MEET THE COACHES
OUR TEAM
HOPE Gymnastics Academy is a top gymnastics facility equipped with modern and safe apparatus and staff experienced in Olympic-level gymnastics. Our GOAL is to make exercise something children will love because of the fun, the safe and stimulating environment our coaches create. Children will not only reach their physical maximum, they will also learn what is teamwork and how to be dedicated and persistent. We strive to help every child achieve their personal success.
COACH MARINA
Coach Marina was an elite gymnast in the Republic of Moldova and earned the prestigious Master of Sports title in Women’s Gymnastics in 2008. She is a passionate coach who uses her extensive experience working with gymnasts of all levels to meet each athlete’s individual needs. Known for her ability to motivate and inspire, Coach Marina encourages healthy, life-changing habits both inside and outside the gym.
Her coaching has helped numerous athletes achieve state championship titles, earn TOPs Diamond Team recognition, and qualify for TOPs Nationals.
In 2017, Coach Marina expanded her passion for the sport by founding Hope Gymnastics Academy. Since then, she has been dedicated to creating a healthy, positive, and supportive environment for every athlete who walks through the doors of the facility.
COACH LAURA
Laura is a seasoned leader in the world of gymnastics coaching, bringing more than 16 years of coaching experience and over 30 years immersed in the sport. A former high-level competitive gymnast from an elite program in Arizona, she combines firsthand athletic experience with decades of technical expertise.
Her passion for gymnastics grew even deeper as she guided her own daughter through a high-level competitive career, giving her a unique parent-coach perspective that many families appreciate. Throughout her career, Coach Laura has helped develop state champions, contributed to the elite-track TOPS program, and built a reputation for nurturing confident, disciplined, and joyful young athletes.
Known for her high standards, positive energy, and unwavering commitment to athlete development, Coach Laura brings a rare combination of competitive excellence and heartfelt mentorship to every gymnast she coaches.
COACH BRIAN
Coach Brian grew up in Winchester, Virginia, where he participated in and excelled at a variety of sports, including soccer, baseball, football, Kemp karate, and swimming. He also studied ballet for 10 years under Genadi Vostrokov at the Virginia Youth Ballet. At age 15, Brian discovered gymnastics, and with his strong background in sports and dance, he progressed quickly in the sport.
By age 17, Brian began coaching recreational gymnastics classes at Shenandoah Tumblers. He later earned a scholarship to Charleston Southern University in Charleston, South Carolina, where he studied Sports Medicine while coaching at a local gym and advancing into team coaching.
At just 19 years old, Brian was invited to become a head coach and help build a gymnastics program in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. After five successful years, he returned to Winchester to be closer to family. He later studied massage therapy, gaining a deeper understanding of the human body that further shaped his approach to coaching and athlete development.
Throughout his career, Brian has helped numerous programs grow and achieve higher levels of success. Many of his athletes have gone on to earn college scholarships and compete at elite levels, including Olympic Trials. He played a role in helping gymnast Kayla DiCello achieve her goals of competing as an alternate for the 2020 Olympic team and qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Trials. Known as a skilled technician, Brian is recognized for his unique drills, excellent spotting abilities, and comical sense of humor that keeps athletes motivated and engaged.
Outside of the gym, Brian enjoys kayaking with his family, hiking, making beef jerky, writing and playing music, and working on screenplays.
COACH KYLEE
With 11 years of competitive gymnastics experience, ending at Level 7 due to injury, Coach Kylee developed a deep understanding of the sport both as an athlete and mentor. After stepping away from competition, she discovered a new passion in coaching and has been working with gymnasts of various ages and skill levels since 2016. Coach Kylee has been part of the Hope Gymnastics team for 3 years, coaching Pre-Team through Level 3, and also serves as the gym’s Camp Director.
Kylee earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Marketing and briefly pursued a career in the field before realizing her true passion remained in the gym. She believes that positivity plays a vital role in gymnastics and that a gymnast’s attitude often reflects the energy and leadership of their coach. Because of this, she strives to bring enthusiasm, encouragement, and a positive mindset into the gym every day.
Outside of coaching, Kylee enjoys reading, writing, painting, and spending time with her pets.
COACH THERESA
Coach Theresa brings a lifetime of gymnastics experience and leadership to the program. A gymnast for 14 years, she trained and competed for Gymini Gymnastics, where she developed a strong foundation in both athletic excellence and teamwork. During her time at Park View High School, Theresa became a State Champion on both floor and beam, while also helping lead her team to three State Championship titles.
Beyond her competitive career, Coach Theresa has dedicated herself to growing the sport through coaching and program development. In Atlanta, she directed the YMCA Gymnastics program and served on the YMCA National Committee, helping rewrite the national gymnastics rulebook.
Coach Theresa continued her passion for mentoring student-athletes as the coach at John Champe High School for three years and is currently coaching at Riverside High School, where she has spent the past two years developing competitive athletes and strong team culture.
At Hope Gymnastics, Coach Theresa coaches Platinum and Diamond Xcel athletes, bringing her experience, technical knowledge, and passion for the sport to help gymnasts build confidence, discipline, and success both in and out of the gym.
COACH VIKTOR
Coach Viktor started gymnastics at the age of 21 not having a clue of how much time, effort and dedication would take on learning a ‘flip’. Shortly enough he started competing for fun as an adult and also was encouraged to teach classes of all ages. Little did he know that gymnastics would be catapulting that “fun” towards a healthier lifestyle and a long life career.
After years of being involved instructing gymnastics concepts on many demanding disciplines, such as horse vaulters, martial artist, dancers, acrobats, gymnast and parkour enthusiasts; he feels there’s still room to learn and teach new approaches and techniques on the versatility of this sport. Coach V likes to be involved on other disciplines and sports that might benefit from the basics of gymnastics and general fitness.
As a long USAG certified member and seasoned Xcel and T&T competitive team coach, he’s thrilled to bring his experience and energy to Hope Gymnastics.
COACH MELISSA
Melissa is a highly accomplished gymnastics coach and former elite athlete with extensive experience in both Artistic Gymnastics and Trampoline & Tumbling. During her competitive career, she achieved a ranking of 2nd in the United States and 4th in the world, reflecting her exceptional dedication, discipline, and technical excellence.
Melissa is passionate about helping athletes of all ages and skill levels build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and reach their full potential in a positive and supportive environment. Her coaching philosophy centers on safety, proper skill progression, hard work, and fostering a genuine love for the sport.
Drawing on her elite competitive background, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and motivation to every training session. She is committed to helping each athlete achieve their individual goals while creating an encouraging atmosphere where athletes can thrive both in and out of the gym.
Whether working with beginners learning foundational skills or competitive gymnasts striving for excellence, Melissa inspires athletes to challenge themselves, grow In confidence, and develop a lifelong appreciation for gymnastics.
COACH HANNAH
Coach Hannah has been with HOPE Gymnastics for four years. She currently oversees the recreational program and previously led the preschool program. She has experience coaching all levels, from Mini Stars through Advanced Level 6, as well as pre-team and Xcel Bronze athletes.
With over 15 years of gymnastics experience and more than six years of coaching experience, Coach Hannah brings knowledge, dedication, and consistency to every program she supports. She is a valuable part of the HOPE Gymnastics team, and her contributions are deeply appreciated.
COACH DAYANA
Coach Dayana is a dedicated gymnastics instructor with 3 years of experience working with children. She is passionate about creating a fun, engaging environment where kids can learn and grow, while following the curriculum and adding her own personality to make classes exciting.
In addition to coaching, Dayana also works as a substitute teacher for elementary, middle, and high school students, giving her a strong background in connecting with kids of all ages.
She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology, furthering her knowledge to support children’s growth and development both inside and outside the gym.
COACH NIXIE
Coach Nixie has practiced gymnastics from a very young age and joined HOPE Gymnastics as a Level 3 gymnast. Throughout her gymnastics career, she competed up to Level 7, developing both strong athletic skills and a deep passion for the sport.
At just 13 years old, she began assistant coaching at HOPE and became an official Junior Coach a year later. She has now been coaching with us for four years, bringing enthusiasm, experience, and positivity to every class.
Coach Nixie works with our Kinder Stars, beginner and intermediate levels, as well as our recreational team. She is passionate about sharing her love for gymnastics and helping athletes of all ages and skill levels grow in confidence and ability.
COACH PREE
Coach Pree can be seen coaching our preschool classes, including our youngest pre-team athletes in the Mini TOPs program. She is a dedicated and versatile coach who is always ready to step in and support athletes across multiple levels of the program.
Her calm demeanor, confidence, and consistency make her a reliable presence in the gym and a favorite among many of our athletes.
COACH CAROLINE
Coach Caroline discovered her love for gymnastics at a young age and went on to compete at the competitive level before continuing her journey through high school gymnastics.
She has been with HOPE Gymnastics for three years and currently coaches our Beginner Level 1 and 2 athletes. She is always willing to step up, lend a hand, and support wherever she is needed.
Beloved by athletes across all levels of the program, Coach Caroline brings positivity and energy to every class. Whenever she covers a session, the girls are excited to see her. We are lucky to have her on our staff.
COACH CLARA
Coach Clara has been coaching at HOPE for the past two years. She brings energy, encouragement, and positivity to every class, always creating a fun and supportive environment for her students.
She primarily coaches our beginner levels and also assists with intermediate classes when needed. Coach Clara has six years of club gymnastics experience and a total of nine years in the sport, including high school gymnastics. Her experience and passion for gymnastics help her inspire athletes to build confidence, strength, and new skills.
COACH ANNETTE
Coming soon.
COACH KELLY
Coach Kelly is a former Level 10 gymnast with over 23 years of coaching experience in Women's Artistic Gymnastics. She has coached athletes from preschool through Level 9 and has developed numerous State Qualifiers, Event Champions, All-Around Champions, State Championship teams, and a TOPS National Camp Qualifier. Kelly is passionate about building strong fundamentals, proper technique, confidence, and a positive team culture while helping each athlete reach their full potential. She also specializes in preschool and developmental programming, athlete progression, choreography, and creating meaningful relationships with athletes and their families through communication, teamwork, and memorable experiences both inside and outside the gym.
COACH KENDAL
Coach Kendal brings 2–3 years of experience working in childcare, where she cared for children ages 4–12 and developed strong skills in communication, patience, and creating a positive environment.
During her time in childcare, she built meaningful connections with the children she worked with while helping support their growth and confidence. Since joining our team a few months ago, Coach Kendal has already made a wonderful impact, creating fun, engaging experiences and leaving many of our athletes smiling and excited to come back each week.
Coach Kendal continues to step up and be a valued member of our team!
SASHKA
Sashka is Virginia Sports Academy's friendly husky and our owner's service/emotional support dog. You'll often find her greeting families, making new friends, and bringing smiles to everyone she meets.
Pet-Friendly Facility 🐶
VSA is not a pet-free facility. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners.
COACH KEVIN
Coach Kevin brings 4+ years experience of coaching youth sports to his recreational classes. He spent years as a competitive ballroom dancer and is now studying Physical Therapy. Kevin coaches Beginner Lever 1 and 2 classes as well as our Recreational Boys athletes, emphasizing the importance of body control and positioning.
Throughout the year, Coach Kevin also assists with day camps and summer camps brining 3 years of camp experience to our programs.
