Meet The Coaches - Bethesda Academy

Antwain Turner
(Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, Chaplain, and MS Basketball Coach)

Antwain Turner grew up in Atlanta, GA and graduated from Lakeside High School in 1997. Upon graduation, he later attended Savannah State University where he awarded a football scholarship and majored in Computer Information Systems. In 2002, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree at Savannah State University. Contrary to his goals in college, he decided to follow the passion God placed in his heart, which was to work with youth. He continued his education and received a Masters Degree in Ministry at Covington Theological Seminary. Antwain began his career at Bethesda Academy in August of 2002. Currently, he serves as the Chaplain, Athletic Director and the Head Football Coach and Middle School Basketball Coach. He had the privilege of pioneering the football program at Bethesda in 2004, beginning with eight-man football. As the head football coach, Antwain has led the Bethesda Blazers to winning three Region Championships and two State Runner-ups. He has had the opportunity to Coach in four All Star games. In addition, he has also earned the SCISA Region Coach-of-the-Year in 2015 and 2019. He also received the Prep Sports Report Coach of the Month for 2015, Savannah Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coach of the Month in 2016. As an Athletic Director, he has led the Bethesda Athletic Program to winning two State Championships and four State Runner-Ups in basketball, as well as one State Championship in Track-in-Field and two State Runner-Ups. He is married to Petrina Turner and they have three handsome young men, Jadon, Jordan, and Justin Turner.

Clevan Thompson

(Head Basketball Coach, Assistant Football Coach, and Head Track Coach)

Clevan Thompson was born in Kingston, Jamaica where his love for education, athletics and a passion for helping people began. Coach Thompson relocated to Bell Glade, Florida and graduated from Glade Central Community High School. Upon receiving a football scholarship, he attended Savannah State University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Education from American Intercontinental University and a Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration from American Public University. Coach Thompson has been employed by Bethesda Academy since December of 2002. During his tenure, Coach Thompson has served as Defensive Coordinator for Football; Head Coach for Junior Varsity Football, Varsity Basketball and Head Coach for Track and Field. Coach Thompson has led the Varsity Basketball program to twelve Final Four appearances and eight State Championships resulting in two state titles. He has also led Track and Field to one state championship. Coach Thompson has received both GISA and SCISA Basketball Coach of the Year awards, as well as a SCISA Track Coach of the Year award. Coach Thompson has also been a part of the Down Under Sports group where he has coached internationally for 6 years.

Doug Dixon

(Defensive Coordinator for Varsity Football and Strength Coach)

Doug Dixon has twenty years of head coaching experience and has built and developed successful programs at three different schools. As the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director, he spent eight years at Riverside Academy and led the football team to a State Championship in 2005 with Dr. Hughes as the Head of School. He became the Head Football Coach of Mount Pisgah and remained there for six years. Finally, he became the Head Football Coach for St. Andrews in Savannah for the past six years. Altogether, Doug has amassed over thirty years of coaching experience. He has also assisted at Jenkins and Thompson. He has won five Region Championships and he has won Coach-of-the-Year five times. He has also received State Coach-of-the-Year. He is married to Cindy Dixon and together they have four children, Katie, Dylan, Jacob and Tate.

David Thomas

(Head Middle School Football Coach. Varsity Assistant Football Coach. JV Head Basketball Coach. Middle School Head Track Coach. Bethesda Graduate)

David Thomas, Bethesda Alumnus (Class of 2011) and a three sport All-State player for Bethesda Academy, has been on the Blazers coaching staff since 2018. He is now the Head Middle Football Coach, JV Basketball Coach, Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach and the Head Middle School Track Coach. Prior to joining the Blazers Coaching Staff, David worked two years as the Athletic Director and the Head Varsity Basketball Coach for Can Academy from 2015-2017. Individual skill improvement is important to Coach Thomas. He spends many hours training and preparing young men on the football field, in the Blazer Arena and in the weight room to reach their full potential.

Chelsea Shafer, ATC

(Athletic Trainer from Chatham Orthopedics)

Chelsea Shafer grew up in Upstate New York. She graduated from Barry University with a Bachelor Degree in Science and a concentration in Athletic Training. After college, Chelsea worked for ESPN Wide World of Sports and then moved to Savannah, GA. She is BOC certified and licensed in the state of Georgia. Chelsea is currently employed by Chatham Orthopedics and Bethesda Academy.

Chris Randall

(Varsity Football Assistant: Offensive Line Coach)

Chris Randall has been the Offensive Line Coach and Assistant Defensive Line Coach for Bethesda Academy since 2016. He has led youth programs and youth teams for over ten years. He is the husband of Stephanie Randall and the proud father of Triston, Matthew and Jessica Randall.

Troy Peters

(Varsity Assistant Coach: Wide Receiver Coach. Bethesda Graduate)

Troy Peters, Bethesda Alumnus (Class of 2015), was an SCISA All-State Wide Receiver and Cornerback for Bethesda Academy. He played in the North vs South All Star game and also made All State in GISA Track-in-Field. He currently serves as the Wide Receiver’s Coach at Bethesda Academy.

Londen Berksteiner

(Middle School Assistant Football Coach. Operations Manager for Varsity Athletics Assistant Basketball Coach)

Londen Berksteiner, A Bethesda Alumnus (Class of 2014), has joined the Bethesda Coaching staff. Londen received his Bachelor Degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. While pursuing his degree, he had an opportunity to serve as the Operations Manager for The Morehouse Basketball Team. Londen currently serves the Bethesda Athletic Program as the Operations Manager, Assistant Middle School Football Coach and the Assistant Basketball Coach.

Testimonials

“You learn ‘a love of God, a love of learning, and a strong work ethic’ and it all helps put you together into a person who finds himself.”

Michael Fernandez, Class of 2015

“Alumnus from 1987-1990, pre-Academy days. I can say without a doubt Bethesda made a huge difference in my life. I am happy to see how the organization has evolved and look forward to visiting the museum on my next trip to Savannah!”

David Gay, Bethesda Alumnus

“The life lesson Bethesda has taught me is: never give up.”

Troy Peters, Class of 2015

“My son attended Bethesda for 3 years. He loved it and so did I. He’s a 2016 graduate with honors. Thank you for your dedication.”

Gerald Thomas, parent

“I found my ability to work hands-on – and find that I not only enjoy it, but do it better than most.”

Sean Carter, Class of 2016

“The learning is totally different. The teachers are a lot more attentive – even more respectful and have more patience.”

Michael Fernandez, Class of 2015

“Since I lived in the cottage, it definitely taught me how to take care of myself…and come out of my shell.”

Joseph Donaldson, Class of 2016

“The life lesson Bethesda has taught me is: never give up.”

Troy Peters, Class of 2015

“The key difference between public school and Bethesda is its ‘family’ here.”

Eric Brack, Class of 2015

“Given the opportunity, these boys will become leaders. To the extent that we can lift these young men above their circumstances, we are helping to equip leaders for our future.

Don Gardner, Bethesda Supporter

“When people believe in you love you, and support you, you can go far in life. From Dr. Tribble to the dining hall staff, everyone at bethesda provided correction, direction, and guidance. They always cared about me as a person.”

Lt Col Lance Freeman, USAF, Bethesda Alumnus

“These people believed in me. They always have. Bethesda has never turned their back on me!”

John Herdman, Bethesda Alumnus

“Thanks to Bethesda’s supporters I was able to attend a prestigious school like SCAD and now my future looks bright. Without people willing to financially support Bethesda, there would be many young people with a very uncertain future.”

Gary Byrd, Class of 2008

“Bethesda gave me the opportunity to better myself in a solid learning environment.”

Duane Chisolm, Class of 2010

“Bethesda is like an extended family. We’re working as a team to give these boys what they need to be successful.”

Paula Deen, TV Personality and Entrepreneur

“The team (2012 Blazers) played with dedication, they played unselfishly, and that’s the way you have to play to be champions.”

Bob Weinhauer, Former NBA Coach and Bethesda Volunteer

“Everyone who works here understands the value of family, and that is what we are at Bethesda, a family.”

Antwain Turner, Campus Chaplain

“It’s special to have the opportunity to make a daily impact on a young man’s life.”

Clevan Thompson, Head Basketball Coach

“I think that all of us who support Bethesda do so for the boys and the wonderful mission of Bethesda. How fortunate we are that the State of GA allows us a tax credit that we can take advantage of through our GOAL Scholarship Program. I write the check, the state reimburses me, and the boys benefit. Wow!”

John C. Helmken II, GA State President, South State Bank

“Of all my volunteer work, the service to the young men of Bethesda Academy has been the most engaging and meaningful.”

Kathy Piette, The Women’s Board of Bethesda

“When thinking about charities to donate to this year, I hope you will consider Bethesda. Your contribution could make such a difference in the life of a child.”

Paula Deen, TV Chef, Bethesda Investor

“Bethesda provided my son with a perfect blend of an academic and spiritual education.”

Lakeicha Bryant, parent of a student from the Class of 2011

“The success I had at the University of Georgia is due to what I was taught at Bethesda.”

DeMarcus Dobbs, NFL player, Bethesda Alumnus

“Bethesda gave me the building blocks to become the person I am today.”

Lt Col Lance Freeman, USAF, Bethesda Alumnus

“The same work ethic that is taught in the classroom and in Work Experience is expected on the playing field. I know that if I can be successful in sports through hard work, I can be successful anywhere.”

Daniel Carter-Sweatte, Class of 2013

“My houseparents gave me the freedom to make my own choices, but they held me accountable for those decisions.”

Alonzo McKinney, Shorter University, Bethesda Class of 2011

“My teacher tells us that men are judged by the way they work, by what they do, not what they say. I’ll take that philosophy with me when I enter the work world.”

Wyatt Ingram, Class of 2012

“Bethesda prepared me for college life in both my study habits and my ability to balance school and work.”

Anthony Smith, Class of 2011

“Before I came to Bethesda, I was sometimes embarrassed by my faith. Now I feel more free to practice my love for God.”

Henry Brown, Class of 2013