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MEET THE STAFF
The mission of the Waxahachie Gymnastics Center is…
…To promote healthy physical and emotional growth, through the sport of gymnastics, in a fun, positive environment.
As a gymnast, power tumbler and a cheerleader for most of my life, I had a dream of one day owning my own gym! Throughout my college life, I was a compulsory team coach as well as preschool, parent/tot classes, power tumbling and cheer. Combining this passion for gymnastics and my experience running 2 non-profit organizations, as an Executive Director as well as a Development Director, enables me to bring this community, you, and your children a quality program right here in Ellis County. I am also a parent of a competitive collegiate gymnast, who I had the privilege of coaching through level 10, which gives me a unique perspective on the wants and needs of the parents we serve. I'm blessed to be able to coach our optionals team girls, which gives me that outlet for my love of the sport, but tend to do my work behind the scenes at WGC. USAG certified coach, First Aid and CPR certified, Certified Pilates instructor. Education also includes USAG U200, 8 years of Gymnastics Association of Texas conference, Safe Sport Certified, USAG National Congress, 3rd Level Consulting Brain Trust Business Consulting Certified,
Gina Smith
Owner & Head Coach
Nicole Pitts (Coach Niki) is a former Elite gymnast that trained and competed for Tumble Town USA, a Waxahachie based Tumbling and Trampoline Gym. She started coaching for that facility as an assistant coach in 1990 (at 10 years old) and continued to coach until she left for the Army in 1998. Shortly after arriving at her first duty-station, she picked up coaching again at Gymnastics, Etc., in Leesville, LA. After returning from a combat tour in Iraq, she bought Gymnastics Etc., and reopened it as her very own Tumble Town USA. Unfortunately for Coach Niki, Mother Nature had bigger plans in 2005 when the gym was destroyed by Hurricane Rita in late September. In November that same year, her daughter, Emma, was born. In 2007, she was transferred to Fort Knox, KY, and spent the last 8 years of her career as a rehabilitation specialist for wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers. While stationed at Fort Knox, she also welcomed her son, Gabriel, into the world, volunteered over 400 hours as a Health Tech at the VA Hospital in Louisville, KY and finished her degree in Applied Science before retiring from the military with 17 years of service. Peppered into her time in Kentucky, Coach Niki taught private lessons, worked with cheerleading squads at local Jr. High and High Schools and substitute coached for multiple recreational and cheer gyms in the area. In 2015, Coach Niki moved back to Texas with her family to enjoy her retirement. Her daughter started taking classes at WGC and before she knew it, the coaching bug was stirring again. When Emma joined the T&T Team, she brought her mom with her. Coach Niki has been WGC’s Competitive Team Coach for the Tumbling and Trampoline Team since 2016. During her tenure at WGC she has trained many athletes on the Tumbling and Trampoline Team, resulting in multiple State, Regional and National Titles for her team. First Aid & CPR certified
Nicole Pitts (Coach Niki)
General Manager, Head Tumble and Trampoline Team Coach
Brandy is a busy mother of 4, three of which are involved at WGC, including two daughters on our competitive team. Brandy has a diverse background, including a combined 16 years of gymnastics, cheer, dance and martial arts. She has worked with kids of all ages through Mother's Day out programs, YMCA teams and programs, and teaching high school math and science. Brandy is CPR and First Aid Certified. In recent years her competitive nature has found an outlet in running. She has completed a number of marathons, half marathons, relays and triathlons. She values discipline, determination and striving for excellence. Brandy is excited to work with and learn from the amazing coaching staff at WGC and to have the chance to achieve greatness! USAG Professional and Safe Sport Certified. First Aid & CPR certified
Brandy Nance
Artistic Gymnastics Team Director
Andrea Rusk is no stranger to WGC. After having 2 daughters on WGC Team she decided to join us as a coach of our Preschool and Level 1 Recreational Gymnastics Classes. Andrea also brings experience in cheer and tumbling after coaching youth cheer for 5 years. She is a mom to 2 daughters and a son, all of which participate in gymnastics at WGC. First Aid & CPR certified
Andrea Rusk
Customer Service, Preschool & Recreational Coach
Israel has been coaching now for 25years men and wormen’s gymnastics, 5 of which have been at WGC. He began competing in gymnastics early in his teens and was recognized for having a quick grasp for learning new skills. Israel moved from Corpus Christi TX to train in Garland TX at Dolphing Gymnastics and ended his Gymnastics career at Texas Gymnastics training Center. He has coached with great mentors from Russia and Romania, while attending law School in California, and has been at Waxahachie Gymnastics Center now for 5 years. He not only loves all of the gymnasts that he's had the pleasure of coaching but I love the dynamic culture that Coach Gina has created with hiring great coaches. I love to learn not only from expert coaches but new coaches too. Israel holds a a BS in Political Scince, a Masters of Laws in International taxation and a Juris Doctorate.
First Aid & CPR certified
Israel Collard
Competitive Team Coach
Marlee coaches our morning preschool & tots classes, along with being an assistant coach to our level 1 & 2 teams! She was a gymnast from the age of 5 and continued on WGC's team for 7 years, competing as a level 7 gymnast. Marlee has 2 siblings, and her mom, which all participate at WGC in a variety of ways. Marlee loves coaching and the memories that are made here at WGC. She cannot wait to teach young gymnasts and help them learn and grow in their gymnastics careers, and learn and grow as a coach as well! First Aid & CPR certified
Marlee Rusk
Developmental Team, Preschool and Tots Coach
Emma Pitts is a 2 x National Champion Tumbling and Trampoline Gymnast that has competed for WGC since 2017. She also has multiple State and Regional Titles in the sport and is a current member of the WGC Tumbling and Trampoline team. She is a Sophomore at Waxahachie High School and spends her free time fishing, swimming, scuba diving, and taking care of her 7 Turtles! She is Coach Niki’s daughter and has been in or around a gymnastics center since before she was born. She coaches Preschool and Beginner through Advanced Tumbling. She loves helping others learn the sport she loves so much! First Aid & CPR certified
Emma Pitts
Preschool, Tumbling,
Tumbling & Trampoline Team Assistant Coach