DACULA, Ga. — From middle school athletes to Olympians, one local coach is committed to everyone reaching their full potential.
The energy inside the weight room at Hebron Christian Academy in Gwinnett County is full steam to start the morning.
“A lot of magic happens here to get big and strong.” Gerritt Kemp is a junior. His football team is the first strength training class of the day. “You may still have sleepy eyes or dry eyes, but once you hit the weight room, it is intense,” Kemp said.
It’s turned up to maximum effort and is always upbeat. That’s the tone and effort their strength coach demands and demonstrates.
“There’s no doubt Coach gets the energy and blood flowing.” Kemp laughed. "He’s a high-intensity guy who brings a lot of energy to the room.” He added, “Coach makes us work really hard but makes it fun, too."
“This place is amazing.” Coach Spencer Arnold said. “I feel like my days at Hebron go by so fast.”
He never stops walking from athlete to athlete and checking each technique and moment. “
He’s paying attention to every detail on our bodies," said Max Steve, a sophomore. “He knows everything, every little technique and mechanic about lifting.”
Arnold may be in the business of building bodies but he’s a coach who knows true strength starts with the mind and spirit. It means a lot to the athletes.
“If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t be the same people we are,” Steve said.
“He’s a great example to us,” Kemp added. “Just being a man of faith and trusting in God every day.” Coach Arnold says it is a priority to him.
“Investing in kids is bigger than lifting the bar up and putting the bar down," he said. “It is easy to get self-consumed and make this whole elite sports game about your own honor and your own glory," he added. “Getting to work with kids on a life level is a good reminder [that] you aren’t that great and they need you.”
Arnold has faith in his athlete’s potential and ability, from Hebron Christian Academy students of all ages to the best in the world.
“It’s just a shock to find out that your lifting coach is also an Olympic strength coach,” Steve said.
After school, it’s off to Coach Arnold’s gym in Lawrenceville, Power and Grace Performance. This father of three coaches Team USA weightlifters, like Olympic silver medalist Kate Vibert and Olympian and World Medalist Jourdan Delacruz. Arnold coached both of them through the pandemic delay of the 2020 Games and through competition in the 2021 Tokyo Games.
With the 2024 Summer Olympics just around the corner, the lead-up to the Paris games is suddenly approaching quickly.
“Oh my gosh, we are here!" Coach Arnold laughed. “You can almost touch the finish line.”
Reaching the Olympics may be one of the pinnacles of sport, but Arnold’s passion and commitment are deep for every athlete.
“I remember leaving {a meet in} Saudi Arabia,” he said. “Jordyn medaled at the World Championships, and the very next person I coached was a 6th-grade girl.” He smiled, “The dichotomy is awesome.”
He says he finds himself using the same language for 7th-grade girls and boys and Olympic medalists. His student-athletes see how valuable it is to have the opportunity to learn from the very best. They are grateful.
“It kind of amazes me he’s working out with these great strong athletes putting 245 pounds over their heads like nothing and also working with me,” Max Steve said. “I feel special and blessed to work with someone like Coach Arnold."
This summer, they’ll cheer on their coach with the passion he’s taught them.
Kemp said, “I’m very excited for him—for him to have that opportunity is great. I’m just proud of him.”