Your Child’s Coach Has Been There.

More than 70 years of combined head-coach experience, national-team and SEC credentials, and a full staff of USA Gymnastics Safety-Certified coaches who love working with kids.

Three TEG coaches in tie-dye TEG shirts

Head coaches

Coach Anatoli Toropov

Head Coach · Compulsory & Optional Teams

Anatoli Toropov

  • Former Head Coach, National Team of Kirgizia
  • Coached within the USSR National Team system
  • Eight years as a National Team athlete
  • 40+ years developing National qualifiers and college scholarship athletes
Coach Lisa Collins

Competitive Program Manager · Optional Team

Lisa Collins

  • Former elite gymnast — U.S. Classic & American Classic qualifier
  • Full gymnastics scholarship, University of Georgia
  • SEC Championship team rings, 1991 & 1992
  • 30+ years coaching Xcel, Compulsory and Levels 6–10

Team Coaches

Experience at Every Level.

Coach Makayla Lu

Makayla Lu

Compulsory Team Coach

Makayla has been part of TEG since day one — one of our very first athletes. She grew up in this gym, trained through Level 10 and was known for her work ethic, grace and quiet determination. Now she coaches the next generation with the same heart.

“I get to pass down the lessons I’ve learned, help athletes grow, and watch them discover their own confidence and passion.”

Coach Katherine Lulow

Katherine Lulow

Xcel Silver & Gold Team Coach

Katherine brings 14 years of coaching experience from Oregon with Compulsory and Xcel athletes. She is a calm, steady coach who believes in clear expectations, positive communication and step-by-step progress.

“My favorite moments are when their faces light up with excitement after achieving something they’ve worked so hard for.”

Coach Kamryn Bauer

Kamryn Bauer

Compulsory Levels 2–4

Kamryn trained and competed in gymnastics for 12 years. Today she leads Compulsory Levels 2, 3 and 4 with energy, patience and a focus on strong fundamentals and consistency.

“Watching them learn new skills, overcome fears, and grow into confident athletes is the best part of coaching.”

Coach Dan

Dan

Head Coach · 30+ Years

Coach Dan comes to TEG from Bedford, Texas, with more than 30 years of coaching experience. His standards are simple: “Great form should be your norm” and “Straight legs are great legs!”

“What I love most about coaching is witnessing that breakthrough moment for my gymnasts. Whether it’s overcoming a fear, learning a new skill, or hitting a great routine — it’s all about them!”

Coach Traian

Traian

Acro, Tumbling & Gymnastics · 26+ Years

Coach Traian is from Bucharest, Romania, and has more than 26 years of experience coaching acrobatics, tumbling and gymnastics.

“I love helping people become the best version of themselves, build confidence for the future and have fun doing it.”

Coach Kayne

Kayne

Coach · Competitive Gymnast

From Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, Kayne spent 10 years as a competitive gymnast and national team member and has coached for six years around the world.

“I am still competing, and I love constantly learning about gymnastics and teaching what I learn. There is always room for improvement.”

Coach Cheryl

Cheryl

Coach · Artistic and T&T Background

Cheryl, from Cincinnati, Ohio, has been a gymnast since age 3, competed in both women’s artistic gymnastics and trampoline & tumbling, and has coached since 2014.

“Gymnastics teaches me patience, and I love watching young athletes thrive in such a difficult sport.”

Coach Olivia

Olivia

Coach · At TEG Since 2023

From nearby Greenback, Tennessee, Olivia competed for 11 years and has coached at TEG since January 2023.

“Gymnastics teaches kids so many life skills. It encourages them to let nothing get in their way — they can achieve anything they set their mind to!”

Coach Ainsley

Ainsley

Coach · 11 Years Competing

From Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ainsley competed in gymnastics for 11 years and now coaches at TEG.

“I love helping kids find their love for gymnastics.”

Coach Jennifer

Jennifer

Coach

Our Staff

Safety-Certified. Background-Checked.

Every TEG coach is USA Gymnastics Safety-Certified and background-checked. Our preschool classes are led with early childhood education specialists.

Larisa, owner of Tennessee Elite Gymnastics

Larisa

Owner

Originally from Lithuania, Larisa has more than 35 years of experience working with kids and 20 years coaching gymnastics.

“Gymnastics is much more than cartwheels or flips. It helps build self-morale, determination, and better communication and management skills. I love to see the growth of each athlete, not only as a gymnast but as a person.”

Georgianna, front desk manager

Georgianna

Front Desk Manager

Georgianna has been part of TEG for more than eight years and brings years of experience in the gymnastics world to the front desk.

“Gymnastics teaches discipline, focus and perseverance — all qualities that translate well into other areas of life.”

Ready When They Are.

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