ABOUT US
As an athlete growing up on Kent Island in the 90’s - 2000’s, Robert Woolley (founder and owner) realized that of his many peers and teammates who were gifted athletes, very few of them were further pursuing their talents and passion at the collegiate level. His mission became to build an environment that would foster the growth of local student athletes, helping them create opportunities for themselves past the high school playing level. Of that idea, The Edge Training Academy was born, opening its very first location in 2013. The initial goal of sending just one athlete each year to college to pursue their sport at the NCAA level was quickly exceeded. Since then, we have realized that the theme of people dismissing their desire to be their best due to a lack of resources, opportunity, and support was more widespread than just student athletes. We have expanded our location to hold a full gym open to all, and with that our initiative to help not only student athletes, but people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential, whatever that means to them.
In 2016, the opportunity to convert a 25,000 ft² building into a sports arena presented itself, becoming The Edge Arena. Over the years, we have hosted a variety of events, including youth & adult leagues, tournaments, team practices, open plays, fitness classes, birthday parties, proms, church services, community gatherings, and much more. Our youth leagues in particular have become regionally renowned, pulling players from all throughout the state. We take pride in providing a space for people to come together and enjoy themselves.
Behind the scenes, our non-profit Giving The Edge Foundation has been a driving force in keeping us grounded to the community. Kickstarted by a generous, anonymous donation in 2013, the foundation is all about empowering the next generation of our community. We do this by offering fitness, character development, and fun activities, funding positive behavior incentives in local schools, showing the importance of giving back through community service opportunities, making all of our programs financially accessible and offering financial support, and more. We believe that by providing kids with the opportunities and support to grow will lead them to become successful, caring, responsible, and productive adults who will carry on our mission of giving back and helping others.
The Edge is proud to be a family owned and operated organization that prioritizes putting community first!
MEET THE TEAM
Robert Woolley
Owner
Robert grew up on Kent Island spending his time playing in youth leagues, establishing his lifelong passion for sports. He matured into a leader, often earning him the title of team captain as a high school athlete. He earned his Bachelors of Science with Honors in Exercise Science and Business from Salisbury University. Throughout college and beyond, Woolley has always made time for coaching at his high school alma mater. Over a collective 30+ seasons of coaching, his most memorable experiences include winning State Championships in both 2014 and 2015. With great pride for the community he calls home, Robert uses his spare time to participate in many charity events through his non-profit foundation. Bringing together his passion for fitness, coaching, and community, The Edge was born in 2013, starting as a place where student athletes can work to better themselves both on and off the field of play. As a result, hundreds of trainees have successfully advanced to pursue their dreams of playing at collegiate level and beyond. Robert lives by the motto, “Win the Day” measuring his wins in the way of creating the necessary resources for others to grow and succeed. His doors are always open to provide opportunity for the people of the community in which he lives and serves.
Sarah Seeling
General Manager
Sarah is an Eastern Shore native with roots right here on Kent Island. After graduating from Salisbury University with a degree in Psychology, Sarah found herself diving head first into the customer service field. With a strong passion for ensuring client satisfaction, navigating both day to day operations as well as more complex challenges with a positive attitude has become a key asset in past positions held. As a team member at The Edge, Sarah is most looking forward to helping make the client experience the best it can be and also ensuring that client’s needs are met from a programming standpoint. In her spare time, she enjoys boating, reading, and spending quality time with her family. Now with a family of her own, Sarah loves raising her children in the same place she grew up, and looks forward to seeing them one day utilize The Edge to grow their passion for sports and activities.
Doug Holmes
Facilities Manager / Coach
Doug graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in 1992, but has always kept his roots on the Eastern Shore. Doug has enjoyed the game of lacrosse for over 40 years! He started playing in high school, continued through his college years into the Men’s Adult league, and became a coach for his daughters as soon as they were old enough to hold a stick. He has always enjoyed an active lifestyle whether that be in his career as a contractor, coaching and playing lacrosse, or spending time fishing on the bay. If on the slim chance you see him working out in the gym, and not upgrading the facilities, make sure to stop and say “hi,” he will gladly talk your ear off.
Sarah Stinnett
Coach
Sarah is a motivated, enthusiastic and friendly personal trainer with a proven record of helping clients of all ages get in shape and achieve their wellness goals! She has the ability to create focus in the minds of clients to help them adapt lifestyle choices that are necessary for healthy living. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and Strength & Conditioning Coach through the AAAI and ISMA. Sarah has also been recognized in her local community for her work as a trainer!
DONASJA COOPER
Coach
Donasja grew up in Easton, Maryland, always having a love and passion for sports. Her passion quickly grew into her purpose, leading to earning her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology at Wesley College, then her Master’s of Science in Sport Human Performance and Nutrition at Liberty University. After college, Donasja completed multiple internships and coached at Delaware State University as a Division 1 Graduate Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach. She is also 2x Maryland State Champion for High School Softball, where she returned as the Easton High School Assistant Softball Coach in 2019. Donasja believes that her mission as a Certified Personal Trainer and Strength & Conditioning Coach is to be a leader for all ages of life to reach their full potential; not only in fitness, but also in personal development and growth. Clients who train with Donasja will not only build and define their bodies, they will also look inward and focus on ways to better their self-awareness, self-esteem, increase skills, fulfill their aspirations. Donasja lives by the quote “I Can, I Will, I Must Win The Race!” The mind will want to stop the body during any given obstacle, but we must become an overcomer and bring our A-game by making a commitment to be the best version of ourselves! She is not only a leader at The Edge Training Academy but also in the community, church, and to her four younger siblings.
DANNY SLOAN
Coach
Danny is an enthusiastic and outgoing coach with a personal and professional track record of success in overall fitness. He is a lifelong athlete, and a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer as well as NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist since 2018. Danny believes that each of us are capable of reaching levels of health & wellness that we once thought were impossible. He strives to teach clients as much as possible, so that they may “graduate” from personal training with a solid foundation for their lifelong wellness journey. Danny has personally experienced a transformation in his own health & fitness and strives to help others dig deep and find their “Inner Beast”. He will push you, he will take you to your limit, and he will make sure if you put in the time — you’ll reap the rewards. From teens to SWAT teams, Danny has trained them all and is ready to help you achieve your goals and reach the level of fitness you’re striving for.
“I’d rather be exhausted from the hard times which breed success, than well rested from achieving nothing”
PAUL MAREK
Director of Lacrosse Operations
Paul grew up in Arnold, Maryland and started playing youth sports at 4 years old. Graduating from Broadneck Sr. High in 1996, he was a three-sport athlete and two-time state champion in lacrosse. Sports had always been a major part of his life. Becoming a father at 19, he quickly shifted gears from playing to coaching, first in Edgewater, then moving to Centreville, and finally to Kent Island. 24 years of coaching 4 different youth sports and creating Marek Skills Lacrosse Development, he has quickly earned respect as one of the top player development coaches in Maryland. Over 50 years collectively of coaching youth sports, Paul has found a way to motivate and get the most out of every one of his athletes. He finds his success lies in instilling an understanding that in order to achieve greatness, you must out-work your opposition. You will hear him telling his players “Give me 100%, 100% of the time” and he truly will make sure his athletes respect that. Paul has earned a reputation in the area as an honest, hardworking, demanding, and fair coach. Your athlete will become more confident the moment they start to work with Coach Paul as he prides himself on helping all players, no matter what helmet they are wearing.
BJ MIller
Basketball Training & Event Coordinator
Owner of Miller Family Athletics, Eastern Shore Basketball Academy and The Academy travel basketball organization. Miller is a certified personal trainer with years of personal training experience. He has trained individuals ranging from 5 to 80 years old, current and former athletes, and first responders. Miller has coached basketball for over a decade on the MD Eastern Shore. He is currently the boys basketball head coach at North Caroline High School and coaches the Academy 6th grade team. Miller trains male and female athletes ranging from 1st grade to college level on the Maryland and Delaware Eastern Shore.
ALEC PUPSHIS
Lacrosse Coach
As a recent college lacrosse player for the University of Lynchburg, Alec brings knowledge and excitement to all athletes looking to take their game to the next level. After graduating college in 2021, he is now ready to bring his passion into coaching and growing the game, Success in the weight room and on the field has led him to numerous accolades during his playing days, and he looks to instill those skills in all athletes he trains. As well as coaching at The Edge, Alec also works with the Kent Island High School boys lacrosse program as they continue to grow their winning culture. Alec is ready to coach all skill levels and improve any player's game.
