Get to know all our amazing staff!
Travis Walczynski
Owner/Head Coach
Hometown: Wauconda, IL
Experience: 8 years of competitive gymnastics then started coaching in 2008.
Experience: 8 years of competitive gymnastics then started coaching in 2008.
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.
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.
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.
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Kari Scott
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Shawnna Kelly
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Alexa Maxwell
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Manager, Receptionist, and Ninja Coach
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Receptionist
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Receptionist and Fun Staff
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Hometown: Carterville, IL
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! What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki? Always the students, but also being part of a program I believe in. I have always been a believer in hard work and dedication. I think it always pays off and builds unbelievable strength and character. |
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
How did you end up in Southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics? My husband is a Marine and he got stationed here for three years. I decided to put my daughter back into gymnastics here at Saluki. I absolutely loved the coaches and environment so when I was offered a receptionist position I quickly took it. What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki? The coaches, watching the kids confidence and abilities grow, and the environment of feeling like I am around family/friends. |
Hometown: Belfair, WA
How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics? I moved to southern Illinois to attend SIU and study Pre-Med. While attending SIU I was recruited to the SIU Gymnastics Club and was offered a job at Saluki. What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki? The friendships I have built with my coworkers and seeing the kids accomplish amazing things while having fun doing it. |
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Gwen Rees
Gymnastics and Pre-K Coach
Hometown: Springfield, IL
Experience: 11 years as a competitive gymnast How did you end up in southern Illinois and at Saluki Gymnastics? I came to southern Illinois to attend SIU for their great psychology and criminal justice program. I was recruited to coach at Saluki Gymnastics from the SIU Gymnastics Club. What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki? I love working with the kids and helping them learn to love the sport I love so much. |
Will Thomas
Ninja Coach
Hometown: Murphysboro, IL
Experience: Cheering with the Murphysboro High School Cheer Team since 2017. How did you end up at Saluki Gymnastics? I started at Saluki in a tumbling class which culminated into a job as a coach. What is your favorite thing about working at Saluki? The feeling of family I get with the rest of the staff, along with the pride the kids get when they accomplish something they have really been determined to get. |
Matt Ruiz
Gymnastics and Ninja Coach
Hometown: Mt. Prospect, IL
Gymnastics experience: 4 yrs of competitive gymnastics and 5 yrs of Parkour How did you end up in Southern Illinois? I came to study at SIU and I am currently majoring in Kinesiology. What is your favorite thing about coaching? My favorite thing about coaching at Saluki is the interactions with the kids. Everyday is new and interesting. The gym is inviting and I feel natural here. Some other interesting facts about you? I am a first degree black belt in Shotokan karate, a competitive rock climber, and an American Ninja Warrior in training. |