by 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. Though, as Neva Daniels states, “bigger, better, and more exciting than ever,” Reign has kept some of the same class formats and has continued to coach many of the athletes from the previous public program.
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.
We were all naturally a little anxious as my girls moved from the county program to Reign, but we were also filled with enthusiasm and hope for greater and better experiences. Our family has been affected by this shift since it has rekindled our passion for competitive gymnastics and given us a fresh dedication to developing our children’ abilities, Benton told Now Habersham.
Accessibility and affordability
The Daniels stress that they are dedicated to keeping Reign within reach, despite the fact that privatization frequently creates concerns about access. Although the staff is paid more and has greater credentials, the prices are a little higher than those in the county. However, Neva stated that the cost difference is negligible and that the new prices are actually more affordable for households that previously paid out-of-county fees.
Military families, numerous siblings, multi-class enrollments, and others are eligible for discounts. Families can pay on a monthly basis; there are no long-term agreements, and the gym has a generous “pay for what you attend” philosophy.
Although scholarships are not currently available, Daniels stated that private families have stepped forward to assist with expenses as required.
Community at the core
Reign has a strong dedication to the community. In addition to the gym floor, the Clarkesville site intends to join the Chamber of Commerce, sponsor neighborhood schools and sports programs, and help out when needed.
They said they would try their utmost to assist businesses or the community in need.Reign Elite’s large floor is prepared for action, giving athletes a place to hone their abilities via practice, competition, and performance. (Habersham/Carly McCurry)
The inviting atmosphere that parents report feeling as soon as they enter through the door is reflected in that ethos. “I never expected to be a cheer and gymnastics mom,” said Katie Honeycutt, one mother. “You don’t realize how much skill, talent, and athleticism it takes until you’re in it.” I became a cheer mom, which is a really demanding job. Reign is quite inclusive and provides a wide range of programming.
Looking ahead
With 75 students, the Clarkesville branch is expanding. The competitive gymnastics team will have a practice meet at the Cleveland site on November 1. All-Star cheerleading teams will start competing in February 2026, with their first formal competition set for December 6.
Those milestones are only the beginning for the Daniels. For them, the Clarkesville gym is more than just a place to work out. Another generation of Habersham gymnasts will be able to learn, develop, and flourish right here at home thanks to the preservation of a complete environment.
Cataleigh Scott, a new student, puts it best: I can’t wait to get started.
_____
Make Contact: Reign Elite of Clarkesville may be reached by phone at 706-898-3040, email at [email protected], or in person at 583 Grant Street, Clarkesville, GA 30523. Additionally, you may follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
