Meet the Team

THE PEOPLE BEHIND S.T.E.P.

S.T.E.P. Academy was founded by Rodney “Coach Rod” Williams with a vision to develop young athletes through discipline, mentorship, opportunity, and purposeful training. As S.T.E.P. has grown, dedicated leaders and coaches have carried that vision into their own communities, creating local chapters while remaining connected to the mission and foundation Coach Rod established.

FOUNDER & HEAD COACH

RODNEY "COACH ROD" WILLIAMS

For more than 30 years, Coach Rod Williams has used athletics to develop confident, disciplined, and resilient young people. He founded S.T.E.P. Academy on the belief that athletic performance and personal development belong together. His vision combines high-level training with mentorship, accountability, injury prevention, and life-skills development—and continues to guide S.T.E.P. as it grows into new communities.

CHAPTER LEADERSHIP & cOACHES

GILBERT, SOUTH CAROLINA

Crystal souder

Co-Director & Administrative Coordinator

A U.S. Navy veteran, Crystal has been part of S.T.E.P. for more than eight years, beginning in San Diego under Coach Rod's mentorship. She now helps lead the Gilbert chapter, overseeing its administrative and operational needs while supporting athletes, families, and the continued growth of S.T.E.P.

james souder

Co-Director & Coach

A 20-year U.S. Navy veteran, James brings extensive leadership, athletic, and coaching experience to S.T.E.P. His coaching background includes S.T.E.P. Academy in San Diego and the San Carlos Patriots. In Gilbert, he helps athletes develop strength, confidence, discipline, character, and athletic skills.

Dr. patrick l. tate

Coach

Dr. Tate brings more than 30 years of experience in education, athletics, leadership, and youth development. A U.S. Navy veteran, educator, coach, mentor, and ordained pastor, he emphasizes character, discipline, accountability, education, and preparing young people for success beyond athletics.

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

SONJI SMITH DOGAN
Co-Director & Administrative Coordinator

Sonji Smith Dogan is a community strategist, nonprofit leader, and President and Executive Director of Access to Change, Inc. Drawing on more than two decades of corporate leadership experience and a deep commitment to youth and families, she helps build partnerships that turn vision into opportunity. As Co-Director and Administrative Coordinator, she supports S.T.E.P. Academy's growth and mission in Greenville.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

jake "shorty" ogdahl

Cheif Operating Officer

Coach Jake “Shorty” Ogdahl brings extensive playing and coaching experience to S.T.E.P. Academy, including more than 12 years coaching youth and high school football. After years of friendship and a shared vision with Coach Rod, he officially partnered with S.T.E.P. in 2025 and now serves as Chief Operating Officer, helping support the continued development and growth of the program.

warren "Coach P" Preston

Director of Opertions & Strength and Conditiong Coordinator

Warren “Coach P” Preston is a coach, mentor, community leader, and youth advocate who uses athletics as a platform to develop discipline, resilience, accountability, and character. In addition to his work with S.T.E.P., he founded The Standard Academy, a youth mentorship organization focused on preparing young men with practical life skills, leadership, and strong personal values.

lila tawa

Trainer — S.T.E.P. Academy
Founder & Head Coach — The Method Track Club

Coach Lila Tawa leads The Method Track Club, a youth track and field program powered by S.T.E.P. Academy. Her approach combines technical instruction, speed development, strength and agility, competitive preparation, and character development to help athletes grow both on and off the track.

VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI

TESHWAN JOHNSON
Chapter Director & Coach

Teshawn Johnson brings experience in youth athletics, coaching, and organizational leadership to S.T.E.P. Academy. His background includes youth sports leadership in San Diego, where he served as President of the San Carlos Patriots Pop Warner Football & Cheer organization. As Chapter Director and Coach in Vicksburg, he focuses on developing athletes through teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, confidence, character, and leadership.

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