Meet the Coaches

Why "Forge"?

A forge is where raw metal is shaped through heat, pressure, and skilled craftsmanship into something stronger and more purposeful. Tennessee Forge exists to help young athletes grow through challenge, competition, discipline, and faith, preparing them for success both on and off the court. We believe that character, like steel, is forged over time, and Tennessee Forge and its families have truly been and will continue to be “FORGED BY FAITH”.

The Forge Family

At Tennessee Forge, we are more than teammates—we are family. We celebrate together, battle together, and lift each other up through every victory and every challenge. True sisterhood is built on trust, accountability, encouragement, and love. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed. We stand together, fight for one another, and leave no teammate behind. That's The Forge Way.

Our Leadership

Led by faith and experience

Girls Varsity Basketball

Head Coach

Assistant Coach (When you come to practice this will make sense)

Candice Ellis

Larry Bird

Coach Candice is the founder of Tennessee Forge and head coach of the Tennessee Forge Girls Varsity Basketball Team. A multi-sport athlete, she played basketball throughout her school years and has spent the past five years coaching and developing young athletes, bringing home multiple conference championship titles and competing with a strong performance in D1 at Nationals. As the mother of two daughters who love the game, she is passionate about helping athletes grow in both skill and character.

Coach Candice believes we are all called to honor God by using the gifts He has given us, giving our very best, and never giving up. She believes that challenges are opportunities to strengthen our faith and become stronger through Christ. This belief is the foundation of Tennessee Forge—that adversity doesn't define us, it forges us.

At Tennessee Forge, athletes become more than teammates—they become family.

Coach Larry Bird is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "the Hick from French Lick" and "Larry Legend". Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.

Based in Lebanon, TN and Proudly Serving Homeschool Atheletes in Middle TN and Surrounding Areas