The sound of footsteps pounding a spring floor reverberates through the restored mill on Grant Street on a muggy August afternoon in Clarkesville. There is a subtle scent of fresh vinyl and chalk in the air. Cars arrive outside, and kids in leotards and bouncing ponytails pour out while parents hurry inside with Stanley cups.
This area of the old mill was silent not long ago since the county-run gymnastics program it hosted was shut down due to budget cuts. The closure felt more like the absence of a whole community to the hundreds of local kids who used to train here than the closure of a structure.
Reign Elite Gymnastics, a family-run program co-owned by Neva and Kati Daniels, a mother-daughter team that started in Cleveland, Georgia, and has since established roots in Clarkesville, is now thriving once again in this area of the old mill.
According to Neva, we wanted to convey the magic we made in Cleveland to Clarkesville. The same energy, love, and enthusiasm that make our gym in Cleveland so unique.As families assemble and celebrate in the lively area they’ve created, mother-daughter team Neva and Kati Daniels stand tall and proud in the recently opened Clarkesville gym. (Habersham/Carly McCurry)
Program saved by privatization
The tough choice to shut down the county-funded program marked the beginning of Reign Elite’s narrative. Tim Sims, the manager of Habersham County, said the decision was made based on basic math.
According to Sims, the primary cause was financial limitations in the previous year’s budget. By privatizing gymnastics, the county has saved almost $240,000. The county is saving $240,000 by privatizing that function because last year’s anticipated expenses was $470,300 and receipts totaled $231,300 to offset those expenses.On August 9, 2025, Cody Honeycutt and his daughters Saylor and Blakely celebrate the opening day at Reign Elite in Clarkesville, beaming with pride. (Habersham/Carly McCurry)
The Daniels family filled the void when Habersham realized it was going to lose an important member of its community. According to Neva, this provided us with the chance to assist the community in maintaining gymnastics and cheerleading in Habersham County.
The Clarkesville branch opened for business on August 9. With the help of the Reign team and devoted supporters, over $30,000 was spent to renovate the building, add new equipment, upgrade safety features, and rearrange the floor plan to provide room for more students and increase productivity.
A different kind of gym
The facility has pit bars, preschool equipment, a competition gymnastics floor, a competition cheer floor, a middle/high school recreational competitive cheer floor, and equipment for all four Olympic events. Free Wi-Fi, free coffee in the parent observation area of the gym, an extra lobby viewing room, and round-the-clock security are among the facilities.
Daniels maintains, however, that Reign’s people are what really set it apart. According to her, the bulk of our employees are qualified elementary, middle, or high school teachers who have either taught here in the past or are now employed in Habersham or White County. We also have certified gymnastics judges and retired military personnel. The coaching team is knowledgeable, competent, and well-rounded.The skilled employees of Reign Elite are highlighted on this bulletin board, which highlights their accomplishments, experience, and commitment to the sport. (Habersham/Carly McCurry)
Young gymnasts have recognized and valued that staff-to-athlete connection.
Hazel, 11, who has been training for eight years, stated, “I love that the coaches meet you where you are and help each of the gymnasts instead of focusing on only a couple.” Instead of abandoning us, they stay and coach with us.
Regarding the changeover, Lenay Gerrin, who is currently the Recreation Special Events and Programs Manager for Habersham County, was excited about the business, saying that their commitment keeps the sport accessible to the community, allowing athletes of all ages to learn, develop, and fall in love with everything gymnastics has to offer.
From acrobatics to elite coaching
Neva Daniels’ love for gymnastics started at a young age. She began dancing and doing acrobatics when she was five years old. After noticing her enthusiasm, her mother enrolled her in gymnastics, where she soon became an expert. Daniels began coaching at the age of 14.
She received instruction from some of the most renowned figures in the sport, such as Craig Smith, a pioneer in trampoline and tumbling, and the late Pat Yeager, a member of the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
According to Daniels, Craig frequently brought in internationally recognized coaches. Gymnastics is continually changing, and I think that in order to provide athletes with the greatest training possible, it is crucial to be informed.
Building a foundation for life
The importance of the sport extends well beyond its physical aspects for both Daniels women.
According to Neva, gymnastics improves focus, discipline, confidence, and body awareness. It instills tenacity and the belief that hard work, not quick achievement, is the path to development. Additionally, those abilities translate into cheerleading, volleyball, diving, track, and life in general.
13-year-old Elise, a ten-year gymnast, has witnessed that personally.
Elise stated, “I think the coaching is more upbeat and supportive overall.” Instead of pressuring us to perform abilities we are uncomfortable with, the coaches support us where we are.
“I have seen so many girls grow mentally and in their skills,” she continued.
A fresh start, but with familiar faces
Even though the program is new, some of the connections to the county’s history are still evident. Reign has continued coaching many of the athletes from the former public program and has retained some of the same class formats, though, as Neva Daniels puts it, bigger, better, and more exciting than ever.
Additionally, it has increased opportunities. The gym now offers leisure lessons for kids ages 16 months to 18 years old, as well as several competitive gymnastics and cheerleading levels.The viewing area at Reign Elite is crowned by a long line of shining trophies, which bear witness to the gym’s accomplishments and the champions who have trained there. (Habersham/Carly McCurry)
The change has been invigorating for Heather Benton, whose daughters left the county program.
As my daughters transitioned from the county program to Reign, we all understandably felt a bit nervous, but also a lot of excitement and hope for bigger and better experiences. This change has impacted our family by reigniting a love of competitive gymnastics and fostering a renewed commitment to the nurturing and growth of our daughters skills, Benton told Now Habersham.
Accessibility and affordability
Privatization often raises questions about access, but the Daniels emphasize they re committed to keeping Reign within reach. Although the staff is paid more and has greater credentials, the prices are a little higher than those in the county. The difference, however, in cost is minimal, said Neva, and for families who previously paid out-of-county fees, the new rates are actually more affordable.
Military families, numerous siblings, multi-class enrollments, and others are eligible for discounts. Families can pay month-to-month, with no long-term contracts, and the gym operates on a generous you only pay for what you attend policy.
Scholarships aren t in place yet, but Daniels said individual families have stepped in to help cover costs when needed.
Community at the core
Reign s commitment to community runs deep. Beyond the gym floor, the Clarkesville location plans to sponsor local schools and athletic initiatives, join the Chamber of Commerce, and respond when needs arise.
If the community or businesses are in need, we ll do our best to help out, they offered.The expansive floor at Reign Elite is ready for action, offering athletes a space to practice, perform, and perfect their skills. (Habersham/Carly McCurry)
That ethos mirrors the welcoming atmosphere parents say they feel when they walk through the door. One mom, Katie Honeycutt, stated, I never expected to be a cheer and gymnastics mom, and you don t realize how much skill, talent, and athleticism it takes until you re in it. I fell into the role of cheer mom, and it s a lot of work. Reign offers so many varieties of programs, and they are incredibly inclusive.
Looking ahead
The Clarkesville branch has 75 students and is growing strong. On November 1, the competitive gymnastics team will hold a mock meet at the Cleveland location. Their first official competition is scheduled for December 6, and All-Star cheerleading teams will begin competing in February 2026.
For the Daniels, those milestones are just the beginning. They see the Clarkesville gym as more than a training facility. It s the preservation of an entire ecosystem that ensures another generation of Habersham gymnasts can learn, grow, and thrive right here at home.
New student Cataleigh Scott sums it up best: I am very excited to get started.
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Get in Contact: To learn more about Reign Elite of Clarkesville, visit the facility at 583 Grant Street, Clarkesville, GA 30523, call 706-898-3040, or email[email protected]. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
