WGV Athletics Booster Club
WGV Team Coaches
Heather Newton
Owner/ Program Meet Director
Coach Heather has over 10 years of experience in coaching. She has been Gym Owner for the last 6 years of WGV Gymnastics. She has experience as a Preschool Coach, Recreational Gymnastics Coach, and Competitive Team Coach. She has her meet director certification and all safety certifications. She has helped developed gymnastic programs at all levels. Coach Heather is certified by USAG and AAU.
Kristi Dixon
Head Xcel Team Coach
Platinum & Optionals Coach
Coach Kristi first entered into the gymnastics and dance world at 3 years old. Kristi won her first State Championship at the age of 5 and won her first Junior Olympics at 7 years old. Kristi reached elite gymnastics status at 10 years old.
As a junior gymnast Kristi was one of the United States' top-ranking athletes nationally. From 1986 to 1989, she placed first in the all-around in every single competition she entered. At her first U.S. National Championships in 1987, she won the all-around title in the junior division; she repeated her success the following year, despite competing with a broken foot.
By 1986, the Atlanta Journal Constitution stated that not only was she considered to be the state’s best but also widely recognized in the “world” as a rising gymnastics star.
As Kristi moved into the senior ranks, she appeared to be on track for the 92 Olympics.
However Dixon’s Olympic ambitions were derailed when first she broke both ankles and tore her ACL competing in Arkansas but then after months of recovery time and returning to the gym was heartbroken again when she sustained a career ending injury while performing a simple skill. Kristi left the sport behind for good or at least that is what she thought.
After college Kristi decided that she could not just leave gymnastics in the past and decided to share her love of gymnastics with the younger generation. She opened a gym and never looked back until her and her husband was relocated to Florida in 2018.
Her coaching career includes
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17 years of judging at a national level,
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Trained 9 national champions,
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Exclusively trained 13 athletes for college gymnastic scholarships
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Extensive experience choreographing routines for state, regional, national, and eastern champions of her own and at other gyms around the US
Kristi is married and they have a 24 year old daughter and a four month old granddaughter that they are absolutely in love with. Outside of having a true love and dedication for the sport of gymnastics she is also a LCPC (licensed clinical professional counselor).
Kenny Rosenstein
Head Team Coach JO Program
Compulsary & Optionals Coach
Coach Kenny has been involved in the sport of gymnastics for the past 30 years. He has spent the last 15 years coaching athletes through level 10. Kenny was a high-level competitive gymnast for over 10 years.
Through out his time coaching, Kenny has worked with National Team Staff, attended both Regional and National Congress and worked with nationally recognized coaches throughout the country.
After graduating from college Kenny coached the University of Colorado Gymnastics club team.
Coach Kenny was voted “2015 Colorado Coach of the Year”
He has had numerous athletes rated on America’s “Top 100” list on multiple events, multiple athletes placing in top 3 at state and regional, and national events.
In 2020 Kenny moved to Florida with his wife and son from Colorado. Kenny is a 4th generation Coloradan. In his free time he loves skiing, hiking, playing Frisbee golf, and spending as much time as he can with family.
Kenny went to the University of Colorado at Boulder where he received his degree in French Literature with an emphasis in Sociology and Astronomy.
Coach Althea (Thea)
JO Team Floor/Beam Coach
Coach Thea has been actively involved in gymnastics for 19 years. She was a competitive gymnast for 8 years and has been a coach for 5. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minoring in Sports Management. She is hoping to pursue a master’s degree and PhD in Sport Psychology. Thea has worked under numerous experienced mentors, including an Olympic-level and a division 1 coach. Her primary goal as a coach is to help young gymnasts fall in love with the sport just as she has. She likes to maintain the fun of the sport while also emphasizing form, technique, and discipline.
Jo Marie Futch
Team Coach - Xcel Bronze/Silver/Gold
Coach Jo fell in love with gymnastics as a child and competed through her senior year of high school. She continued her love of physical training through college and became a personal trainer, gaining certificates for Pilates, Spinning, weight/ resistance and AFAA aerobics. She owned and operated her own Jazzercise franchise, working with adults and children to help them reach their fitness goals. She began coaching competitive gymnastics in Tupelo MS in 2000, starting her own gymnastics and dance program in cooperation with the North Mississippi Medical/Wellness Center in Baldwyn, MS. After moving to the Atlanta area in 2005, she began coaching compulsory, optional, excel and elite programs throughout the Atlanta area. She is a mother of six children and all have participated in gymnastics. Her daughter Maritza recently ended her college career as a NCAA All American National bar champion for the Purple Knights, University of Bridgeport. Coach Jo loves nurturing girls and watching them build their confidence and conquer their fears as they learn incredible skills that will one day help them overcome life’s obstacles.
Coming Soon - Team Coach - Xcel Silver & Bronze
Coming Soon...
