Meet our Staff:
Aaron Scott
Owner, Universal Athletics
The "Always Pushing for More" Coach
Aaron is the head coach of the all-star cheer program and head instructor for all tumbling classes beginner through advanced. He coaches our Ninja obstacle training class as well. Aaron graduated from Cumberland College with a degree in Business Administration. He has over 22 years of experience in the field of gymnastics, cheerleading, and tumbling. He has taught tumbling and gymnastics since 1996 in Frankfort, Lexington, London,and Murray KY. He cheered at his University for 4 years and professionally for the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA team. Aaron has coached and choreographed for many teams throughout the United States. These teams have claimed numerous championship titles. The UKC All-Stars, under his coaching, won Program Champions in 2005 at JamFest Nationals, have received numerous bids to US Finals and the D2 Summit, and have claimed the title of National Champions on many occasions. Aaron has judged tryouts and competitions in various parts of the country. Aaron loves coaching the sport of cheerleading and gymnastics and safety is his number one goal. Aaron's dream was to own and operate a gymnastics and cheerleading training facility and UKC is his full time commitment. Aaron's dedication to the sport and commitment to the gym attributes to all the students successes! He has certifications through the United States All Star Federation in all levels 1-5., CPR, and First Aid training. Aaron is also the Head Cheer Coach for Murray State University Co-Ed Cheer Squad. He has employed and trained collegiate and all star athletes for Summer employment to travel the US to instruct cheer camps and clinics. He has been invited to other countries to share his experience. Aaron is a spirit industry professional and works closely with event producers to create positive cheer experiences. Aaron has developed athletes tumbling skills from very beginner to advanced. He focuses on teaching proper technique and safety. Whether you need skills for school tryouts, are wanting to cheer at college, aiming for a national championship, wanting the dream of getting paid to travel the country and teach cheerleading, or simply want to flip for fun...you need to meet Coach Aaron!
Fun Facts
Most people don't know this about me but.....I am a certified Scuba diver.
If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life it would be: Philly Cheese Steak.
Pepsi or Coke: Diet Coke!
Favorite Part of All-Star routines: Partner Stunts
Joelle Scott
Owner, Universal Athletics
The "Mother-Hen" Coach
Joelle is the UA All-Stars Program Director, Head Cheer Coach and oversees the Recreational programs here including KinderGym, MiniGym, and Tumbling Program. Joelle graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Needs Education and Spanish. She cheered for her University and competed with them at UCA College Nationals. Her University is one of Pennsylvania's top college cheer programs. She loves coaching kids and seeing them get new skills, make new friends, and conquer new challenges. She is a positive role-model to all the kids. Her love for children has made her a caring, positive coach who teaches the important message of always giving your best! Joelle has been coaching youth, middle, and high school athletes for over 25 years. She has traveled the United States instructing middle school and high school cheerleaders and has worked with over 1,000 school cheerleaders and coaches. She is a well known choreographer and has choreographed over 250 routines for school cheerleaders and all star competitors. She has close relationships with spirit industry professionals like event producers and collegiate coaches. She has judged regional, state, and national competitions and tryouts throughout PA, KY, OH, TN and WV. She also trains collegiate athletes and top all star athletes for Instructor Certifications. She was a professional cheerleader for the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers. Joelle is also safety certified in all areas and levels 1-5 through USASF.
Fun Facts
If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life it would be: Little Caesars' Crazy Bread
Favorite Quote: "Teamwork makes the dream work!"
Favorite Gymnastics Event: Balance Beam
Pepsi or Coke: Coke...all day every day!
Reason why you love the sport: The hours of dedication and hard work don't compare to the adrenaline rush behind stage and the seconds before the music begins!!! Performance time is my favorite!!!
Mary Ann Morrison
Competitive and Recreational Gymnastics Coach, Tumbling Coach
The "Do It All" Coach
Mary Ann has experience in both cheerleading and gymnastics and this gives her an advantage on teaching proper technique in skill development. Mary Ann was an all star cheerleader for 6 years with Universal Kentucky Cheer All-Stars and was involved in gymnastics for 8 years at Universal and Cain's Academy. She has coached at Universal for the past 14 years. She has coached competitive gymnastics for 7 years including USAG Levels 2-7. She was a 2009 Flip Fest Summer Gymnastics Coach and worked alongside Olympians such as John Macready, John Rothlisberger, Courtney Kupets, and Blaine Wilson. She has continued her professional development by attending lecture session on athlete motivation and team building by Steve Butcher, a national clinician and Olympic judge. She has also completed USAG U100 Instructor's Course. Mary Ann has also completed Premiere's Staffing Certification and was a Summer cheer camp instructor for Premiere Cheer Camps and has coached school and all star teams in learning new material and choreographing their competition routines. She has been a judge for cheer competitions as well as cheerleading school tryouts. Mary Ann was the 2007 recipient of the Universal Kentucky Cheer $1,000 Scholarship for her commitment to her athletic talents, community service, and leadership. Mary Ann is a USAG Professional Member for 6 years and USAG Safety Certified for the last 7 years. She is Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Certified by the American Red Cross. Her dedication to cheerleading and gymnastics, and knowledge of both sports, makes her an outstanding coach! Mary Ann believes in kid's talents and always gets 110% out of her athletes.
Fun Facts
If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life it would be: Potatoes
Reasons why you love the sport: It takes an unbelievable amount of talent to be an all star cheerleader or gymnast.
Pepsi or Coke: Coke
Favorite Part of Routine: Jumps and Partner Stunts
Favorite Gymnastics Event: Bars
Favorite Quote: "Both of us wanna be the winner, but there can only be one!"
Danielle Hopkins
Competitive Team Head Gymnastics Coach
Danielle grew up in the Universal family, competing with the team program when she was 8-13 with Cain's Academy of Gymnastics years ago. Here she won the Level 3 State All Around Gold. Advanced to Level 5 with a 2nd place finish and later won gold in Level 6 and 7. She earned a spot on the Kentucky All Star Gymnastics team and took 1st place against OH 2 years in a row. We have a true champion! Coach Danielle has been coaching recreational gymnastics and team gymnastics at Universal for 5 years. Danielle is currently coaching recreational classes in addition to Xcel Silver, Gold, and Level 4 and 5. Her approach to coaching is fun, patient, and positive. She has enjoyed seeing a ton of progress and developing new routines for Xcel.
Favorite Movie: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Favorite Food: Watermelon
Favorite Part of Gymnastics: The look of astonishment on a child's face when they get a new skill.
Favorite Motivational Quote: Do it right and do it light, do it wrong do it long.
Jessica Rojas
The "Planner" Coach
Head Gymnastics Program Director and Xcel Competitive Coach
Jessica calls UA her second home of 17 years and has a very special place here! She grew up in our All-Star Cheer Program and as an adult fell in love with the sport of gymnastics here at UA. She is a very well planned and goal orientated coach that focuses on individual success. She is a Murray State University Graduate and a current 1st grade classroom teacher in the Calloway School District.
Favorite Quote: "I believe in myself. I am proud of myself, I am powerful and I can do this!"
Favorite Food: Potatoes
Favorite Part of gymnastics: STRETCHING
Morgan Adams
"The Tiny Human Coach" Head Tiny Cheer Coach and Toddler Time Coach
Morgan's cheerleading background as a former All-star cheerleading athlete since she was 9 years old, paired with her field of study at MSU gives her great expertise in coaching our youngest athletes. She is attending Murray State University. She is an Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Major. She loves little ones and her patient, genuine, and fun spirited coaching style is the perfect fit for Orbitz and Toddler Time students. Morgan is a sweet soul that brightens our days here at Universal and her dedication to making sure these athletes are engaged in the fun of fitness is contagious!
Why do you love Universal?: I love Universal because it is my second home and has been for many years. There is so much love and support between everyone in the gym, how could I not love this place!
Favorite Food: Cheeseburgers:)
Favorite Movie: Sweet Home Alabama
Favorite Part of Cheerleading: Stunts and Dance
Sara Dierzbicki
Xcel Team Coach, Recreational Gymnastics Coach, and MiniGym Coach
Sara is currently a sophomore at Murray State University studying public relations.
Jon Williams
The "Train Hard" Coach Head Ninja Training and Recreational Tumbling Coach
Jon has been a great asset of Universal Athletics for several years. He is currently finishing his business degree at Murray State University. Jon loves teaching his students new things with a focus on great training techniques. He delivers fun classes that are goal orientated! As a former athlete and MSU Cheerleader he brings a lot of knowledge to athletic growth and physical fitness. He has been climbing and tumbling since he was old enough to walk and absolutely loves the UA Ninja Course!
Favorite Quote: Pitter Patter Lets Get Atter!
Favorite Song: Simple Song by Chris Stapleton
A food he cannot live without: Honey Buns
Favorite cheer memory: Going to the Scott's house for Christmas Dinner Parties with his team.
Amaya Hendricks
The "I Can Totally Relate" Coach
Amaya has been a part of the UA Family since she was 3 years old. She can relate to the skills, drills, and dreams of all her students. Amaya's coaching personality blends extremely well with our beginner athletes and tiny humans. She is caring, thoughtful, and very passionate about training her kiddos to perform at their best. She loves a good show and watching them grow up in the gym! She is a Senior at Calloway County High School and a part of UA All Stars Senior Team.
Favorite cheer memory: Going to the D2 Summit in Orlando, FL
Favorite Quote: "Don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."
Favorite Song: Heartfirst by Kelsea Ballerini
A food she cannot live without: Chicken Nuggets
Favorite Part of Routine: Dance
Ashtin McKinney
Gymnastics Assistant Coach and Exhibition Cheer Team Coach
Ashtin is an awesome asset to our programs here at Universal! She joined our team in 2017 and has connected with the athletes and enjoys seeing them get new skills! Ashtin's background is in school cheer. She has grown to love and dive right into learning and teaching new and innovative drills for technique development in tumbling.
Favorite TV Show: Grey's Anatomy
Favorite Food: Steak and Potatoes
What is your favorite part of cheer or gymnastics: Performing and Dance Sections
Why do you love Universal?: Universal is full of positivity, love, and support. It is a place where anyone can feel at home. We are like a big family!
