Darion took over as the new owner of Prairie Gymnastics Club in January of 2018. Prior to that, he owned and operated Leaps & Bounds Mobile Gymnastics and Tumbling, LLC. Darion began participating in gymnastics at the age of three. During his gymnastics career, Darion won state and regional championships and was the IHSA floor champion in 1993. Darion was also a member of the regional team and the Junior National Developmental Team which allowed him to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Unfortunately, a serious injury to his shoulder ended his competitive gymnastics career. For over 25 years, he has coached all levels of gymnastics and has coached several gymnasts to state and national level competitions. Darion is a professional member of USA Gymnastics, the national governing body of gymnastics in the United States. He is also a certified USA Gymnastics National Judge as well as USAG safety certified. Darion is a member of the Illinois state coaching staff.
Jillian took over as the new owner of Prairie Gymnastics Club in January of 2018. Prior to that, she owned and operated Leaps & Bounds Mobile Gymnastics and Tumbling, LLC. In 2009, Jillian received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. While obtaining her degree, Jillian counseled at risk children with the goal of teaching them important life skills and helping them develop positive self-esteem. She is also the director of operations for her non-profit organization, Flippin’ for Fitness. Outside of the gym, Jillian enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, Olivia.
Genevieve started doing gymnastics when she was just three years old and competed up to JO Level 8 & Xcel Platinum. She was a varsity gymnast all 4 years of high school and she began coaching gymnastics at age 15. Genevieve has coached preschool classes, boys/girls recreational classes, and team gymnastics. At Prairie, Genevieve coaches preschool and recreational classes and is also the coach for the girls pre-team, Level 3/4 team, and Xcel Silver team.
Diana started gymnastics when she was 3 years old. She competed up to Level 9/10 optional and began coaching at age 16 in Tennessee where she is originally from. At Prairie, Diana coaches recreational classes and our Xcel Bronze competitive team. She has 3 dogs, 1 cat, and a lizard. She enjoys spending time with her animals and taking them for walks (yes, even the lizard and cat joins her!). Diana hopes to add more animals to her home in the future!
Coach Lily started cheer when she was just 5 years old and cheered for 12 years. One of her greatest accomplishments was making a worlds team! Lily has worked at Prairie since April 2022 and despite not having a gymnastics background, she has learned the sport quickly. Lily currently coaches preschool and recreational classes at Prairie and love working with children and seeing them master new skills!
Coach Mia started gymnastics when she was only 5 years old and did gymnastics for 10 years. She was a 2x 2nd place All Around AAU National Champion. As a gymnast, her favorite events were bars and floor. Mia currently coaches preschool and recreational classes at Prairie and her favorite event to coach is floor. She loves seeing the kids grow and progress through their skills each week, and seeing the kids always brightens her day. During her free time, Mia loves to go shopping, babysit, and take naps.
Coach Kenzie started gymnastics when she was 11 years old and competed as an Xcel Platinum at Prairie. Her favorite event is beam and she loves to coach bars. She ended her gymnastics career to pursue her other love of softball but couldn’t stay away from Prairie for long! She now coaches preschool and recreational classes and assists with the girls Gym Kids 3 and pre-team. Kenzie loves seeing the kids’ excitement when they achieve new skills! During her free time, Kenzie enjoys hanging out with her friends and practicing softball.
Coach Maddie briefly participated in gymnastics as a preschooler before finding her love of cheerleading. Maddie was a varisty level high school cheerleader and then a level 6 competitive cheerleader. During her free time, she likes to hang out with her friends and family or watch Star Wars. At Prairie, Maddie coaches preschool and recreational classes and her favorite event is bars. Maddie loves helping kids celebrate the little moments and watching them get excited about gymnastics!