Marcus Hodges
Founder & CEO | NBA/WNBA Skills Coach
Marcus is the founder and CEO of our program, leading with passion, energy, and a smile you’ll often see in the gym. He trains professional athletes, players from top ACC schools like Duke, UNC, NC State, and Wake Forest — along with some of the nation’s top-ranked high school talent.
With a deep passion for building community and inspiring players, Marcus is driven to help athletes unlock their full potential — both on and off the court.
Danielle Driver
Co-Owner | Heart of the Organization
Danielle is the co-owner of Separation Team and truly the heart of everything we do. You’ll find her at the front desk, welcoming every family with a smile and making each child feel seen, supported, and cared for.
With a background in running a successful gymnastics gym, Danielle stepped away to build Separation Team alongside her brother Marcus — bringing her passion for youth development, community, and creating a family-first environment to everything we do.
Coach Jeffrey
Head Trainer | Youth League Coach
Jeffrey is a certified trainer and a cornerstone of Separation Team, having trained with Marcus since the very beginning. He’s been dedicated to his craft since age 16 and brings that same passion and consistency to every session.
As our Head Trainer and Head Coach of our Youth League, Jeffrey is in the gym every day — personable, energetic, and fully invested in each player’s growth. He works with athletes of all ages, always giving 100% and making everyone feel welcomed, motivated, and challenged.
Coach Aaron
Master Skills Coach | International Trainer
Coach Aaron has been training alongside Marcus since 2014 and is a Master Skills Coach and International Skills Trainer. With experience training in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, China, England, Qatar, and across the U.S., Aaron brings a global perspective and elite-level knowledge to every session.
He specializes in footwork, stance, ball handling, game-like situations, shooting, and overall athleticism, all while helping players increase their efficiency and sharpen their individual skills.
Coach Aaron is also the Head Coach of the Cedar Creek Middle School Girls Basketball Team.
cOACH Simi
Youth League Coach | Trainer | Camp Energy Leader
Coach Simi brings unmatched energy, enthusiasm, and heart to everything he does. As a Youth League Coach and specialist in working with elementary and middle school athletes, Simi has a gift for connecting with kids and keeping them motivated, learning, and having fun.
You’ll also find him at our day camps, making sure every child stays active, engaged, and smiling throughout the day. Whether it’s on the court or at camp, Coach Simi brings the vibe — and our athletes love him for it.
cOACH Rob
Trainer | Youth League Coach | Former Pro Player
Coach Rob brings a wealth of experience to Separation Team as both a trainer and youth league coach. A former college player at Winston-Salem State University, Rob has also played professionally in Central America, bringing high-level insight and skill to every session.
Coach Rob specializes in ball handling, footwork, and shooting, and is known for his calm presence, technical detail, and ability to connect with players at all levels.
Mr. Donovan
Referee | Day Camp
Mr. Donovan is a recent graduate of Cleveland High School. He has a strong passion for working with kids, having hands-on experience as a camp counselor and enjoys creating fun, engaging activities that help children learn and grow. Additional experience as a youth sports referee, building leadership skills and learning how to create a positive, supportive environment for young athletes.
Mrs. Niki
Marketing Manager | Office Assistant | Day Camp
Mrs. Niki brings to the table 20+ years of administrative and project management experience, sharing her knowledge and passion as a Leadership Facilitator and unofficial 'Gym Mom'.
Mrs. Niki is a married mom of a daughter and a step-daughter, owning and operating a local catering company with her husband, John, when she's not backing-up the Separation Team.
Growing up in South Carolina, as a youth, Niki played basketball, softball, soccer and was a youth soccer defensive coach during her college years.