About DA
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Founded in 2012 by Nick and Kelli, Diamond Athletics emerged from their shared passion for sports and Christian values. With over 30 years of combined experience, our mission is to inspire athletes to reach their full potential, both on and off the field. We offer state-of-the-art facilities and expert coaching in a supportive, family-oriented environment.
Our programs are designed to foster confidence, discipline, and excellence, guiding students toward collegiate and professional opportunities while nurturing their personal growth.
About the Founders
Diamond Athletics began in 2010 while founders Nick and Kelli were in graduate school at Dallas Baptist University, and officially opened in Fall 2012. Located in Central Texas, DA offers top-tier training in baseball, softball, strength, dance, cheer, and tumbling, led by experienced staff with over 30 years of professional and collegiate expertise.
Built on Christian values, DA emphasizes a coaching style rooted in positive reinforcement, clear direction, and a commitment to helping students reach their full potential—on and off the field. The environment is family-oriented, encouraging strong connections between parents, athletes, and coaches.
At Diamond Athletics, the goal is not just athletic development but inspiring students to grow into the best version of themselves, with programs designed to support all ages and skill levels. It’s truly a place for the whole family.
OWNER AND DIRECTOR of DA SOFTBALL
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Owner/Director of Softball Program
Josh brings a wealth of experience from the world of college softball. Hailing from Mississippi, Josh made his way to Waco in 2001 to attend Baylor University, where he earned his BS in Education in 2004. His journey with Baylor Softball began as a student manager from 2001 to 2004, and he quickly advanced to assistant coach from 2005 to 2010. Josh played a pivotal role in guiding the team, working with hitters and coaching catchers, and was part of the NFCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year in 2009. Off the field, Josh is married to Britni Newman, and their two sons, Bowen (12) and Brooks (10), are both athletes at DA, continuing the family’s strong sports tradition.
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Founder & Director of Baseball ProgramNick is a highly sought after coach for baseball, softball and conditioning. He provides athletes with the encouragement, motivation and skills needed to be successful on and off the playing field. Nick holds a Masters of Education-Kinesiology and Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Science. He is the current coach for DA select baseball as well as a private instructor for many baseball and softball players in the area. Many of his players have gone on to play collegiate baseball and softball.
Nick is a former Dallas Baptist University Patriot Baseball player where he led the team to the first NCAA Division I Regional in school history, leading his team with a .390 batting average. With this average, Nick is currently ranked 3rd all time at DBU. At DBU, Nick was an All-American Independent selection and ranked one of the toughest to strike out in Division I.
After his tenure for Dallas Baptist, he played Independent Professional baseball for the Rockford Riverhawks in the Frontier League. Nick has a passion for coaching and developing athletes and interned for DBU’s baseball team as their Strength and Conditioning coach, where he also worked with their hitters and position players.
Out of High School, Nick was heavily recruited for pitching and a strong bat. He played two seasons with Cisco College where he was an All-American and for over a decade was ranked 1st in All-Time Batting Average with a .479 batting average. Nick was also a 5-A All-State Selection at Grand Prairie High School. He grew up playing select baseball and traveled all over the country to play. Also, as a collegiate player Nick was invited to the Cape Cod and has played in multiple prestigious collegiate summer leagues, including the Northwoods League and Texas Collegiate League.
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Founder & Dance/Cheer DirectorKelli brings over 22 years of experience in coaching dance, cheerleading, and tumbling, with a proven track record of leading numerous award-winning teams. Her extensive background includes coaching and choreographing at collegiate and professional levels, with a strong focus on building athletes' skills, showmanship, and technique to prepare them for success at the next level.
Kelli’s credentials are impressive: she holds a Master of Arts in Performance Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communications from Dallas Baptist University, where she received the Christian Leadership scholarship. She has also been the All-Girl cheerleading coach at Baylor University and was part of the Baylor Spirit Squads coaching staff for four years.
Her professional dance experience includes being a Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancer, the only hip-hop team in the NFL, and a former TX Rangers Six Shooter, where she was also the choreographer. Kelli appeared as a cheerleader in NBC’s Friday Night Lights TV series and has performed with major artists like Creed, Jessica Simpson, and Reba McEntire. Her dance credentials extend to over 33 years of training in jazz, hip hop, ballet, tap, modern, and lyrical, and she grew up training at her mother’s studio, CTAPA Dance Theatre.
Kelli’s achievements also include being a member and choreographer for the USA Flight Crew and receiving college scholarships in dance and cheerleading. She cheered at DBU, where she earned MVP and the Timothy Leadership Awards, and was a 5X UCA All-Star Cheerleader. Her extensive performance experience includes appearances at major events such as the Cotton Bowl Classic and New Year's Day Parade in London, as well as on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
Kelli recently participated as a pro in Dancing with the Waco Stars, a fundraiser for the Family Abuse Center. As an AACCA Certified coach, Kelli is dedicated to investing in her students' lives, leveraging her vast experience to provide them with opportunities similar to those she has enjoyed throughout her career
