The KPAC Coaching Staff

Kristie Phillips Owner, Director, Coach

Kristie Phillips, is a retired American elite gymnast and is certified as an elite-level judge. She is currently the USA Gymnastics Athlete Representative that will serve on the 2008 Olympic Selection Committee.  The 1987 senior U.S. National Champion and one of the American team's strongest and most visible competitors in the mid-1980s. From 1985 to 1987, she placed first in the all-around in every single American competition she entered, including the 1986 American Classic, the 1986 Olympic Festival and the 1987 U.S. Classic. She was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2006. See Kristie's competitive resume.

 

Cathy Bisbe, Staff Coach

Kathy was the owner of Blue Ridge Gymnastics in Spruce Pine for five years. Since moving to the Lake Norman area, Cathy has been the Head Coach for Compulsory Gymnastics for two years.

Sophie Pratola, Staff Coach

Sophie has been coaching all levels of competitive gymnastics for over seven years. She has been a compulsory head coach and has coached a state champion team of level 4's. She has a BS in Food Science from the University of Maryland, and has a BS in Exercise Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In addition, Sophie has her Health Fitness Instructor certification through the American College of Sports Medicine which enables her to personal train and to teach adult fitness classes. She uses her exercise science degree to implement conditioning programs for the competitive gymnasts, and also to lead the Tyson Fitness Challenge classes during the summer.

Tina Silcox, Staff Coach

DoB: 2-6-1981 in Frankfurt/Germany Gymnastics background: 6 years of rhythmic gymnastics and dance. Coaching background: 3 years rhythmic gymnastics (and ballet) in Germany, 2 years rhythmic gymnastics in USA, 4 years artistic gymnastic (rec and competitive) in USA. Judging background: 2 years rhythmic gymnastics at state level in Germany. Certifications: C-License rhythmic gymnastics (Germany), Safety certified/USAG Professional member. Other qualifications: Bi-lingual Office Manager (Germany, Associate's degree Accounting Hobbies: My husband and family, my pets (Snowby, Max, Pepper), my house, reading, cooking & baking. I have worked at the gym since 6/2/2003, both as the office manager and instructor.

Horatio Bannister, Staff Coach

Horatio Bannister's experience brings harmony to Extreme Sports and Gymnastics.  An avid

endurance athlete, Horatio is happiest upside down on a windsurfer or wakeboard. 

"Years ago, I realized the benefits of gymnastics-type physical conditioning applied to all

sports and workout scenarios.  It is now the norm to see NFL, NBA, & MLB programs

include gymnastics style physical conditioning to their workout regimens.  Gymnastics contains the building blocks of all sports... strength, agility, coordination, flexibility & dedication prepare all athletes, competitive or not, for peak performance and condition... and it's a blast!"