photos by: JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
As we kick off a new year, RISE Indoor Sports continues to be a beacon of health, wellness and athletic excellence for people of all ages. Located in the heart of the Triad in Bermuda Run, RISE is more than just a sports facility – it’s a community driven space where athletes, families and seniors come together to build strength, improve fitness and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. With a wide range of programs, from athlete training and fitness opportunities to sports leagues and senior adult programming, RISE is the place to be in 2025!
Elevating Performance: RISE Sports Performance
At the heart of RISE’s offerings is RISE Sports Performance (RSP), designed to help individuals reach their full athletic potential. Whether you’re a young athlete aiming to prepare for the next athletic season, recovering from an injury or looking to enhance your overall strength and fitness, RSP provides world-class strength, speed and agility training tailored to your needs.
“RSP has always been about more than just training. We’ve always had a strong focus on using data to measure an athlete’s performance and improvement,” says Travis Mash, Director of Sports Science at RISE. “Because of that, we made the strategic decision to invest in state-of-the-art sports science to match our state-of-the-art facility. Our laser timing gates from Swift Performance are the most precise in the world, allowing us to accurately measure speed and agility for testing and monitoring.”
RSP also uses GymAware, the gold standard in velocity-based training, to measure the speed, acceleration and power of our exercises to provide a more specific program to the athlete’s sport. Our EzeJump Mat from Swift Performance, measures jump height, ground contact time and rate of force development within any type of jump. Most recently, RSP invested in a ShredMill. Not to be confused with a traditional treadmill, the ShredMill is a self-powered speed training system that helps athletes improve speed and has consistently produced the fastest athletes at the NFL Combine for the past five years.
“It’s about creating personalized programs that help athletes improve physically, mentally and emotionally. As we enter 2025, we’re excited to offer even more ways for athletes to enhance their performance while focusing on injury prevention and recovery,” said Mash.
The expanded offerings enhance the program’s already-world class speed and agility training, strength conditioning and mobility work. From basketball and soccer to volleyball and other high-performance sports, RSP serves athletes across various disciplines, providing the tools and coaching necessary to succeed.
Fitness for All: The Allegacy Cardio Fitness Center
RISE Indoor Sports isn’t just for competitive athletes. For fitness enthusiasts, the Allegacy Cardio Fitness Center offers everything needed for a great workout. Equipped with state-of-the-art machines, including treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes and strength training equipment, the fitness center is perfect for anyone looking to stay in shape.
“We’re proud to offer a top-notch fitness facility that serves the entire community,” adds John Lucchesi, Director of Sports Performance at RISE. “Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment where people of all fitness levels can work out, challenge themselves and improve their overall health.”
In addition to the fitness center, RISE provides group circuit classes, Silver Sneakers® programming and personal training that help individuals set and achieve their fitness goals. January is an ideal time to try new fitness programs to encourage healthy habits and provide motivation for those starting the year with a renewed focus on wellness.
Lucchesi emphasizes the inclusive nature of RISE’s fitness offerings: “No matter your fitness level or background, we have something for everyone. Our programs are designed to support individuals on their fitness journeys, whether you’re just starting or looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Combat Athletics Circuit Classes: A Fun Way to Get Fit
RISE Indoor Sports is also home to Combat Athletics, widely known for wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts programs. Most recently, Combat has begun offering challenging and high-energy circuit classes designed to improve strength, endurance and overall fitness. These evening classes are perfect for those looking to switch up their workout routine or take on a new fitness challenge.
“Our circuit classes at Combat Athletics are popular because they push participants to new levels of fitness while offering a fun, supportive environment,” says Owner of Combat Athletics and RISE Wrestling/Martial Arts Director Josh Stanley. “Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, these classes are a fantastic way to stay in shape and meet your fitness goals.”
Combat Athletics circuit classes incorporate a variety of exercises, including bodyweight movements, cardio drills and strength training, making it an ideal option for individuals looking for an engaging and effective workout. Led by experienced trainers, these classes provide personalized attention and encouragement, ensuring everyone can get the most out of each session.
Family Friendly Sports Leagues and Youth Programs
For families, RISE offers a wide variety of sports leagues that focus on fun, fitness and teamwork. From basketball and soccer, to volleyball, pickleball and wrestling, children, teens and adults of all ages can participate in organized leagues designed to develop their athletic skills while having fun and making friends. RISE also offers a variety of clinics to help build skills, including football, baseball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey and even futsal.
The youth leagues at RISE are about more than just competition – they emphasize sportsmanship, skill building and creating positive experiences for young athletes. As these leagues grow in popularity, they continue to foster a sense of community and healthy living among young participants and their families.
Senior Adult Programming: Staying Active at Every Age
RISE Indoor Sports is also dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of our senior adult community. With specialized fitness programs that focus on low-impact exercise, flexibility and strength training, older adults can stay active and maintain their independence. Our senior fitness classes provide a safe and welcoming space where participants can work on improving their mobility, balance and overall wellness.
“We believe in promoting lifelong fitness,” says Barbara Walker, RISE’s Senior Adult Programming Coordinator. “Our senior programs are designed to help older adults stay active, connected and engaged in their health.”
In addition to fitness classes, seniors can participate in walking clubs, social events and other activities that encourage physical movement and social interaction. By offering a variety of options, RISE ensures that older adults can find the right programs to fit their needs and lifestyle.
Onsite Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
RISE Indoor Sports takes health and wellness seriously which is why they are proud to partner with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health. Atrium’s onsite physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic offers comprehensive care for patients and athletes recovering from injuries or looking to prevent future ones. With experienced physical therapists and sports medicine specialists, the clinic provides customized treatment plans to help individuals recover faster and return to the sports and activities they love.
“We believe in taking a holistic approach to health and fitness,” explains Mash. “Having Atrium onsite allows us to offer a seamless experience for athletes and individuals who need physical therapy or rehabilitation. It’s a game changer for our community.”
In addition to the physical therapy clinic, Atrium provides an after-hours sports trainer, available to assist athletes during practices, games and events. This service ensures that athletes receive immediate care when injuries occur, promoting quick recovery and minimizing downtime.
RISE Community Fund: Making Sports and Wellness Accessible to All
RISE believes that everyone should have access to sports, fitness and wellness opportunities, regardless of financial circumstances. That’s why they created the RISE Community Fund, a nonprofit initiative through the Davie Community Foundation, dedicated to providing scholarships, sports league access, programming and health and wellness resources to underprivileged youth, senior adults and families.
“Our mission is to remove financial barriers that prevent people from participating in sports and fitness activities,” explains RISE Development Director Dawn Creason. “The RISE Community Fund allows us to give back to the community in meaningful ways, ensuring that everyone can experience the physical, mental and social benefits of staying active.”
Through partnerships with local businesses, donors and organizations, the foundation provides financial assistance for sports league fees, fitness programs and more. Whether it’s helping a child join a soccer league or providing wellness resources for a senior adult, the RISE Community Foundation makes a lasting impact on the lives of those it serves.
A Place for Everyone: What Makes RISE Special
“RISE is built on the idea that movement and wellness are for everyone,” says RISE Indoor Sports Co-owner Neil Cornatzer. “Whether you’re an elite athlete looking to enhance your performance or someone just starting out on their fitness journey, RISE has something for you. We’re proud of the community we’ve built, and we’re excited to continue growing and expanding our offerings in 2025.”
With its state-of-the-art facility, expert staff and wide range of programs, RISE offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy recreational leagues, athletes can enhance their performance, seniors can stay active and fitness enthusiasts can work toward their goals in a world class fitness center. It’s this inclusivity and commitment to excellence that makes RISE a unique and valuable part of the Triad community.
What truly sets RISE Indoor Sports apart is its ability to bring together people of all ages and abilities. From youth athletes to seniors, fitness enthusiasts to weekend warriors, RISE is a place where everyone can pursue their goals, improve their health and connect with others in a positive and supportive environment.
A New Leader for RISE Indoor Sports: Kevin Daniels, General Manager
Leading RISE Indoor Sports into this new phase of growth is Kevin Daniels, who was recently promoted to General Manager. Having been with RISE for several years, Daniels has played a crucial role in shaping the facility into the premier destination it is today.
“We’re committed to creating an environment where athletes of all levels can push their limits and become the best version of themselves,” Daniels shares. “With our new equipment, expert trainers and personalized programs, RISE is taking athlete development to the next level in 2025.”
Former RISE General Manager, Lane Newsome, remains at RISE, though in a more behind-the-scenes role.
“My commitment to RISE remains strong, but for this next chapter, I made the decision to really focus on areas that I’m passionate about and empower Kevin to take on more of the day-to-day leadership responsibilities,” shared Newsome. “Kevin’s energy and vision have been instrumental in expanding the reach of RISE, making it a hub not only for competitive athletes but for the entire community, as well. His promotion to General Manager marks a new milestone for the facility and, under his guidance, RISE will continue to innovate and elevate its offerings for years to come. I’m excited to support him in every way.”
Looking Ahead to The Future of RISE
As they step into the new year, RISE Indoor Sports is excited to continue offering high-quality programs that promote health, fitness and community. With expanded athlete training through RISE Sports Performance, a fully equipped Allegacy Cardio Fitness Center, and the support of Atrium Health’s onsite physical therapy clinic, RISE is poised to make an even bigger impact in 2025.
Whether you’re a parent looking for youth sports leagues, a senior adult looking to stay active or an athlete looking to take your performance to the next level, RISE has something for you. And, with dedicated efforts to enhance the impact of the RISE Community Fund, they’re ensuring that everyone in our community can experience the joy and benefits of staying active.
For more information on RISE programs and upcoming events, visit RISEIndoorSports.com or stop by the facility to see what we have to offer.
