Building a multi-sport training facility was always a focus of Rock Solid Academy co-owners Kelley Capretta-Smith and Debie Hague.
“Ever since we started Rock Solid in 2006, we’ve needed space to grow beyond our competitive gymnastics, tumbling and cheerleading programs,” Capretta-Smith says. “We found that space in Marble Cliff.”
Today, Rock Solid trains more than 400 athletes ages 18 months to 18 years and fully utilizes its 26,000-square-foot building located at 2299 Cardigan Ave. just off Dublin Road in Marble Cliff.
“We now have the space for three full-size competitive floors as well as an in-ground training pit and competitive gymnastics equipment,” says Capretta-Smith. “Along with our year-long programs, we offer short-term, low-commitment, budget-effective cheer programs as well as four-week recreational programs for busy athletes on the go.
“We started Rock Solid Fitness, which has its own 6,000 square feet of dedicated space for fitness training and boot camps. Rock Solid hired James McGuire as fitness program director. He is the former owner of SHAPE Fitness and is holding sports agility classes for boys and girls as well as fitness classes for all ages, including parents of Rock Solid students.”
And the business has even more programs in the works.
“Starting this school year, we are offering an After School Fitness Program based on skill training. This is not your typical after-school program. Students will participate in fitness/tumbling/gymnastics classes designed to build self-esteem until parent pick-ups each evening,” Capretta-Smith says. “And I’m planning on starting dance and martial arts programs in the near future.”
Hague and Capretta-Smith, a mother-daughter team, complement each other well. Capretta-Smith has 18 years of coaching experience and brings the athletic background from her days as a Level 10 gymnast and collegiate cheerleader.
“After college, I was determined to pursue my dream of owning my own facility. So I started a gym and have gotten to do what I like to do every day since,” says Capretta-Smith.
She is married to special education teacher and Dublin Jerome High School wrestling coach Troy Smith. He coaches tumbling at Rock Solid and is developing programs for boys’ fitness and sports agility.
“I was certainly lucky to find a husband who understands what it means to be a coach,” Capretta-Smith says.
Hague says she provides the parental and business experience. “I come from the restaurant business and a large Italian family. I think like parents, and I am their advocate. As a business person, I have to keep track of everything just like in a restaurant. But I like this job better because I get to see Kelley live her dream,” Hague says.
Entering their ninth season, Rock Solid cheerleading and gymnastics teams still travel to local and national competitions. Although the academy has won more than 400 titles and numerous Coaching Staff of the Year awards, Capretta-Smith says success is measured by more than awards.
“My staff of 15 and I teach to each athlete’s abilities to help them excel. We promote healthy lifestyles, the value of education and personal growth. We want to develop great people as well as great athletes. Building character and integrity is our main focus. We try hard to be good role models,” says Capretta-Smith.
Both women hope the athletes say that the academy is more like a home and not just a cheerleading facility. “We’re family and help each other learn about life as well as winning. It’s important to stay true to who you are,” says Capretta-Smith.
Marble Cliff is proud to have Rock Solid in the village and to learn that its cheerleading teams are now being introduced as being from Marble Cliff, Ohio.
“Marble Cliff had the space we needed to grow our business and we are happy to let people know where we are located,” Capretta-Smith says.
