NASA Gymnastics strives to provide high quality coaches, with a history of successful gymnastics experience for our students to learn from. The coaching staff is led by three experts in the field of Artistic Gymnastics.
John D. Smith-Director of Programs, Hall of Fame Gymnastics Coach: Began coaching in 1972 and opened NASA Gymnastics in 1981. Coach Smith coordinates all programs at NASA Gymnastics and serves as the head coach for the gymnastics team. He has coached a college gymnastics team, two high school teams, two junior high teams and at several private clubs. He has coached AAU basketball and the Curtis Junior High Basketball team, and conducts clinics for athletes and coaches specializing in speed and jump training. Coaching wide receivers with University Place Viking Football club and providing technical training for spring board diving and pole vaulting and long jump and triple jump, has helped him to assist athletes in many sports. Coach Smith was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Washington State Hall of Fame in 2006 and he continues to train athletes in numerous sports. Gymnasts trained by him have earned International Medals in Japan, England, Mexico and Canada. He has been involved with training in Moscow, USSR- St Petersburg, Russia- Beijing, China- Nishinomiya/ Osaka, Japan, Cork, Ireland and London, England. Athletes he has worked with in Track, Basketball, Spring Board Diving and Football have won State and League championships and several have earned college scholarships in their sports.
Linda M.N.Smith- Choreographer, Balance Beam Expert, Recreational Program Coordinator, TOP's & Team Coach: Since 1983
Coach Linda has trained more then 130 State Champions on the Balance Beam and Floor Exercise. Her Choreography skills and coaching expertise have led her gymnasts to National Championship titles, International Medals and College Scholarships. Coach Linda is an expert in recreational coaching and imparts her knowledge to the coaches at NASA Gymnastics. Her ability to train gymnasts from age 2 to 20 is remarkable. She is the mother of two boys who started in gymnastics and went on to successful academic and athletic careers in track & basketball. Son Jeremy, is 24 and son Drew is 19. She has been nominated and is under consideration for the USA Gymnastics Washington State Hall of Fame.
Belinda "Billi" Mutton- Pre-School Expert, Recreational Class Expert, : Since 1998
Coach Billi is beloved by her pre-school students, parents and fellow coaches. She is a former competitive gymnast from Spokane, who trained in several programs before finding a "gym home" at NASA Gymnastics. "Ms. Billi" specializes in pre-school and recreational gymnastics and does a wonderful job in developing NASA's TOP's team program.
Diane Cook: A really exciting and disciplined coach for Pre-School, Class Instructor for levels 1 and 2, and Gymnastic Camp Coordinator and Birthday party specialist: since 2008
Tianna Pittman: One of the most requested Class Instructors for levels 1, 2,3,and 4. She is a former Ballet dancer with years of working with young people in dance, gymnastics and movement. Coaching at NASA since 2009
Jeff Judkin: Is a former Level 10 competitive gymnast who came to NASA as a recreational and team instructor in the spring of 2011. Coach Jeff is studying at the University of Puget sound and making a huge impact on the gymnasts of Gig Harbor.
Monica McNiel Cherry: Level 1-4 coach, Pre-Team and Team Coach: She is a Former NASA competitive gymnastics Champion, who has coached at NASA Gymnasts for a number of years. Monica specializes in developing fundamentally sound young gymnasts who desire to be competitive athletes. She also is the Motion Evolution program coordinator which enables all children the opportunity to experience and enjoy being active and achieving their personal best. Started coaching with NASA in 2004, took a sabattical in 2008 and returned in 2010 with a new husband and her amazing passion for helping young people achieve their personal best! Is currently on a sabbatical while she prepares to deliver her new baby in October 2011. We wish coach Monica all the best and look forward to her return to coaching at NASA Gymnastics!
Former NASA Coaches:
Paul Pittman 1981
Diane Amos 1983
Jose Villahermosa 1983
Dave Fejeran 1985
Laura Backus 1992
Lindsey Lauderdale 1994
Becky Webb 1995
Liao Run Tian 1995
Wu Hua Rong 1995
Pete Baker 1997
Bob Matthews 1998
Heather Hudson 1998
Dana Snelson 1999
Sybil Webster 2003
Monica McNiel 2004
Bailey Johnson 2006
Morgan Smith 2007
Mackenzie McIntyre 2008
Leha Frenchik 2010
Jennifer Kingsley 2010
