In 2022, the Blue Lightning Coaching Staff produced 41 national Junior Olympians, 21 all Americans, 52 recent qualifiers, 69 district qualifies, more than 200 PR’s, and qualified more than 84% of the Summer roster to the National Junior Olympics Games.
The Blue Lightning Track Club’s coaches are passionate about developing youth athletes. Collectively, we bring more than 60 years of combined youth, collegiate, national and international track and field experience to the team. We are comprised of NCAA All-Americans, Collegiate Conference Champions, High School State Champions and record holders, Regional Champions, MVP Award Recipients, and Sports Hall of Famers. Professionally, we are business owners, consultants, managers, educators, counselors, human resources professionals, community advocates, and project managers.
Steve Strother
Head Coach - Sprints/Relays
Coach Steve is the Head Coach and founder of the Blue Lightning Track Club, and a 4-time NCAA Track and Field All-American, 11-time All-SEC Sprinter, SEC Champion, Certified Vertimax Speed Trainer, and Hall of Famer. He brings tremendous track & field and coaching experience and skill to youth athletes.
Education
Auburn University Alumni
Hometown: New Rochelle, NY
Sierra Calhoun
Hurdle/Jumps/Throws Coach
Coach Calhoun Competed for UNF in the heptathlon. Event expertise (Shot Put, Javelin, Discus, Hurdles, Sprints, Jumps, 400). She is the Assistant Track Coach at Newton H.S. (2021-Current). Formally the Head Girls Track & field and Weightlifting coach Edward H White HS.
Education
University of North Florida
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fl.
Chad King
Middle Distance Coach
I am Coach King. I’ve been an educator for the past 17 years. I participated in track in high school: long jump, 400m, 4×400, and 4×100. I coached youth athletes (basketball) for over 10 years. Track and field have always been a joy for me to be a part of. I am excited to pass along a love for running while instilling confidence in young athletes to be put forth the best they have to offer.
Education:
Fort Valley State University
Hometown:
Roderick David Coach D
Throws/Sprints/Relays
Coach David is a Level 1 Certified USATF Coach and has coached youth athletes for 16 years. He is a retired marine of 20 years. Known to the Blue Lightning Track Club as “Coach D” – he is well-rounded in multiple track and field events and competed in cross country, 100, 200, 400, 4×200, and the long jump in high school.
Garfield White Coach G / 800
800/1500
Bio coming – Until it arrives, Coach G is the best! He’s an integral member of the coaching staff and Blue Lightning Track Club family! He is super dedicated, goes the extra mile for athletes and coaches, and the parents and athletes love him.
– Steve Strother, Head Coach
Felicia Curtis
Team Coordinator
Felicia is an awesome team coordinator and often the first point of contact for every parent and athlete coming to the team. She coordinates athlete opportunities through Blue Lightning Test-Drive program designed to find the best talent. In addition to handling many moving parts behind the scenes, Felicia is also known organizing THE BEST TEAM BBQ’S ever! 🙂
Eileen Fraise
Publicist / Planning Staff
I am delighted to introduce myself as a Staff member and dedicated parent of a Champion of the Blue Lightning Track Club. As an educator for 22 years and counting, I worked along side some of the most committed and knowledgeable group of colleagues and team members.
Our coaching staff includes USATF Certified coaches, full athletic scholarship recipients, and graduates from top academic and athletic programs in the United States.
Our coaches are consummate students of track and field and the latest coaching techniques for improving the sport. In addition to exposing youth to the exciting world of track and field and the latest training fundamentals for speed, strength, and endurance, we emphasize a positive and motivational team environment. Mentoring is an essential part of our coaching philosophy. We focus on developing a Champion’s mindset within each athlete and bringing out their best on the track, in the classroom, and most importantly, in their communities.
We invite you to review our coaching staff through the profiles below.
Note: Our coaches are background-screened by the AAU.
