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The staff at Elite Gymnastics and Aquatics has over 175 combined years of teaching and training students in gymnastics and swimming.
The staff at Elite Gymnastics and Aquatics has over 175 combined years of teaching and training students in gymnastics and swimming.
Gerald Carley, Founder
Gerald started gymnastics as a teen at Wichita High School in Wichita, Kansas. He went on to compete in high bar and rings at the University of Kansas and represented KU at the NCAA Nationals were he finished 9th. He set a high bar record in 1970 that still stands today! While at KU, Gerald also obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Secondary Education. Following a few years of teaching in the Shawnee Mission School District, Gerald opened Elite in 1973. As a former competitor, it is safe to say Gerald’s entire life has revolved around gymnastics. He served as a member of the USAG Kansas State Board 1978-2011 and is a safety-certified Professional Member of USAG. In 1984, 1985, 1996, & 1997, Gerald was named “Coach of the Year” by colleagues in the Kansas City Gymnastics Association and in 1986 he was honored with the “Kansas Outstanding Contribution to Gymnastics Award. Since it’s opening, Elite has trained gymnasts for State, Regional and National competitions as well as two gymnasts that went on to become NCAA National Champions. Many Elite gymnasts have obtained scholarships at various colleges and universities. In 1985, Elite was the first team in the state of Kansas to place first at all competitive levels for a State Meet. When Gerald isn't coaching, he enjoys working in his garden, fishing, and spending time with his wife, Billie.
Sierra Weekly, Owner + General Manager
Sierra has been a part of Elite Gymnastics since she started taking classes in 2000. She began competing for Elite in 2001 at the age of 9 and continued competing in gymnastics until she graduated high school. After high school she attended Kansas State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology. While at K-State Sierra was involved in a number of activities including K-State Cheer and coaching gymnastics. In 2017 she graduated with a second degree from KCKCC and is now a Certified Physical Therapist Assistant. In her free time, Sierra enjoys spending time with her husband and son, running, reading and paddle boarding out on the lake.
Patrick Ballard, Assistant General Manager
Patrick began his career with Elite in 2006 as a party leader later transitioning to his current role as coach for all team Levels. Patrick graduated from Shawnee Mission West in 2003 and immediately started as a resident firefighter with Fire District #1 of Johnson County while attending KCK Community College to obtain his EMT certification. After living at the fire station for a year, he was hired full-time. Patrick holds certifications as a Kansas EMT-B, Federal Wildland Firefighter Type-2, Rope Rescue Technician, Fire Office, Fire Instructor and is a member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 3559. In addition to those certifications, he is also a safety-certified Professional Member of USAG. On the rare occasion that Patrick has time off work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and working around his house in Gardner.