State Championship (2012), two Sectional Championships (2011 and 2021), eight Region Championships (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021), and two Region Runner-Up titles (2019 and 2020). She has coached two Team of the Year Finalists, six athletes who have been named to the All-State Team and two athletes that were named Cheerleader of the Year Winners. She has also coached numerous athletes who have continued their cheerleading career at the collegiate level including The University of Georgia, The University of Alabama, Clemson University, and The University of South Carolina.
Stacey currently serves as the First Vice President of the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association and was also named the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2019. Coach Stacey is excited to be joining the incredible cheerleading program at South Forsyth and is looking forward to being a part of this championship culture.
Outside of cheerleading Coach Stacey will start her 25th year of teaching and will be teaching AP World History at South Forsyth. Other courses she has taught include World History, US History, Honors Geography, AP Human Geography, Examining the Teaching Profession, Georgia Studies, 6th Grade Social Studies and EBD self-contained. She graduated from Appalachian State in Boone, NC and moved to Georgia in 2000.
Coach Stacey lives in Hoschton, GA with her husband Aaryn, their son Jackson who will be a 10th grader at South Forsyth and their two canine kids Roxie and Annabelle. In her free time Stacey enjoys CrossFit, reading, and being outside any chance she can get.
June 2022
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Lyndsey Phelps- Assistant Competition Cheer Lay Coach
Cheer-Football
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Stacey Schmuhl - Head Coach
Stacey Schmuhl
Stacey Schmuhl is in her 22nd year of coaching and currently serves as the Head Competition Cheerleading Coach at South Forsyth High School. Her previous coaching experience includes Head Cheerleading Coach at Ola High School coaching sideline and competition squads (2006-2018) and Head Competition Cheerleading Coach at Buford High School (2019-2021).
Before coming to South Forsyth Stacey won four State Runner Up Titles (2009, 2011, 2018, 2021) a State Championship (2012), two Sectional Championships (2011 and 2021), eight Region Championships (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021), and two Region Runner-Up titles (2019 and 2020). She has coached two Team of the Year Finalists, six athletes who have been named to the All-State Team and two athletes that were named Cheerleader of the Year Winners. She has also coached numerous athletes who have continued their cheerleading career at the collegiate level including The University of Georgia, The University of Alabama, Clemson University, and The University of South Carolina.
Stacey currently serves as the First Vice President of the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association and was also named the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2019. Coach Stacey is excited to be joining the incredible cheerleading program at South Forsyth and is looking forward to being a part of this championship culture.
Outside of cheerleading Coach Stacey will start her 25th year of teaching and will be teaching AP World History at South Forsyth. Other courses she has taught include World History, US History, Honors Geography, AP Human Geography, Examining the Teaching Profession, Georgia Studies, 6th Grade Social Studies and EBD self-contained. She graduated from Appalachian State in Boone, NC and moved to Georgia in 2000.
Coach Stacey lives in Hoschton, GA with her husband Aaryn, their son Jackson who will be a 10th grader at South Forsyth and their two canine kids Roxie and Annabelle. In her free time Stacey enjoys CrossFit, reading, and being outside any chance she can get.
June 2022
Cheer- GameDay
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Ashley Fireall- Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 101141
Teaching /Coaching Experience:
Coach Ashley Fireall has been teaching for 8 years, 7 of the years have been at South Forsyth High School. Coach Fireall has been Basketball Cheerleading coach for 5 years.
Education:
- Mercer University M.A.T. English Education; Atlanta, Georgia
- The University of Georgia A.B English; Athens ,Georgia
October 2020
Cross Country
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Tyler Dahlberg- Head Coach
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Dahlberg is entering his 3rd year of teaching and second year at South Forsyth Middle School. This is his first season as the Head Cross Country Coach at SFHS. He has prior coaching experience as an assistant football coach at SFMS and head basketball coach at Lanier Middle School.
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree-Post-secondary education with a minor in Social Studies
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Currently pursuing a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction
June 2022
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Desta Long- Assistant Coach
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Van Munn- Assistant Coach
Dance
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Carla Yonk- Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 100156
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Carla Yonk is in her second year as the War Eagle Dance Team sponsor. Administratively, she supports the coaching role of talented community coaches. Mrs. Yonk is in her 10th year of teaching Business Education after a career in Accounting & Finance.
She has a great appreciation of dance having watched the positive impact it has on her daughters since they started dancing at the age of three. The sanctioning of Dance as a competitive sport by GHSA elevates dance to a new level allowing dance teams the opportunity to earn recognition for their talents.
October 2020
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Breenan Byrd- Assistant Coach
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Sarah Darby- Assistant Coach
eSports
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Chris Marsh Pierce - Head Coach
Chris Marsh Pierce
cmarsh-pierce@forsyth.k12.ga.us
770-781-2264 ext. 100423
Teaching/Coaching Experience
Chris Marsh Pierce, or Coach Mapi as students call her, has been teaching in Georgia since 2010. She has taught every level of Spanish 1-5 as well as Spanish for Native Speakers, AP Spanish Literature, and IB Spanish B. She is also certified to teach English as a Second Language and Reading P-12. While last year was her first year as esports coach, she has held a leadership/support role with many extracurricular organizations in her experience and she is excited to see the SoFo Esports program grow in the coming years!
- 2010-2014 - Colquitt County HS, Moultrie, GA
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- Technology Club Sponsor
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- Georgia Technology Fair Sponsor/Judge
- 2014-2015 - Windsor Forest HS, Savannah, GA
- Students Against Destructive Decisions Sponsor
- 2015-2017 - Savannah Christian Prep, Savannah, GA
- Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica Sponsor
- 2017-2021 - Forsyth Central HS, Cumming, GA
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- Dungeons & Disports RPG Club Sponsor
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- Sci-Fi Comic Anime Manga Club Sponsor
- 2021-now - South Forsyth HS, Cumming GA
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- Esports Coach
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- RPG Club Sponsor
Education
- 2008 - B.A. in Spanish, Francis Marion University, Florence, SC
- 2013 - M.Ed. in Secondary Spanish Education, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA
- 2017 - Ed.S. in Secondary Spanish Education, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
- TBD - Ph.D. in Reading Education, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Playing Experience
- Mario Kart
- Elder Scrolls Online
- World of Warcraft
- Fire Emblem
- Pokémon
- …and many more since 1995!
Family
- Coach Mapi is married to Casey Pierce, an analyst trainer for Assurant.
- The couple has a daughter named Zoe and a chihuahua named Buster.
Flag Football
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Kassie Smith- Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext.100133
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Kassie Smith went to South Forsyth as a freshman and graduated from West Forsyth. Coach had Mrs. Wilson as a middle school science student and have known Coach Gravitt as long as she can remember. South is home to Kassie!
Coach Smith currently teach AP Calculus AB/BC and AP Calculus BC.
Kassie loves traveling and experiencing other cultures.She taught in Tanzania and Colombia before coming back home.Coach Smith started coaching basketball and lacrosse at SFHS in 2014. This year Coach Smith is excited to be the head flag football coach, the first year that flag is a GHSA sanctioned varsity sport. Kassie is excited to see how the sport continues to grow! Coach Smith is the head JV Basketball Coach and Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach.
Coach Smith invites all of you to:
Come watch our amazing athletes play… we would love to see you in the stands!Education:
- Graduated from University of Georgia (goooo dawgs!) studied Mathematics Education; Athens,Georgia
Go War Eagles!! South Strong!
October 2020
Football
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Troy Morris- Head Coach
Assistant Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 100208
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Troy Morris is in his 23rd year in education and coaching.Morris has taught multiple classes including Math,APEX and weight traning. This is Coach's 11th year at South Forsyth High School. Morris has coached different positions through out his Football coaching career; Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks and currently Assistant Head Coach. Prior to becoming a South Forsyth War Eagle, he was the Head Football Coach at Social Circle High School.
Education:
- Undergraduate Degree in Mathematics - Bethel College;North Newton, Kansas
- Masters in Education- University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
- Specialist Degree in Leadership -Lincoln Memorial University; Harrogate, Tennessee
Family:
Coach Morris is married to Jeanette and they have 4 children. Their 2 oldest graduated from South Forsyth High School, Cal (22) and Drew (20); they have 2 that are currently at South Forsyth, Gavin is a Senior and Clara is a Junior.
August 2021
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Heath Hover- Offensive Coordinator-Offensive Line
770-781-2264 ext. 101133
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Hover has been teaching for 11 years in education. This is his 11th year teaching at South Forsyth High School. Coach Hover coached track for 2 years, baseball for 3 years, and is currently in his 12th year coaching football. Coach Hover has served as the Linebackers coach, Wide Receivers coach, Special Teams Coordinator, Run-Game coordinator, and is currently the Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach.
Coach Hover was a 4 year letterman in Football while attending Gardner-Webb University.
Education:
- B.S. in Physical Education and Health- Gardner-Webb University; Boling Springs, North Carolina
- Masters Degree in Kinesiology- Georgia Southern University; Statesboro, Georgia
Family:
Coach Hover has been married to his wife, Ashley, for 3 years. They have a son named Brooks.
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Ross Walker- Defensive Coordinator
Defensive Coordinator
770-781-2264 ext 1001425
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Ross Walker has been in education for 17 years. 8 years as a Social Studies and football coach at South Forsyth High School and 9 years at Forsyth Central.
Education:
- M.S. Ed. Walden University
- B.S. Ed. University of Georgia
Family:
Coach Walker and his wife Michelle have two sons Nathan and Jack
August 2021
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Chris Aycock- Special Teams Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Special Teams Coordinator
770-781-2264 ext. 100366
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Chris Aycock is in his 26th year in Education as a teacher and a coach. This is Aycocks 8th year at South Forsyth High School as an Economics and Government teacher. Prior to South Forsyth High School Aycock taught and coached at; Washington County High School,Forsyth Central High School and Peachtree Ridge High School.
Coach Aycock has been a part of two undefeated state championship teams at Washington County High School in 1996 and 1997. Winners of 30 straight games from 1996-1997.
Education:
- BS History and Secondary Education- Georgia College and State University; Milledgeville, Georgia
- M.Ed Educational Administration- Georgia College and State University;Milledgeville, Georgia
- Ed.S Educational Administration- Georgia College and Sate University; Milledgeville, Georgia
Family:
Coach Aycock is married to Jessica Coleman Aycock graduate of Shiloh High School ’93 and also teacher at South Forsyth High School. Two Children, Cole (21) (2018 graduate of South Forsyth High School) and Cade (15) (Freshman at South Forsyth High School).
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Jeffrey Abraham- Special Teams Assistant
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Nick Belyew- Wide Receivers
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Braniff Bonaventure- Outside Linebackers
Outside Linebackers Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 101139
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Bonaventure is in his 14th year of coaching football and his 1st year at South Forsyth High School. He is a teacher in the Special Education department. Before coming to South, he coached at Chamblee, Northview, Dunwoody and the last 8 years at Cambridge High School. Coach Bonaventuure has coached Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers, and has been an Offensive Coordinator. This year at South he will be coaching the Outside Linbackers.
After his college career, Coach Bonaventure played professional football for four years; including one year in the Canadian Football League with Montreal Allouettes,and three years in the Arena Football League with the Florida Bobcats and Orlando Predators. Bonaventure was part of the 2000 Arena Bowl Championship Orlando Predators team.
Education:
- B.A. Sports Administration- Furman University, Greenville, SC
Family:
Coach Bonaventure and his wife, Ansley, have a son, Grant , and a daughter, Selah
August 2021
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Austin Hamilton- Offensive Line
770-781-2264 ext. 100152
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Hamilton began as a Special Education Paraprofessional at South Forsyth High School during the 2019-2020 year. This is Coach's first year as a Special Education Teacher. Coach Hamilton joined the coaching staff 2019 as the Head Boys Track and Field Coach. Coach is currently in his first year as an assistant football coach.
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology from University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia. Coach Hamilton played football while attending college.
Family:
Coach Hamilton and his wife, Emily are newlyweds!
October 2020
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Luke Wagner- Varsity Cornerbacks
Varsity Football Cornerbacks
770-781-2264 ext.824
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Luke Wagner is in his 4th year of teaching and coaching, all 5 years at South Forsyth High School. Coach teaches Health,Sports Medicine and Weight Training
Coach Wagner has coached Varsity Football Tight Ends, Defensive Line and is currently coaching Cornerbacks. Coach Wagner was the JV Boys Head Soccer Coach for 3 years. Starting Spring 2022 he will be the Varsity Head Soccer Coach.
- Accomplishments in Football: State Championship as a player with Chattahoochee HS in 2011
- South Forsyth High Varsity Boys Soccer 2021 State Soccer Championship, Assistant Varsity Coach
Education:
- Masters in The Arts of Teaching: PE/Kinesiology; Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, Georgia
- Bachelors in Business Management; Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, Georgia
August 2021
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Chase Wilbanks- Safeties
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Thomas McCarter- Inside Linebackers, Head Freshman Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 101139
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Thomas McCarter started his teaching and coaching career at South Forsyth High School. Coach is in his 3rd year teaching Special Education. This is also McCarter's 3rd year coaching Inside Linebackers Coach, and his 1st year as the Head Freshman Coach.
Education:
- Education: B.S. Exercise Science – Georgia College & State University; Milledgeville, Georgia
Family:
Coach McCarter and his wife, Elizabeth,were married in 2020
August 2021
Golf- Boy's
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Scott Givens- Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 100823
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
This will be Coach Givens 21st year in education. This will be the start of his 8th year at South Forsyth High School. Coach will be starting his 6th year as the Head Boys Basketball coach. Givens was the Assistant Boys Basketball coach for the two years prior. Coach Givens will be taking over the responsibilities for the Boys Golf team and this will be his first year to coach high school golf.
Education:
- B.S. from Tennessee Technological University, 2000; Cookeville, Tennessee
- M.S. from National University, 2009; LaJolla, California
Family:
Coach Given and his wife, Jenny Givens have been married 11 years and have two children; Maddie who is 10 years old, and James who is 8 years old.
October 2020
Golf- Girl's
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Kendall Robinson- Head Girl's Golf Coach
Head Girl's Golf Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 101426
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Kendall Robinson is in her 9th year of teaching in the Math department at South Forsyth High School. Robinson has coached basketball cheer, JV Football sideline cheer, JV Competition Cheer coach and Girls Golf.
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Mathematics Education from -University of North Georgia; Dahlonega, Georgia
- Master of Arts in Teaching -Piedmont College;Demorest,Georgia
October 2020
Gymnastics
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Chris Naffky- Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext.101211
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Originally from Buffalo, NY; Coach Naffky was a competitive gymnast for Buffalo Turners and coach since the age of 14 where she coached gymnasts from age three to competitive levels, specializing in pre-team and skill building. Coach Naffky then continued to coach through college and beyond both in Dunkirk, NY and Boca Raton, Florida.
Coach Naffky then moved to South Florida and taught 8th grade math (Algebra 1, Geometry Honors included) at Eagles Landing Middle School. While in South Florida, she earned her Master’s in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University and continued to coach at a local gym. There she coached both pre-team level girls and the boy’s competitive team.
Relocating to Georgia, Coach Naffky taught for 6 years at Riverwatch Middle School, teaching 8th grade math and Accelerated Math 1. While at Riverwatch, Coach Naffky was asked to coach the Lambert Varsity Gymnastics team there beginning season to which they placed, second, first and third in the state their first three years running. Now at South Forsyth High School for her 7th year, Chris Naffky is the happiest she has ever been, coaching and teaching at a high school as Head Coach for the South Varsity Gymnastics team and Geometry Honors and Algebra 1 teacher.
Education:
- State University of New York at Fredonia with a Bachelors in Math Secondary Education; Fredonia, New York
- Master’s in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University; Davie Florida
Family:
Coach Naffky and her husband Christopher have two children ,Emma and Aiden.
August 2021
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Rachel Satori- Assistant Coach
678-965-5080 ext. 432141
Born and raised in Alpharetta, Coach Rachel has been involved in gymnastics in Georgia as either a competitor or a coach for 40 years. She was a member of Roswell Rec/Parks first state championship team in the 1980's and has coached at Alpharetta Parks/Rec, GymWorld and Cumming Parks/Rec.
Coach Rachel is in her 9th year of teaching and is a 7th grade IRR Math Teacher at Lakeside Middle School This will be her 10th year coaching South's Varsity gym team as an assitant coach.
Education:
- BS in Education- Auburn University- Auburn, Alabama
- Currently working on Master's in Special Education- Georgia Southern- Statesboro, GA
Family:
Coach Rachel has 3 grown daughters, ages 23,20 and 18
August 2021
Lacrosse- Men's
Lacrosse- Girl's
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Kassie Smith - Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext.100133
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Kassie Smith went to South Forsyth as a freshman and graduated from West Forsyth. Coach had Mrs. Wilson as a middle school science student and have known Coach Gravitt as long as she can remember. South is home to Kassie!
Coach Smith currently teach AP Calculus AB/BC and AP Calculus BC.
Kassie loves traveling and experiencing other cultures.She taught in Tanzania and Colombia before coming back home.Coach Smith started coaching basketball and lacrosse at SFHS in 2014. This year Coach Smith is excited to be the head flag football coach, the first year that flag is a GHSA sanctioned varsity sport. Kassie is excited to see how the sport continues to grow! Coach Smith is the head JV Basketball Coach and Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach.
Coach Smith invites all of you to:
Come watch our amazing athletes play… we would love to see you in the stands!Education:
- Graduated from University of Georgia (goooo dawgs!) studied Mathematics Education; Athens,Georgia
Go War Eagles!! South Strong!
October 2020
Soccer- Boy's
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Luke Wagner- Head Varsity Boys Soccer Coach
Head Boys Soccer Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 100824
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Luke Wagner is in his 5th year of teaching and coaching, all 5 years at South Forsyth High School. Coach teaches Health,Sports Medicine and weight lifting
Coach Wagner has coached Varsity Football Tight Ends, Defensive Line and is currently coaching Cornerbacks. Coach Wagner was the JV Boys Head Soccer Coach for3 year. Spring 2022 Coach Wagner will be the Varsity Boys Head Soccer Coach
- Accomplishments in Football: State Championship as a player with Chattahoochee HS in 2011
- South Forsyth High School 2021 State Boys Soccer Champions, Assistant Coach
Education:
- Masters in The Arts of Teaching: PE/Kinesiology; Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, Georgia
- Bachelors in Business Management; Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, Georgia
August 2021
Soccer- Girl's
Softball
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Leanne Brooks- Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 100524
Leanne Brooks is a South Forsyth alumni from the class of 2010. After graduation, she went on to play softball at Young Harris College as a catcher. Coach Brooks has been a teacher at South since 2015. Her teaching career began as a Special Education Mathematics teacher and later joined the PE Department in 2021.
Coach Brooks has been a part of the coaching staff at SFHS since 2014, while she was doing her student teaching within Forsyth County. Since being here, she has coached softball, lacrosse, flag football, and track & field. Coach Brooks has been the head softball coach since 2019, and she loves giving back to the program that gave so much to her as an athlete.
South Forsyth High School:
- 2022 Final Four 7A State Softball Playoffs
- 2022 Region 6AAAAAAA Champions
- 2022 Region Coach of the Year
- 2020 Sweet 16 State Softball Playoffs
- 2020 Region 6AAAAAAA Champions
- 2020 Region Coach of the Year
- 2019 Sweet 16 State Softball Playoffs
- 2019 Co-Region Coach of the Year
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Education- Young Harris College; Young Harris, Georgia
- Master's in Coaching and Fitness Leadership- University of the Cumberlands; Williamsburg, Kentucky
Family:
Coach Brooks has been married to Chris Branson since November 2022, and they are parents to two beautiful dogs.
October 2020
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Elizabeth Pearson- Assistant Coach
Head JV Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 101169
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Pearson has been a teacher at South Forsyth High School in the Special Education Department for the past 2 years. Previously Coach was a paraprofessional at Cambridge High School, Georgia. Coach Pearson has coached for a total of 8 years. South Forsyth High School for the past 2 years. Prior to South Forsyth High School; Milton High School,West Forsyth High School, and Cambridge High School.
Coach Pearson has also coached for several travel fast pitch teams including; Atlanta Vipers, East Cobb Bullets,and Atlanta Premier.
Coach Pearson looks at coaching and teaching as a way of repaying all the wonderful coaches and teachers that she had throughtout her life.
Education:
- B.S. from Presbyterian College (Softball Scholarship) - Clinton,South Carolina
October 2020
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Aaron Pileggi - Assistant Coach
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Duane Perry - Assistant Coach
Swim & Dive
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Connor Rickett- Assistant Coach
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
This will be Coach Rickett’s first year as an assistant coach for the South Forsyth Swim & Dive team. He grew up swimming in the Gwinnett County summer league as well as on the North Gwinnett swim team while in high school. Coach Rickett is in the Math and Special Education departments, and currently teaches Geometry at South. Coach Rickett is very excited to join the coaching staff and is looking forward to a successful season with the team.
Education:
B.S. Special Education (focus in reading) - Georgia Southern University
August 2022
Tennis- Boy's
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Shari Frankel-Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 100625
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Shari Frankel worked several years in the business and real estate world. Coach Frankel desired to make an impact on our youth, so went back to get her degree in School Counseling. Coach Frankel has been a Professional School Counselor at South Forsyth High School for 9 years; as well as coaching Varsity Girls Tennis. This year Coach Frankel is excited to coach Varsity Boys Tennis!
Coach Frankel has been a lifelong tennis player-playing competitve tennis for 40+ years; playeing college tennis, as well as Georgia USTA, ALTA, and League Tennis for 28+ years.
Quote from Coach Frankel ...loving every minute of it!
Education:
- Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction; Piedmont College; Demorest, Georgia
- Masters- Liberty University; Lynchburg, Virginia
- Undergraduate - Queens College, City University of New York; Queens , New York
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Nicole Landon-JV Coach
Tennis- Girl's
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Jason Steele-Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 101222
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Jason Steele has been teaching chemistry and physics for 15 years, 8 of those years at South Forsyth High School. Steele has been a High School Tennis Coach for 15+ years. 8th year coaching tennis at South Forsyth High School; 7 years as Varsity Boys Coach. This will be 1st year as Varsity Girls Coach.
- 2018 Georgia Athletic Coaches Association- State Coach of the Year
Coach Steele is a lifelong Georgia tennis player-playing competitive tennis for 30+ years; a top ranked GA-state and southern regional junior, as an undergrad. played on the UGA Practice Team (Club Team), and as a graduate student played #1 singles and doubles at UNG
Education:
- University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
- University of North Georgia; Dahlonega, Georgia
- A top ranked GA-state and southern regional junior
- As an undergrad. played on the UGA Practice Team (Club Team)
- As a grad. student played #1 singles and doubles at UNG
- Was a USPTA certified tennis teaching professional
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Ivan Zeitlin - JV Coach
Track- Boy's
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Austin Hamilton- Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 100152
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Hamilton began as a Special Education Paraprofessional at South Forsyth High School during the 2019-2020 year. This is Coach's first year as a Special Education Teacher. Coach Hamilton joined the coaching staff 2019 as the Head Boys Track and Field Coach. Coach is currently in his first year as an assistant football coach.
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology from University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia. Coach Hamilton played football while attending college.
Family:
Coach Hamilton and his wife, Emily are newlyweds!
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Desta Long- Assistant Coach
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Van Munn- Assistant Coach
Track- Girl's
Volleyball
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Stefani Legall- Riddle- Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 101146
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Steffi Legall is originally from Germany, where she played for the German Youth, Junior and Women’s National Teams from 1984- 1989. She participated in the 1987 and 1989 European Championships and the 1986 World Championship.
She teaches German at South Forsyth and loves sharing her native language and culture with her students.
Coach Legall-Riddle is in her second season as head coach for the South Forsyth Volleyball Program after having served as an assistant for the last three seasons. She came to South after being the Head Coach at Oconee County High School from 2009 until 2016. In her tenure at OCHS her teams accumulated an overall record of 234-95, won six area championships, played in seven State Tournaments and reached the State Semi-Finals for AAA five times.
- South Forsyth High school Varsity Volleyball Coach (2019-present)
- South Forsyth High School Asst. Varsity Coach (2016-2018)
- Oconee County High School Head VB Coach (2009-2016)
- 5 AAA State Semi Final appearances in 7 seasons at OCHS
- University of Georgia - Head Coach (2005-06)
- University of Georgia - Asst. VB Coach (2002-04)
- Marshall University – Head Coach (1997-2002
- Butler University -Asst. Coach (1994-1997)
- Indiana University – Graduate Asst. (1993-94)
- Participated in and/or conducted various volleyball coaching activities including volleyball camp director, clinic instructor, guest speaker, summer camp instructor at many institutions such as
University of Florida, The Colorado College, Indiana University, Butler University, Emory University, University of Kentucky, University of Georgia, Marshall University, Illinois State University, University of Alabama (1992-2006)
- Presenter at Annual AVCA Coaches Convention, Richmond, VA (12/2000)
Prior to making the move to high school volleyball, Coach Legall-Riddle coached for 15 years at the collegiate level. Her last collegiate stint was as the Head Coach at the University of Georgia from 2005-2006 where she also served as an assistant coach from 2003-2005. Legall came to UGA after being the head coach at Marshall University from 1997- 2002. She further served as an assistant coach at Butler University and Indiana University.
Coach Legall participated in and/or conducted various volleyball coaching activities including volleyball camp director, clinic instructor, guest speaker, summer camp instructor at many institutions around the country.
In her playing days, Coach Legall played collegiately as an outside hitter for the University of Florida from 1990-1992 where she garnered All-SEC and All- Region Honors.
Playing Experience:
- German Youth and Junior National Team (1984-1986)
- German Women’s National Team (1986-1990)
- Participated in European Championships 1987, 1989)
- Participated in World Championships (1986)
- University of Florida (1990-1992)
- CJD Feuerbach 1988-1990 ( German Bundesliga Champions, German Cup Champions 1989)
Education:
- Bachelor Degree in Business Administration -University of Florida; Gainesville, Georgia
- Masters in Sports Administration- Indiana University; Bloomington, Indiana
Family:
Coach Legall-Riddle is married to Michael Riddle
October 2020
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Deanna Cox- Assistant Varsity Coach
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Jessica Bayer- Freshman Coach
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Courtney Johnson- Assistant Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 100630
Teaching/Coaching:
This is Coach Courtney Johnson 8th year in education. Coach is in her 3rd year of being a Professional School Counselor at South Forsyth High School. Previously Coach Johnson taught Language Arts for 6 years at Dacula Middle Schools in Gwinnett County.
Coach Johnson has been the Varisty Basketball Cheerleading Assistant Coach for 3 years and the Junior Varsity Volleyball Assistant Coach for the past 2 years .
Go War Eagles!
Education:
- B.S. in Middle School Education -The University of Georgia; Athens, Georgia
- Master’s degree in School Counseling- Mercer University;Atlanta, Georgia
Ocotber 2020
Wrestling
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Josh Stephen- Head Coach
770-781-2264 ext. 100824
Teaching/Coaching Experience:
Coach Stephen is currently in his 21st year of teaching in health and physical education and is in his 5th year at South Forsyth HS. He is also currently the Physical Education Department Chair as well as performs other duties within the school. He has over 20 plus years of coaching wrestling (head and assistant) at the high school level. He has won 7 state championships at Collins Hill from 2008-2012 as well as never dropped below the top 3 in the state during his time there. He also won a state title at McIntosh in 1997 and came close finishing as state runner-up at McIntosh in 1998, at Parkview in 2000, and at Harrison in 2008.
He has coached 117 state placers, 32 state champions, 12 All-Americans, and 2 future NCAA Division I All-Americans during his career. As an athlete, Coach Stephen was an undefeated Georgia State Champion his senior year and placed 2nd in the state as a junior. He also has a twin brother, Mike, who is the head wrestling coach at Grayson High School in Gwinnett County.
Education:
- B.S. in Education- Georgia State University; Atlanta, Georgia
- M. S. in Post-Secondary Education -Troy University; Troy, Alabama
- Ed. S. in Teaching and Learning-Georgia Southern; Stateboro, Georgia
- Finishing a M.S. add-on in Educational Leadership-Columbus State; Columbus, Georgia
October 2020
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Eric Cluck- Assistant Coach
