Greg McCalester

• Greg is the founding member of Elite Gymnastics Academy.  He has been coaching competitive gymnastics in San Diego since moving here in
  1996.

• In addition to his role as owner of the gym, Greg coaches all levels of gymnastics at Elite.  Greg is the head coach of the optional girls on Bars, Vault, and Tumbling.

• "When I was a competitive gymnast, I couldn't wait to get to the gym each day I had practice.  I always knew that I wanted to be a part of gymnastics as long as I could.  Elite has allowed me to remain a part of gymnastics, a sport that I love, and for that I am lucky."
  

Carrie Pohlman

• Carrie was a competitive gymnast since age 8.

• Carrie is our compulsory team coordinator.

• She currently coaches all levels of classes at Elite as well as being the head coach of the optional girls on Beam and Dance. 

• Carrie is also the lead coach for our S.T.A.R.S. program

Candice Dowling

• Candice is a former Elite Gymnastics Academy gymnast and competed up through Level 9.
• Candice is also a credentialed math teacher and has taught middle and high school.
• Coach Candice says, "Gymnastics was my life until I graduated high school.  My favorite part about gymnastics was learning and perfecting new skills. Now my favorite part is watching my gymnasts do the same."
• Candice currently coaches for our S.T.A.R.S. program.

Rey Acacio

• Rey is our Boys Team Coach.

• Awarded New Mexico State "2007 Coach of the Year - Compulsory"

• Rey graduated from U.C.L.A. with a B.A. in Dance, specializing in Dance and Sports Medicine

• He has been coaching gymnastics for 10+ years but has also taught dance and coached competitive cheerleading.

• Coach Rey says, "It is a heartfelt passion to coach gymnastics.  Not only do I get to see these young individuals grow to become better athletes, but it is a privilege to be a part of that development.  It gives coaches a good feeling knowing they've made a difference."

Katie Landphair

• Katie coaches Level 5/6 Girls Team.

• Katie has been coaching competitive gymnastics since 2001 & recently moved to San Diego from Iowa.

• She participated in competitive gymnastics as well as cheerleading.

• Katie graduated from the Univ. of Iowa with a communications degree and a business minor.

• Katie says, "Gymnastics has always been a part of my life & now I have the ability to share my passion & inspire young gymnasts. Watching the children learn & grow is truly rewarding."

Olin Eaves

• Olin was a tumbler and a cheerleader throughout high school and college.  He has coached competitive gymnastics since 2004.

• "Childhood is the most critical part of our lives, especially in terms of developing good exercise habits at an early age.  Gymnastics is the best sport there is, and I hope to share my enthusiasm for it with all of my students."

• Olin currently coaches boys and girls team as well as introductory and developmental classes.

Jennifer Eidsmoe

• Jennifer was a gymnast and dancer throughout her childhood. At age 14 she began competitive dancing.

• Jennifer began coaching gymnastics a couple of years after her daughter began the sport. Her youngest lives and breathes gymnastics and loves Elite. Her oldest loves dance.

• Whether it is gymnastics or dance she loves teaching.

• Jennifer says, "The way a child looks when they achieve a goal is the best part of the job - it never gets old."

• Jennifer coaches our Lower Levels and up through Level 3.

Kelsey McCrae

• Kelsey coaches our introductory and lower level classes and coaches for our S.T.A.R.S. program.

• She is our lower level program coordinator.

• Kelsey started gymnastics at age 3 and competed for Tricks Gymnastics in Northern California through Level 6. She quit gymnastics when she was 12 continue dance - Jazz Ballet and Tap. She was in a dance ensemble in High School.

• Kelsey says, "I missed gymnastics so much and am so happy to be back in the gym helping to teach other kids about my favorite sport!"

Brittany Cliffe

• Brittany coaches our introductory and lower level classes.

• Brittany was a former competitive Elite Gymnastics Gymnast.

Kayla Correia

• Kayla coaches our introductory and lower level classes.

• She is currently varsity/optional gymnast and has done varsity cheer.

• Kayla is an honor student at Santana High School and plans on applying to U.C. Santa Barbara after graduating.

Kristen Brinkley

• Kristen coaches our introductory and lower level classes.

• Kristen danced competitively for 10 years.

• She is currently a Senior at Granite Hills High School.

Natalia Valerdi

• Natalia is our Ballet teacher

• Natalia graduated from U.C. Irvine with a Master's degree in Dance.

• She has taught ballet, modern dance and choreography since 1999 both in the United States and abroad. She also teaches Children's Yoga.

• Natalia says, "My passion is to help young people achieve their full potential. Not only to be better athletes but to be a better person in the world."

• Natalia has strong family values and enjoys time with her husband and her two boys, ages 2 & 8.

Carol Brackett

• Carol currently works at our Front Desk.

• Carol is a San Diego Native and volunteer at the San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation.

• She has strong family values and enjoys spending time with her nieces, nephews and her two kittens.

Paula McCalester

• Paula is Elite's Web Master, Advertising and Marketing person and the Community Outreach Coordinator. She is often seen in the gym with her four girls.

• Paula competed track and cross country through College and did High School gymnastics. Her daughter Bianca is a Level 8 Gymnast who is passionate about the sport.

• "Elite is our extended family and so much a part of our life. I think how blessed we are to work, play, form  friendships and be part of this special place."