About
The Athletic Zone
The Athletic Zone is a sports performance training facility focused on helping athletes reach their full potential on and off the field. We develop strength, speed, agility, and sport-specific skills while emphasizing discipline, confidence, and the mental side of the game.
Training is led by former players and coaches who have competed at high levels in their respective sports, providing athletes with experienced guidance and real-game insight. Athletes also have the opportunity to train on their own, encouraging them to put in extra work and take ownership of their development.
At The Athletic Zone, our goal is to build stronger athletes and well-rounded individuals prepared for success in sports and in life.
The Team
Kim Vardy
Coach
Kim Vardy is a highly respected softball pitching coach with more than 20 years of experience developing pitchers and athletes across the United States. A former pitcher at Northern Illinois University, she built a strong foundation in the game that has translated into a successful coaching career dedicated to helping athletes reach collegiate levels of competition.
Throughout her career, Vardy has coached at the high school level in Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas, and North Carolina, consistently elevating team performance and building strong pitching programs. She has also assisted local colleges with developing their pitching staffs and remains active in the travel softball community.
In addition to coaching, Vardy co-owns Athletic Zone with her husband, combining athletic skill training and sports performance to support young athletes’ development.
Kate Rice
Coach
Bio coming soon.
Shanan Hester
Coach
Bio coming soon.
Lacinda Melanson
Coach
Lacinda Melanson is a former collegiate standout and experienced softball coach with a strong background in player development at both the college and travel ball levels. A second baseman at the University of Tampa from 2001-2004, she helped lead the Spartans to a 123-69 record, a Sunshine State Conference championship, and three NCAA postseason appearances. Melanson earned Second-Team All-American honors, First-Team All-Region recognition, and three All-SSC selections. In 2022, she was inducted into the University of Tampa Athletic Hall of Fame.
Following her playing career, she served as a graduate assistant and later a full-time assistant coach at Louisiana-Monroe before becoming head coach at UNC Pembroke from 2008-2013. She has also coached with several travel organizations, including Davie Power, Gold Coast Hurricanes, Pembroke Pines Diamond Dusters, and Triangle Lightning.
Matt Kelley
Coach
Bio coming soon.
Take the first step.
We can’t wait to meet you
Chat with a staff member at our gym to learn more about what program will fit your goals.