Unveiling Athletics Gold – Tamborra… A New Era Begins For This Peach State-Based Travel Organization
As the sun sets on one remarkable chapter, a new dawn emerges for the realm of fastpitch softball in Georgia.
In the softball world, the name Stacy Tamborra is associated with nationally powerful club teams that are always competitive and stacked with talent.
As of this summer, Tamborra has begun a new era in travel ball in the South as she’s unveiled a new organization: Athletics Gold – Tamborra.
Previously, the well-known coach saw her previous Atlanta Vipers teams capture six national championship and finish 2nd this year in two top events—Boulder IDT (14U) and PGF 14U Nationals.
Reflecting upon her storied and successful journey with the Vipers, the coach’s sentiments echo heartfelt appreciation.
“It’s been an honor to contribute countless years of unyielding dedication to an organization that transcends mere teamwork—it’s a second home, a closely-knit family,” she explains.
Along the way, she says, the experience of cultivating relationships, crafting indelible memories and imparting invaluable wisdom—much of which was learned during her playing days at Florida State— have shaped her path in profound ways.
Today, Tamborra welcomes a new chapter and one fueled by her profound belief in the limitless potential of female athletes. She becomes animated and excited when discussing this new venture, a fast-expanding travel ball organization called “Athletics Gold” which should instantly become competitive in the crowded space of club competition.
“At the heart of Athletics Gold,” she begins, “lies steadfast dedication to our players’ growth and collegiate recruitment.”
This commitment—nurtured by her extensive background as a former standout college who earned All-ACC honors and was the conference’s MVP—carries profound weight.
With a 23-year legacy in Atlanta, Tamborra’s expertise has played a pivotal role in nurturing champions and cultivating elite talent. Her track record in producing college-level players has also been impressive.
“I want to empower young girls to work hard,” the long-time coach continues, “and realize their dreams of playing at the elite collegiate level though fundamentals and discipline with the responsibility of leaving a legacy behind for years to come.”
Dickey Vallery—a top 14U coach with over two decades of elite travel ball experience including placing over a dozen athletes in the SEC and ACC—returns to the diamond with the Athletics and looks forward to continuing their softball journeys together.
“Stacy and I have worked together in travel softball for the better part of two decades,” he says. “She has helped with my two daughters and look forward to her working with my granddaughter. Knowing Stacy as I have, she will bring passion, motivation and commitment to excellence as we build a flagship program. Fortunately, we have brought together great teams and individuals with like-minded focus and commitment.
Coach Tamborra returns the respect:
“Dickey is the one who brought me into the Vipers org 10 years ago,” she remembers. “He was always about the older teams pouring into the younger teams. That is something I value greatly and make a priority in my program.”
Jason Holbrook, the former Vipers coach and chairman, adds his voice to the chorus of those supporting the new program.
“Stacy Tamborra was always one of the Atlanta Vipers most successful coaches,” he says. “We would anticipate that success to continue with the new organization. She has always promoted the game of softball and pushed these young female athletes to be the best. I wish her continued success with this new endeavor and am 100 percent sure she will be successful!”
Mike Harris, who spend seven years with the Atlanta Vipers, also believes big things are in store for the new program.
“Stacy is a respected member of the softball community,” he states. “She advocates for female athletes, ensuring opportunities for every player to shine at the collegiate level.”
Jonathon Ray, whose coaching journey included stints with Vipers Holbrook and the Bombers squad led by Patrick Lewis, now finds himself at the helm of one of the program’s new teams: Athletics Gold Tamborra/Freeman 16U.
In addition to her extensive coaching career, Tamborra is also the owner of Champions Fastpitch Academy, a softball training facility she established in 2000 with the singular focus on the elite training of female athletes.
The Academy encompasses all areas of the game: pitching, hitting, catching, defense, and strength & performance training. There is cross-over, too, between the training facility and the travel ball organization as well.
Carey Schiller-Jones, who will coaching the 10U Athletics team and has been working with Tamborra at Champions for 20 years, has trained over 180 collegiate athletes and nurtured 15 NCAA All Americans.
Tamborra’s specialized expertise lies in training elite pitchers, and she has garnered attention as a pitching instructor on a national and even international scale, including working with the Chinese Taipei National team and helping the squad advance in the Olympic trials in Shanghai, China.
The former college pitcher has an impressive list of accomplished students which includes ESPY Award-winning Florida Gator pitcher Kelly Barnhill, a National Gatorade Player of the Year and several other standout pitchers such as Washington’s Kelley Lynch
The success that Tamborra has achieved hasn’t gone unnoticed, either—she has been named as an Extra Inning Softball Top 15-ranked Club Coach and has produced more than 40 players who’ve been listed in the Top 10 of the Extra Elite 100 rankings.
A profound dedication to player development is at the core of Athletics Gold and the coach stresses that this building up of athletes on and off the field will continue.
Pete Hamilton, another respected figure in the softball world, explains why he and his team have decided to wear the Athletics green and gold colors.
“It became evident that joining Athletics Gold – Tamborra was the optimal move for our players,” he explains. “I appreciate Stacy’s vision, expansive softball network, and recruiting acumen as equipping players with the finest trajectory to excel at the highest level, both now and in college”.
It’s also going to be a family affair with parents and children all involved:
- Stacy’s husband Steve Tamborra, who has been Georgia Tech’s Strength Coach since 1999, has shaped the careers of countless MLB athletes over his 28-year coaching career, along with several highly-decorated NFL and PGA athletes.
- Daughter, Malayna Tamborra, ranked in the Top 10 of the 2023 Extra Elite 100, made her mark as a Viper for 10 years, securing the GHSA Player of the Year title and earning PGF All-American pitcher accolades along with three national championships. Today, she is furthering her softball and academic career as a freshman at Auburn University.
- Younger daughter, Payton Tamborra, also a Top 10 ranked pitcher and corner infielder in the 2027 class, won four national titles in her eight years as a Viper and continues to impress as a varsity freshman starter North Cobb Christian in Kennesaw, Ga.
- Austin Tamborra, an elite centerfielder who received an impressive 8.5 Perfect Game ranking, is a dangerous home run hitter on the diamond and was also was named Player of the Year as a quarterback for Mount Paran Christian School, and he now excels as a freshman varsity player at North Cobb Christian.
With her family’s support and a new cast of talented coaches and players, Tamborra explains that she’s raring to go.
“Our players are our No. 1 priority,” Tamborra affirms. “This dedication to player development and recruitment forms the bedrock of Athletics Gold. The organization prides itself on a player-first, elite mindset, ensuring that every athlete reaches her fullest potential while competing on a national stage.”
The Athletics has formed a leadership team of trusted advisors, including coaches from within the organization, a parents’ panel, and external partners. The collective expertise of this team is designed to improve decision-making and expedite progress.
One coach who thought about retiring but is excited for the new opportunity is John Legere.
“After Alliance Nationals this summer,” he begins, “I had decided to hang up coaching travel ball and go back to coaching at the high school level. Stacy shared her vision with me and the idea renewed my interests.”
“I was offered the opportunity to coach the 18U team as a part of this inaugural year for Athletics Gold and, for me, the deciding factor was that Stacy’s vision was totally in line with mine. I’m excited to have the opportunity to help develop these players not only in the game of softball, but also as young ladies.”
“It is refreshing to be in an organization where I am supported in my vision that these ladies have unlimited value, not connected in any way to results on a softball field. I’m looking forward to hitting the dirt very soon with this talented group!”
Athletics Gold’s commitment to reinvesting in its players is also important and already evident.
“One hundred percent of all funds are directed back into the organization,” Tamborra explains.
“This support takes the form of player combines, recruiting seminars, coaching clinics, and participation in national-level tournaments like PGF, Alliance, Triple Crown, and Patriot Games.”
— Brentt Eads/Extra Inning Softball
