Our Team
Coach Joe
Coach Joe has been coaching gymnastics since 2006. While he got his start as a recreational and preschool coach he quickly moved up to a team coach. Since he started coaching he has worked with National Team coaches, was a team lead, director, and eventually started Empowered Athletics with Coach Emily. Since owning the gym he has coached athletes to become best in the nation on two different events. He was elected Men’s Coach of the Year in 2023 for the state of Michigan. He is also the State Chairmen for Men’s Gymnastics for Michigan.
Coach Emily
Coach Emily has been coaching since 2010. She has put in many hours of hard work. She is the backbone behind getting the gym built. She used to be a gymnast back in the day when vaulting had a horse.
Her first car was a moose
She has always wanted the gym colors to be purple, pink, and lime green. But coach Joe is a meanie and says no.
She likes coffee with cream and sugar. She has a bit of a sweet tooth and once put a starburst in her coffee.
Coach Danielle
Coach Danielle has been coaching since 2015. She has always had a strong passion for coaching and loves to be able to help kids accomplish their goals both inside and outside the gym.
Danielle did gymnastics for 17 years and competed up to Level 9 and Diamond before continuing on the Grand Valley Gymnastics Club Team. She has received both State and National titles in her career. Her favorite event to compete was Floor and Balance Beam but her favorite to coach is Uneven Bars or Vault.
Coach Bella started coaching at 15 years old. She did gymnastics for 16 years and earned multiple titles including 2022 state Floor champion and 2023 regional Vault champion. Her favorite event is Floor because she " loves to dance and be a little crazy”.
Bella has also participated in her high school color guard for the past two years. Her favorite things are a red bull and some funny earrings. “My students love to say I’m so crazy and weird but I know they love it“.
Coach Bella
Hi, my name is Coach Anna! I did gymnastics for 7 years and competed all the way to Xcel Diamond. My favorite event to compete was either Bars or Floor but I love coaching all of the events.
Outside of gymnastics I love to watch football and other sports, go boating try new foods, and I really enjoy a good TV show. Seeing other gymnasts become successful, build confidence and determination, and encouraging others is why I really enjoy coaching!
Coach Anna
Coach Emily D
Hi my friends, Coach Emily here! We are so happy to have you at Empowered Athletics! A little about me… I’ve coached both recreational and NGA/USAG competitive gymnastics for half my life; about 20 years all together in Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee. I am a military widow and currently live in Caledonia with my daughter Aria and my son Aydin. My oldest daughter Madison recently made me a “Mimi” to a sweet baby boy! My favorite color is Blue and I have a dog named Bleu! My guilty pleasure is enjoying a frozen coke! I have a dual Associates degree as well as a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a focus in social and behavioral studies. Fun fact: besides doing gymnastics and pageants growing up I was a speed skater. I trained at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and traveled as far as France competing as part of the USA Jr. Olympic World Team. I also participated in the X-games for downhill inline skating. These days my life is much less thrilling but super fulfilling! I enjoy volunteering and sit on multiple boards, cooking (and eating) yummy food, working out in the gym and spending time with my little family; usually playing or watching sports! Most of all I absolutely love working with kids while helping them realize that with diligence and determination they “can do hard things”!
Coach Olivia
About me: - when you started coaching: 14 years old
-level: 9, training 10
-other sports you been an athlete for: Recreational dance for 7 years and Cheerleading for 1 year.
- favorite event: Bars!
-favorite snack: veggie straws
-favorite coffee: sweet cream cold brew from Biggby (or I like chai tea lattes)
Titles- 2020 Bars regional champ, 2021 state floor champ.
Best fish: Me, a trout
