I am currently the owner and founder of Champions Training Academy here in LaGrange. This consumes most of my life and I love it. My heart was to create a safe, fun environment for kids to grow and not only discover their dreams but to reach them! Champions has grown to be just that, with over 50 competitive gymnasts and 25 competitive cheerleaders just this season, we are seeing kids grow in their confidence, build awesome friendships and continue to improve their skills every day. My most favorite thing is welcoming in every child and parent! Seeing their little faces light up and to speak life into their hearts, as well as the parents. I am a woman of Faith and I have the opportunity to pray with parents weekly. This world we live in is tough and parents walk through these doors exhausted. I can’t fix everyone’s problems, but I sure can extend the same grace God has given me through prayer. Champions is also incredibly diverse. Almost every class in the gym is filled with kids from different backgrounds. This is truly a blessing. We are so thankful to be able to have an environment where kids and parents feel accepted, loved and challenged to be better. Champions Staff could not be more fun and energetic! We are so blessed to have such amazing staff with dedication, heart, talent and determination to make children grow in all activities. Champions has something for everyone! Aerial Silks, Ninja Gladiators, Gymnastics, Cheerleading and our Competition Teams! We are excited to continue to impact the LaGrange Community. We have recently partnered with Jackson Services to keep our athletes cool. Our new air conditioning units will be put in next week! Our goal is to always improve, every year we want people to realize how far we’ve come and how we continue to make it awesome. We are one big family and everyone is welcome!
About Pattie Harrelson
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married 20 years in April to Joshua Harrelson. We have 3 beautiful children: Asher is 16, McCarty is 14 and Ashlyn is almost 13 yrs old. We have a farm here in LaGrange where I take care of 23 goats, 3 chickens, 4 dogs and 2 cats. We have been in LaGrange almost 10 years.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Before we moved to Atlanta my husband and myself were both University Campus Ministers. Then I worked in the Anti-Human Trafficking arena. Lobbying the capital to change bills and also to rescue girls right off the streets. When we moved to LaGrange I began exploring others hobbies like art. We actually built our own home together and then during Covid, I started a fogging company. All of these things, gave me the strength and fortitude to start Champions. This was the scariest leap of Faith I’ve ever made. What I love most about what I do is a great question. I love interacting with so many families and kids! I love giving kids hugs and speaking life into their hearts. When kids ring the bell in the gym representing that they’ve learned a new skill, I come running in from my office and make them show me! I LOVE this.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
If you know that you are suppose to do something in this world, don’t let obstacles stop you. Nothing is impossible with God. Go after God sized dreams and see what happens.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I will be doing the exact same thing but maybe in a bigger building, with double the staff. We always want to be growing and giving opportunities to staff members and athletes.
Pattie Harrelson & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We love Mare Sol, Venucci’s, Karvella’s, Cafe Brulee’, Crave Cookie and Scoops
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived and worked in this community for almost 10 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I would have to say Sandy Lee (Boss Lady) at Marriott. I love her style, her leadership in the community and her personaliy.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
We would have to say Del’avant Event Center. It’s an historic part of the LaGrange history and we love attending events there.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
It has to be the Christmas Parade. I’ve be in it almost every year with being a fitness instructor to now having Champions kids represent. My kids absolutely love it.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Billy Graham and I would take him to Mare Sol.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
You’ve got mail is still one of my all time favorite movies.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was an art major in school. I love to paint with oils, acrylics, and draw with pencils.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
An amazing plate of sushi
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Priscilla Shirer
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Relax, food, family
