Get to know all our amazing staff!
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Travis Walczynski
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Kari Scott
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Owner and Head Coach
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Owner and Receptionist
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Hometown: Wauconda, IL
Experience: 8 years of competitive gymnastics then started coaching in 2006. How did you end up in Southern Illinois? I came to Carbondale in 2010 to attend SIU. I studied aviation and graduated in 2015 with my Bachelors in Aviation Management and my Associates in Aviation Flight. During my time at SIU I also acquired my Private, Commercial, and Flight Instructor Certificates along with an Instrument Rating. What is your favorite thing about coaching? I have been lucky enough to explore many rewarding and challenging career paths, other than coaching, in my life. Becoming a pilot is one of my biggest accomplishments and one that I plan to continue using in a professional capacity later in life. With that said, I have never found anything that challenges me more or feels more rewarding than coaching. Everyday with my gymnasts is completely different. Everyday I am learning something new that will help me improve as a coach and help me produce better gymnasts. I will always have the goal of becoming a better coach until the day I retire. I have always believed that gymnastics is the most difficult sport in the world, not only for its physical requirements but its physiological ones. These kids have to be fearless, determined, and absolutely committed to their time in the gym which gives me the privilege of finding and working with some truly amazing individuals. I cherish my relationship with these kids and hope everyday they walk out of my gym not only better athletes but more developed, well rounded people. |
Hometown: Carterville, IL
Background: I have a long history in athletics, but some of my favorites are cheer, dance, and pep squad. How did you end up at Saluki ? My children came here as students. When I found out there would be a job opening, I knew it would be a great fit for me! Tell us a bit about yourself: I moved back home to Southern Illinois from Denver, Co. in 2013. My husband and I married in 2017. I am a Mom of four beautiful and talented children. You’ll find 3 on our competitive team and one out on the football field! What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki? Always the students, watching them grow and develop new skill is the most rewarding part of what we do here! Furthermore, being part of a program I believe in. I have always been a believer in hard work and dedication. I think that gymnastics builds an unwavering foundation of strength, courage ,discipline, and character that our students will use later in life to succeed in anything they choose to put their minds to. |
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Baylee Lyerla
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Kaleigh Allen
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Gymnastics Coach
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Aerial Silk Instructor
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Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Experience: 10 years as a competitive gymnast up to Xcel Diamond. Has been coaching since age 13. How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics? I started attending SIU in 2020. While taking classes, I have also joined the SIU Shakers. What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki? I love how the gymnastics environment is healthy and fun while also allowing the kids to learn new skills. |
Hometown: Austin, TX
Experience: 5 years of dance/aerial dance and 2 years of cheer How did you end up in Southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics? I am currently going to SIU and wanted to find a place with aerial dance, which lead me to Saluki Gymnastics which had an aerial hoop (lyra). Now I get to train on the lyra and aerial silks! What is your favorite thing about Saluki Gymnastics? I love seeing my students get excited about learning new tricks. I also love seeing them post what they are learning on social media. Additional Info: Besides dance, I love reading and traveling. I have been lucky enough in my travels to have visited 10 countries so far! I cannot wait to go abroad again and train with different artists all across the globe. |
Marissa Ivory
Office Manager
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Experience: 7 years cheerleading, 2 years of gymnastics
How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics:
While in undergrad, I found the SIU gymnastics club and was introduced to Saluki Gymnastics. I graduated with my bachelors in Exercise Science in May 2022. I will continue to reside in Carbondale as I pursue my masters degree in Sports and Recreation Management.
What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
My favorite thing about working at Saluki is the family atmosphere. You get really close to the kids and their parents and create a bond like no other.
Experience: 7 years cheerleading, 2 years of gymnastics
How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics:
While in undergrad, I found the SIU gymnastics club and was introduced to Saluki Gymnastics. I graduated with my bachelors in Exercise Science in May 2022. I will continue to reside in Carbondale as I pursue my masters degree in Sports and Recreation Management.
What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
My favorite thing about working at Saluki is the family atmosphere. You get really close to the kids and their parents and create a bond like no other.
Leah “Leotard” Walczynski
Mascot and Greeter
How did you end up in Southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics?
My dad, Coach Travis, adopted me in September of 2019. Since then, if he’s at the gym then I’m at the gym!
What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
My favorite is being able to play catch out in the gym! I have to make sure I am out of the way for classes though, so I love playing in the lobby too. Seeing everyone come in gets me crazy excited and I just can’t wait to say hi!
Why won’t you let me pick you up or take your ball sometimes?
Usually when I am at the gym I am wanting to play! When I want to play, I don’t like to be picked up or cuddled. One of my other favorite games is keep away. I’m pretty sure you can’t catch me, but I love seeing you try! If I am in a mood for catch, my trained word to drop the ball is “STOP.” Oh, and make sure to say it like a command, say it like you mean it! My dad hates when I don’t listen, so I’m used to my instructions being very direct, especially when I’m being a pain...
My dad, Coach Travis, adopted me in September of 2019. Since then, if he’s at the gym then I’m at the gym!
What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki?
My favorite is being able to play catch out in the gym! I have to make sure I am out of the way for classes though, so I love playing in the lobby too. Seeing everyone come in gets me crazy excited and I just can’t wait to say hi!
Why won’t you let me pick you up or take your ball sometimes?
Usually when I am at the gym I am wanting to play! When I want to play, I don’t like to be picked up or cuddled. One of my other favorite games is keep away. I’m pretty sure you can’t catch me, but I love seeing you try! If I am in a mood for catch, my trained word to drop the ball is “STOP.” Oh, and make sure to say it like a command, say it like you mean it! My dad hates when I don’t listen, so I’m used to my instructions being very direct, especially when I’m being a pain...