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At BALA, we empower students to reach their full potential through innovative learning and dedicated mentorship.

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Meet Our BALA Team

Our dedicated team of educators is committed to fostering a nurturing and challenging environment for all students.

OUR LEADERSHIP

PETER CAREY

PETER CAREY

Peter Carey has been servicing his community for over 20 years. Coach Carey is the owner of Capo Boxing Gym, the club director of Capo FC, and the Head Varsity Soccer Coach at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. He served as a Student Dean from 2018-2021. Prior to SMES, he has coached College (2009-2018) and high school soccer (CUSD) since 2006.  A Marine Corps Veteran, father of 4, and active member of Calvary Chapel Church since childhood.

CHELSEA COOPER

CHELSEA COOPER

Chelsea Cooper has been teaching elementary school for the past ten years. She is passionate about helping students grow academically and personally while creating a positive, structured classroom environment. She is committed to helping students build confidence, responsibility, and strong moral character. Chelsea is a believer in Jesus Christ, loves spending time at the beach, and is a proud mom to her four year old son.

MICK VOLLMER

MICK VOLLMER

Mick Vollmer has been teaching and coaching for the past 22 years. He began his work in education as a fourth grade teacher in Capistrano Unified School District for several years. He then spent eleven years at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School where he was the Lead Teacher for the Lower School. His energetic and positive approach with connecting students has led to their success and joyful outlook to life. Walking by faith, he continues to teach and mentor middle and high school students. He is also the Head Surf Coach for Crean Lutheran High School. 

DAWNIELLE HODGMAN

DAWNIELLE HODGMAN

Dawnielle Hodgman has spent the last 15 years with Stand to Reason, helping students and adults alike grow in confidence as they defend their faith. She’s a wife of 25 years, a mom to three awesome boys (19, 16, and 12), and a longtime homeschooler. When she’s not working or hanging with her crew, you’ll find her hiking a trail, soaking up the sun, or on the hunt for great food.

OUR COACHES & TRAINERS

RUDY GARCIA

Boxing Coach

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Rudy Garcia is a third-generation boxer, born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. He started boxing at age 10 and grew up in the gym, training, sparring, and competing throughout his childhood, amassing over 70 amateur and professional bouts.

Rudy’s passion is the sport of boxing at the highest level. He believes that boxing instills self-awareness, discipline, and confidence. From the initial stages of learning boxing to the professional level, Rudy is your coach.

He is registered with the State of California as a professional boxing trainer and is a certified USA Boxing coach. Additionally, he is a certified trainer for the “Ready To Fight for Parkinson’s” program.

ALEX HERNANDEZ

Fitness Coach

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Alex is a Stretch Therapist and Recovery Specialist who graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Kinesiology in 2020. He also serves as the team Athletic Trainer for the men’s NISA Pro and USL teams at Capistrano FC.

Born and raised in Orange County, Alex is dedicated to supporting the youth in the community and gives his all to provide for the residents of San Juan. In his free time, he enjoys soccer, boxing, running, and spending his free time outdoors

CAMRYN MARSHALL

Jiu-Jitsu Coach

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I’m thankful to be a Jiu Jitsu coach for Bala academy! I love Jesus, jiu jitsu, adventure, art, and the beach! As much as I love hobbies and being adventurous, my faith is my number one! I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am without the love of Jesus. Life is a big adventure and I am so blessed that the creator of the universe is the author of my life! I’ve been training jiu jitsu for about 4 and a half years now! I wanted to try something new after playing soccer most of my life and after watching some cool videos on jiu jitsu and controlling your opponent and how technique mattered more than your size or build I thought it would be cool to try out. I was extremely nervous when I started out since I had never tried anything like it. I definitely “caught the bug” with jiu jitsu and wanted to be there all the time. I would say jiu jitsu has been the hardest but most rewarding parts of my life . It takes a lot of hard work, learning, effort, dedication, humbling, and repetition to finally start to get the hang of things, but it makes it that much more valuable when you get a breakthrough because really know you worked for it. I’ve competed a handful of times, I like to see the hard work you put in practice put to the test. I currently train as a purple belt and help coach the kids classes at Groundwork Jiu Jitsu in San Juan! Which is something I look forward to every week! I’m so thankful for the role and impact jiu jitsu has on my life! I’m constantly learning and growing. It’s taught me strength, confidence, tenacity, endurance, how to stay calm in a stressful situation, respect, and dedication. I am especially grateful for the community jiu jitsu creates! It definitely feels more like a family more than anything!

TBD

Wrestling Coach

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CONOR WARD

Soccer Coach

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Conor Ward is a collegiate soccer coach, educator and player development specialist with a passion for mentoring young athletes through sport, leadership and personal growth. He currently serves as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach and Kinesiology Instructor at Irvine Valley College, where he has helped build one of the top junior college soccer programs in California.
Originally from Scotland, Conor brings an international coaching background and extensive experience in player development, performance training and leadership education. He holds a UEFA B License and U.S. Soccer coaching qualifications, while also leading high-level professional & development environments through his work with Capistrano FC, Pro Soccer Consulting and Player Performance Academy.
Known for his high-energy approach and commitment to excellence, Conor is passionate about helping young people develop confidence, discipline, resilience and strong character both on and off the field. His coaching philosophy centers around building complete student-athletes through intentional mentorship, structured development and a culture rooted in accountability and growth.
At Bold As Lions Academy, Conor is committed to empowering students through athletic performance, leadership training, and faith-driven mentorship that prepares them to succeed in all areas of life

MICK VOLLMER

Surf Coach

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Mick Vollmer has been teaching and coaching for the past 22 years. He began his work in education as a fourth grade teacher in Capistrano Unified School District for several years. He then spent eleven years at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School where he was the Lead Teacher for the Lower School. His energetic and positive approach with connecting students has led to their success and joyful outlook to life. Walking by faith, he continues to teach and mentor middle and high school students. He is also the Head Surf Coach for Crean Lutheran High School. 

TI NGO

Girls Flag Football Coach

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Growing up in Texas as a refugee from Vietnam, Coach Ti Ngo was introduced to football at a young age. He quickly gained a passion for the game, as it helped lift him out of poverty.
Coach Ti graduated from the University of Texas where he won multiple club championships. His experience has spanned over four decades, from youth, college and all formats of men’s flag football.
As a coach, Coach Ti’s boy’s and girl’s teams have had great success, including two undefeated league championship seasons just this year, in the girl’s middle school division.
Coach Ti’s coaching philosophy is rooted in faith, family, community, hard work and perseverance. Coach Ti has served the Orange County community for over 20 years in law enforcement and looks forward to continue serving the community through coaching.

JAKE GELLATLY

Basketball Coach

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Jake Gellatly is a graduate of San Clemente High School and Point Loma Nazarene University. Jake is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He is currently the Freshman Boys Basketball Coach at San Clemente High School, as well as the owner of PAC Basketball Academy, a Christ centered club basketball program based in San Clemente. Jake resides in San Clemente with his wife, Madi, and they enjoy time with family, volunteering as youth ministry leaders together at South Shores Church, and being active with friends. Jake is passionate about developing young people’s athletic ability, skills, and love for Jesus and others through the game of basketball.

CARLOS GARCIA

Strength Coach

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Carlos Garcia Jr was born and raised right here in San Juan Capistrano. After high school, he attended Texas A&M Intl. where he played soccer and graduated with a bachelors degree in Kinesiology w/a focus in coaching.
Carlos is currently a Strength and Conditioning coach at Jserra Catholic High School where he has been for over 10 years, working with some of the nations top high school sports programs and athletes.
His training philosophy with our young adults includes learning quality mechanics and developing foundational strength. As well, exposure to multiple sports activities, cognitive exercises, and encouraging productive training habits. Not to be forgotten or undervalued- FUN! There is always a place for fun in the gym.
In his opinion, Knowledge of exercises, confidence in ability, and a healthy relationship with “the gym” at an early age can lead to enormous growth as these young adults continue to mature and are better prepared for high school and beyond.

A Message From Our Leaders

At Bold As Lions Academy, we believe that every young person is uniquely gifted with purpose, strength, and potential. Our mission is to create an environment where students are not only equipped academically, but also challenged to grow in character, faith, and resilience.

We are committed to walking alongside each student as they develop their skills, their confidence, and their relationship with Jesus Christ. Through rigorous academics, specialized athletic training, and intentional community-building, we prepare our students to lead boldly in whatever path they pursue.

Our team is passionate about cultivating leaders who are courageous, disciplined, and grounded in truth. It is our joy and privilege to serve our students and families, and to be a part of their journey as they rise to become bold as lions.

With gratitude,
The Bold As Lions Academy Leadership Team

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Our mission is to develop strong student athletes into bold, faithful leaders with Christ at the heart of our work.

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