Instructors | The Champions Gate

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Get to know the experienced coaches who will be guiding you at The Champions Gate. Each of our instructors brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and passion to help you succeed.

Caitlin M. Colvin

Owner / Lead Instructor

With an impressive trajectory that spans from Division 1 collegiate softball to international professional play, Caitlin stands as the Owner and Lead Instructor at The Champions Gate, bringing a wealth of experience to the facility. Her journey in softball began with a notable six-year stint with the Washington Lady Hawks Miller, where she contributed to the team's reputation as a Top 10 nationally ranked powerhouse.

Caitlin's academic and athletic prowess shone during her four-year tenure at Ohio University, a prestigious Division 1 institution. Here, she distinguished herself, ranking in the Top 20 for home runs per game and for the season in 2013. Her academic diligence was equally commendable, earning her a spot on the All-Academic Team for the Mid-American Conference. Her transition to coaching began at Ohio University, where she served as a collegiate coach from 2013-2014.

Her professional career took an international turn as she played for the USA Affiliate Softball across various European cities including Prague, Berlin, and Curacao from 2013-2015. Caitlin then expanded her horizons further by joining the European Softball League in Amsterdam in 2016.

Since 2013, Caitlin has been imparting her extensive knowledge through softball lessons to players of all ages. Her coaching is marked by a unique ability to develop players to the collegiate level, showcasing her deep understanding of the game. Caitlin's approach is holistic; she commits to comprehending her athletes' needs on both personal and athletic levels, ensuring they realize their utmost potential. Her leadership at The Champions Gate is characterized by dedication, expertise, and a profound commitment to fostering athletic excellence.

MICHAEL CLARKE

Owner / Lead Strength & Agility Instructor

Michael is a dynamic sports performance coach whose expertise is rooted in exercise science. He brings an impressive array of skills to The Champions Gate, including advanced knowledge in speed and agility training, strength and flexibility conditioning, comprehensive fitness program design, mental strength coaching, and nutritional guidance.

With a proven track record of success, Michael has trained and developed over 200 athletes, among them 5 All-American honorees, numerous state Players of the Year, and 9 professionals. His coaching acumen spans multiple sports, a testament to which is the impressive achievements of his athletes in both regional and state championships.

A two-time recipient of the Coach of the Year accolade, Michael is renowned for his deep understanding of athletes' needs, both on the field and beyond. His approach to coaching is holistic, focusing on evaluating, counseling, and developing athletes in various facets necessary for excelling in their sports.

At The Champions Gate, Michael spearheads our speed and agility programs, in addition to providing specialized instruction in both baseball and softball. His expertise is not just a valuable asset to our athletes; it embodies the essence of our commitment to nurturing well-rounded, accomplished sportspeople.

Lauren Hawkins

Softball Instructor

Lauren Hawkins brings a rich history of softball experience, having excelled in multiple positions throughout her academic and athletic career. As a two-year starter at Winder Barrow High School, Lauren showcased her versatility by playing both outfield and catcher, demonstrating adaptability and skill in different roles on the field.

Her passion for the sport led her to Gordon State College, where she honed her skills as a full-time catcher and established herself as a proficient contact hitter. Seeking to broaden her experience, Lauren transferred to Wesleyan College in her junior year. There, she spent two successful years playing outfield, further diversifying her skill set and understanding of the game.

Post-graduation, Lauren transitioned seamlessly into coaching, driven by her commitment to fostering emerging talent. She played an instrumental role in a Nike baseball camp, assisting in the development of young players. Additionally, her expertise was sought at a Nike softball camp, where she coached and mentored aspiring softball athletes.

Lauren's journey through various levels of competitive softball, coupled with her coaching experiences, has equipped her with a deep understanding of the sport and a genuine desire to contribute to player development. Her varied background, both as a player and a coach, makes her an invaluable asset to those looking to grow in the sport.

Madison Maney

Softball Instructor

Madison is a 2025 graduate of Apalachee High School, where she was a 4 year varsity starter and state runner up. Her accomplishments include first team all region, 2x Wildcat Award winner, Coca-Cola Award winner, 4x Academic Team and Honor Graduate. She started playing at the age of 6 and started travel ball at the age of 10, with a portion of those years on a CG Legacy team.

As a utility player with pitching knowledge, she is able to show her abilities all around the field. She was known as a power hitter and played a vital role in the lineup.

Madison plans to attend Georgia Gwinnett College in the fall, where she will major in education, with plans to get a masters in speech pathology. She loves working with kids and growing connections with them. She hopes to be a good example and role model for the younger generation, on and off the field.

Syndey Nieveen

Softball Instructor

Sydney's remarkable journey in collegiate softball is marked by consistent excellence and versatility. As a four-year starter at the NCAA Division II University of Sioux Falls, she established herself as a formidable player, both at the plate and on the field.

During her tenure at USF, Sydney achieved an impressive .330 career batting average, complemented by a robust .487 slugging percentage. Her prowess at the bat is further highlighted by her accumulation of 32 doubles and 16 home runs, placing her seventh all-time for home runs at USF. Additionally, her contribution of 92 RBIs ranks fifth in the university's all-time records, alongside a noteworthy 133 runs scored.

Not just limited to batting, Sydney also demonstrated remarkable skill as a dual-position player, dividing her time effectively between pitching and first base. In her pitching role, she maintained a commendable 2.90 ERA across 125.1 innings, showcasing her versatility and adaptability. Her defensive skills were equally impressive, with a career fielding percentage of .988, reflecting her reliability and finesse on the field.

Sydney's outstanding performances earned her 2nd team All-NSIC honors twice, underscoring her status as an elite player in her division. Her multifaceted skill set and significant achievements at the University of Sioux Falls make her an exemplary figure in collegiate softball.

Mackenzie Turner

Softball Instructor

With a background deeply rooted in Jefferson, Georgia, Mackenzie Turner has established herself as a passionate and experienced figure in the softball community. Her journey in the sport began at the age of 7 and has spanned multiple competitive levels, including travel ball teams like the Atlanta Vipers, Georgia Impact, and East Cobb Bullets.

Mackenzie’s high school career at Jefferson High School was marked by significant achievements. Playing varsity all four years, she earned accolades such as the GADC All-State Game selection, 1st Team All-Region, Blitz Player of the Year Nominee, and First Team All-State in her senior year.

Continuing her athletic and academic pursuits at Newberry College, Mackenzie earned multiple honors throughout her two years of competition. In her freshman year, she was named SAC Player of the Week in March 2022 and earned a spot on the Second Team All-Conference as a catcher. Her sophomore year saw her receiving Second Team All-Conference honors as a designated player (DP). Additionally, she was an active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), contributing to the enhancement of the student-athlete experience at Newberry College.

Despite facing several surgeries and injuries that led to the conclusion of her playing career, Mackenzie’s dedication to softball never waned. These experiences fueled her passion for coaching, where she now dedicates her time to mentoring young athletes who share the same dreams and aspirations she once had. Her approach to coaching is to help athletes understand more about the sport of softball, ensuring that her players receive the guidance and support they need to excel both on and off the field.

DJ Waters

Softball Instructor

Coach DJ brings over 10 years of experience helping athletes unlock their full potential. With a degree in Exercise Science from the University of North Georgia and certifications in Sports Performance and MORR training, he combines science-based methods with real-world coaching success.

Head Coach of GA Bombers Gold Waters 28/29 (3+ years)
Head Coach at Prince Avenue Christian Middle School (2019–present)
10+ years coaching athletes at every level
Specialized Hitting & Defense Instructor for 10+ years

Whether it’s building strength, improving performance, or sharpening hitting and defensive skills, Coach DJ is dedicated to developing athletes on and off the field.