Meet our Coaches

I have been working with kids in the gym and in a classroom setting since 2002. I graduated from University of Michigan with degrees in English and Psychology. At Michigan I was lucky enough to compete on an NCAA championship team in 1999. It was such a wonderful experience competing on a team and representing my school that I want to pass on that experience and make sure that men's gymnastics continues at the collegiate level. 

Assistant Coach

Zach Cipra

I finished my undergraduate in Electrical Engineering from Northern Illinois University in 2018 and completed my Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) in 2022 also from NIU. During my time at NIU, I was able to help start the NIU Men's Gymnastics program and was part of Team #1. I loved my time being on a college gymnastics team and want to give other athletes the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of being on a competitive gymnastics team.  

This is my first year coaching at NIU. Previously I was on the team in as an athlete 2022 getting the chance to fulfill my dream as a collegiate athlete. I have been coaching since 2018 and been involved in gymnastics for 17 years. I graduated from the University of Iowa with degrees in History and Secondary Social Studies Education. My hope is to provide an opportunity for athletes to continue their gymnastics at the collegiate level.