Lower School Athletics - Greater Atlanta Christian School

Lower School Athletics - Greater Atlanta Christian School
Lower School Athletics
The GAC Athletic Department strives to create a positive, fun, and development-focused environment on campus for our young Spartans of varying ability levels… from beginners to competitive athletes.  No matter the level of your child and their athletic pursuits, we always want to provide a Christ-centered community striving for a healthy life balance of academics, athletics, family activities and other pursuits.
We are excited that we can continue to grow and expand the opportunities for our young Spartans to be involved in GAC Athletics!  See the coming opportunities below.
Fall
Winter
Spring
GAC Tennis Academy
Spartan Aquatic Club
Tackle Football, 5th - 6th Grade Boys
Flag Football, 1st - 4th Grade Boys and Girls
Girls' Volleyball, 4th - 6th Grade Girls
Baseball
Auxiliary Programs, All Ages
Our 5th & 6th Grade tackle football team is focused on fundamentals, learning proper techniques, having fun, and competing against other local schools.  Practices and games are after school during the week with games on Thursdays.  We look forward to another successful season this fall!
Register Here
for more information.
There are summer workout opportunities available to players to get a head start on the season.  For details about these opportunities, please contact Coach Chris Sharp at
csharp@gac.org
With questions reach out to Coach Chris Sharp at
csharp@gac.org
or Coach Tim Hardy at
thardy@gac.org
Our flag football program continues to grow and will include after school practices during the week and Saturday morning games.  Games will consist of intra-league competition against other GAC teams as well as some games against other local private school flag football teams.
With questions reach out to Coach Jake Thompson at
mtjake27@gmail.com
or Joe Sandoe at
jsandoe@gac.org
We are excited to expand our volleyball opportunities to include a 4th-6th Grade team that will practice 1-2 times each week and play 1-2 games each week against other private school opponents.
There are summer workout opportunities available to players to get a head start on the season.  For details about these opportunities, please contact Coach Crystal Brittain at
CBrittain@GAC.org
With questions reach out to Coach Crystal Brittain at
CBrittain@GAC.org
or Joe Sandoe at
jsandoe@gac.org
Ages to be determined based on interest (see details below)
Please Note:
We encourage our young athletes to be multi-sport athletes!  Countless research studies discourage sport specialization at the elementary age.  This team and its schedule is designed to compliment our fall sports options to allow athletes to be a part of another sport while keeping their baseball skills fresh.  This team is not intended to replace playing a fall sport.  We encourage anyone on this team to consider playing other sports as well.
We’re excited to announce the launch of a new travel baseball program that will practice at GAC!  Many families have shared how difficult it is to find competitive baseball options that are fun, affordable, and prioritize development for our kids. We’re building a competitive, purpose-driven program where player growth and a positive baseball experience are the priorities. We’ll do it in a Christ-like environment. If you’re looking for a better travel baseball experience, we invite you to join us for an information meeting next Tuesday.
We will likely start with building a 10U team, but will look to add teams based on the level of interest.  If your elementary aged son has any interest at all, we encourage you to attend the meeting so we can begin to plan based on our anticipated numbers.
Interest and Informational Zoom Meeting:
Tuesday, May 13th at 7:30 PM
Zoom Link Here
If you are interested but cannot attend the meeting, please reach out to Joe Sandoe at
jsandoe@gac.org
With questions reach out to Coach Josh Thames at
joshthames.counseling@gmail.com
or Joe Sandoe at
jsandoe@gac.org
In addition to the athletics programs listed above, remember that we also offer seasonal options through our
Tennis Academy
Aquatics Club
, and
Discovery After-School
auxiliary programs. Take a look at their specific websites for more details.
With questions reach out to Jennifer Lofton at
jlofton@gac.org
Winter 2025 Offerings
Boys’ Basketball, K5 - 5th Grade Boys
Girls’ Basketball, K5-5th Grade Girls
Practice with the Spartans
Winter Season Wrestling
Lacrosse Clinic Day, K-5th Grade Boys and Girls
Start Date
: December 6, 2025
End Date
February 7, 2026
Sessions
Saturday Mornings
9:00 - 10:00 AM for K5-1st Grade
10:00 - 11:00 AM for 2nd-3rd Grade
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM for 4th-5th Grade
Cost
$225
Contact:
Coach Scepter Brownlee at
sbrownlee@gac.org
or Joe Sandoe at
jsandoe@gac.org
Notes
At Greater Atlanta Christian School, our mission for youth basketball is simple yet powerful:
to teach the fundamentals of the game in a fun, competitive environment, while encouraging every player to model Christ-like behavior in both victory and defeat.’
Our goal is for every child to grow not only as a basketball player, but also in character, sportsmanship, and teamwork.  This winter, we are excited to offer our 3v3 Skills & Developmental Basketball League for boys in grades K5–5. This league combines focused skill development with competitive game play, allowing young athletes to fall in love with the game while learning to play the right way.  GAC 3v3 will be directed by Coach Scepter Brownlee, who is entering his 20th year of teaching and instructing youth basketball. With 14 years of college coaching experience at both the men’s and women’s levels, Coach Brownlee brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a heart for developing young athletes on and off the court.
Start Date
:  January 10, 2026
End Date
February 14, 2026
Sessions
Saturdays from 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Cost
$185
Contact:
Coach Jes Guarneri at
jguarneri@gac.org
or Joe Sandoe at
jsandoe@gac.org
Notes:
Our Girls’ Basketball program will host multiple Saturday skill development clinics for girls in K5-5th grade this winter.  We’re excited for our varsity players and coaches to be involved with our young Spartans to help them develop both their skill and their passion for the game of basketball.
The GAC Varsity Football team will host “Practice with the Spartans” on October 16.  Students will have an opportunity to experience football drills coached by the varsity players and staff as well as tour the team’s field house to see the locker room, meeting room, and more!  There will be a chance for students to take some photos that will be shared with parents.  It will be a fun, exciting day for our young Spartans to feel like varsity Spartans for the afternoon!
Who:
All students in Grades 1-5
Date
:  October 16, 2025
Time
3:30 - 4:45 PM
Cost
Free, but registration required by
Friday, October 10th
Registration
:  Please use this
Practice with the Spartans Registration
form
Contact:
Joe Sandoe at
jsandoe@gac.org
Notes:
Parents are welcome to come watch the event in Spartan Stadium.  Students should bring a t-shirt, shorts, and athletic shoes to change into right before dismissal.  They will be picked up from the Lower School by GAC staff and taken to the stadium for the event.  More details will be sent to all registered participants the week of the event.
Who:
All students in Grades K5-5
Day and Time
Wednesday Afternoons from 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Dates
November 5, 12, 19
December 3, 10
January 7, 14, 21, 28
Optional tournament dates to be sent to registered participants once season begins
Cost
$150 (billed to student account)
Registration
: Use this
Lower School Athletics Winter 2025-2026 Registration
form by Oct 10.
Contact:
Joe Sandoe at
jsandoe@gac.org
Notes:
Our Lower School wrestlers will practice after school on Wednesday afternoons this winter.  They will be picked up from school and walked to the wrestling room where they will work on learning skills and techniques from 4:00-5:00 PM.  There will also be a few optional opportunities for the wrestlers to join their coaches and teammates to participate in some weekend youth wrestling tournaments held outside of GAC.  More details on specific tournaments to come.
Date:
November 12, 2025
Time
: 3:30 - 4:45 PM
Cost:
$20
Contact:
Coach Will Munley at
wmunley@gac.org
, Coach Andrea Braun at
abraun@gac.org
, or Joe Sandoe at
jsandoe@gac.org
Notes
: Our varsity boys’ and girls’ lacrosse programs are proud to announce a winter lacrosse clinic day for elementary boys and girls to come try the game and learn from our varsity players and both the boys’ and girls’ coaching staffs.  It will be an exciting day full of energy, learning the game, and having a lot of fun.  Don’t miss this great afternoon!  If your child has interest in playing on a GAC Lower School Lacrosse team this spring, please be sure to complete the
2026 Spring Lacrosse Interest Form
to help us plan for the season.
Winter 2025 Offerings
Content
Boys Lacrosse Team A, 4th-5th Grade Boys
Boys Lacrosse Team B, 1st-3rd Grade Boys
Girls Lacrosse Team, 3rd-5th Grade Girls
Track & Field, K5-5th Grade Boys & Girls
Running Club, 1st-5th Grade Boys & Girls
Cheerleading Clinic
Wrestling Skills
Start Date:
Late January
End Date:
Late April
Practices
: Tuesdays and Thursdays at GAC from 3:30-4:45 PM
Games:
Saturdays
Cost:
$250 (billed to student account)
Contact:
Coach Will Munley
or
Joe Sandoe
Notes
: The Lower School Boys Lacrosse Team A will practice on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The team will play games on Saturday mornings, with the specific dates and times to be released by the league at a later date. The focus of this team will be continual development of athletes’ lacrosse skills, working together as a team, and putting lacrosse skills to use in Saturday competitions. An interest meeting for Lower School Boys Lacrosse will be held via Zoom at
7:00 PM
on
Wednesday, January 7
. This meeting will cover team details and commitment levels and will allow you to hear from Coach Munley.
Use this link for the meeting
Start Date:
Late January
End Date:
Late April
Practices
: Tuesdays and Thursdays at GAC from 3:30-4:45 PM
Games:
Saturdays
Cost:
$250 (billed to student account)
Contact:
Coach Will Munley
or
Joe Sandoe
Notes
: The Lower School Boys Lacrosse Team B will practice on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The team will play games on Saturday mornings, with the specific dates and times to be released by the league at a later date. The focus of this team will be learning the fundamentals of lacrosse, teamwork, and having fun. An interest meeting for Lower School Boys Lacrosse will be held via Zoom at
7:00 PM
on
Wednesday, January 7
. This meeting will cover team details and commitment levels and will allow you to hear from Coach Munley.
Use this link for the meeting
​​​​​​​
Start Date:
Late January
End Date:
Late April
Practices:
Tuesdays and Thursdays at GAC from 3:30-5:00 PM
Games:
Saturday Mornings
Cost:
$250 (billed to student account)
Contact:
Coach Shane Woodward
or
Joe Sandoe
Notes:
The Lower School Girls Lacrosse Team will practice on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and play games on most Saturday mornings. This team is based on developing fundamental skills, having fun, and competing against other teams.  An interest meeting to learn more about this team, the level of commitment, and meet Coach Woodward will be held via Zoom at
7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 7.
Use this link for the meeting
Date:
Saturday, April 25
Time:
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost:
$25 (billed to student account)
Contact:
Coach Brad Kinser
or
Joe Sandoe
Notes
: The GAC Track and Field team will host a one-day Lower School Track and Field meet on Saturday, April 25. Participating athletes will have a chance to compete in age-group events such as the 50-meter dash, 100-meter dash, 400-meter run, 1600-meter run, hurdles, and long jump.  There will be a lot of fun, medals, and smiles as our young Spartans learn about the events that make up Track and Field competition.
Start Date:
February 3, 2026
End Date:
April 30, 2026
Sessions:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 - 8:00 AM
Cost:
$100 (billed to student account)
Contact:
Coach Chase Parks
or
Joe Sandoe
Notes
: Join varsity cross country coach, Chase Parks, for our spring Running Club.  Athletes will meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 7:30 AM in the Bowen Gym at the Elementary School to run together and track their miles. Attendance at every Tuesday and Thursday morning run is not mandatory to be part of the Running Club, but regular attendance is highly encouraged to maintain consistency and see progress.
Dates:
Monday, March 2 & Monday, March 16
Time:
3:30-5:00 PM
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Coach Karyn Ivester
Coach Misty Wilson
or
Joe Sandoe
Notes
: The GAC Varsity Cheerleading program will put on a free clinic for girls in Grades 2-5. Girls should bring athletic clothing to change into, tennis shoes, and come with their hair pulled up.  They will get an exciting taste of GAC cheerleading, learning from our varsity cheerleaders and coaches.  They will learn some cheers that the varsity team uses on Friday nights and even build a few stunts. Parents will receive additional information after registering.
Start Date:
March 2
End Date:
April 29
Sessions
: Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 PM (option to register for 1 or 2 days a week)
Cost:
$125 for 2 days a week; $75 for 1 day a week (billed to student account)
Contact:
Coach Ryan Millho
f or
Joe Sandoe
Notes
: The GAC Wrestling program and Coach Millhof will hold wrestling skills clinics on Monday and Wednesday afternoons this spring. Sessions will include skill development, 1v1 wrestling, competitions, and more.
register today
The GAC junior tennis academy offers a full range of development opportunities for all levels players.  All players in the age range of 4 – 18 are able to take advantage of before, during or after school training.  One of the unique advantages that we offered to all GAC players is the ability to take lessons during the school day at the our indoor facility.  Additionally we offer league play through USTA and ALTA along with tournament play opportunities for all players.  If your family is looking for the right place to develop your juniors tennis game, the GAC tennis academy is the place for you! Visit our
GAC Tennis Academy
page for more information.
If you are interested in playing, email our Director of Tennis Scott Hutchinson:
shutchinson@greateratlantachristian.org
Register at
gac.campbrainregistration.com
12-month Membership Fee of $195 is required
FALL OFFERINGS
FEES
DATES
DAYS
TIME
8u Drills
1 day $400/2 days $780
January 8th– May 17th (Indoors)
Tu & TH
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
10u Drills
1 day $800; 2 days $1550; 3 days $1800
January 8th– May 17th (Indoors)
Mon, Wed, Fri
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
12u Drills
1 day $800; 2 days $1550; 3 days $1800
January 8th– May 17th (Indoors)
Mon, Wed, Fri
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
14u Drills
Wednesday $675 / Friday $800 / 2 Days $1,400
January 8th– May 17th (Indoors)
Wed & Fri
(Wed) 2:30- 4:00 p.m.
(Fri) 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
18u Drills
Wednesday $675 / Friday $800 / 2 Days $1,400
January 8th– May 17th (Indoors)
Wed & Fri
Wed) 2:30- 4:00 p.m.
(Fri) 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Enrichment Tennis
Cost: $675
January 10 - May 15 (Indoors)
Wed
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
We are a year-round USA Swim Club Team, serving the greater Atlanta area in the world-class Freeman Aquatic Center at Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) led by World Championship Medalist Head Coach Karl Krug. All of our coaches, as members of the American Swimming Coaches Association, have access to the most comprehensive training and certification program for youth coaches of any sport in the United States. We offer professional coaching for all levels of our sport and can help each individual achieve their goals. The Spartan Aquatics Club offers swimming for all ages and skill levels including non-GAC athletes so we encourage you to invite all of your swim friends to join our program. Swimmers must be able to swim a 25 freestyle and 25 backstroke on their own to be on the team.
Prices Per for Month for 11 Months
Little Spartans (K-3rd grade*, 2 Days a Week)
$130
Spartans (2nd/3rd grade-5th grade*, 3 Days a Week)
$185
Age Group (Middle School*)
$240
Senior Prep (High School*)
$220
Senior 2 (High School*)
$275
Senior 1 (High School*)
$290
*Age groupings are approximate and may vary based on evaluation and ability
For more information please visit the
Spartan Aquatic Club
page
or Register at
gac.campbrainregistration.com