Meet Our Team
Aaron Scott
- Owner, Universal Athletics
- "Always Pushing for More" Coach
Aaron is the driving force behind Universal Athletics, serving as the head coach of the all-star cheer program and head instructor for all tumbling classes. He's also the coach for our Ninja obstacle training classes. With over 25 years of experience in gymnastics, cheerleading, and tumbling, Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team.
Key Qualifications:
- Education: Graduated from Cumberland College with a degree in Business Administration.
- Experience: Over 25 years of experience in gymnastics, cheerleading, and tumbling.
- Achievements: Coached numerous championship teams, trained various Middle and High School teams, and cheered professionally for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- Certifications: USASF certified in all levels 1-5, CPR, and First Aid.
Fun Facts:
- Certified scuba diver
- Favorite food: Philly Cheese Steak
- Beverage of choice: Diet Coke
- Favorite part of all-star routines: Partner stunts
Joelle Scott
- Owner, Universal Athletics
- "Mother-Hen" Coach
Joelle is the UA All-Stars Program Director, Head Cheer Coach, and oversees our recreational programs. With a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, Joelle brings a passion for teaching and a positive role-model mentality to her coaching.
Key Qualifications:
- Education: Graduated from Slippery Rock University with a degree in Elementary Education.
- Experience: Over 25 years of experience coaching youth, middle, and high school athletes.
- Achievements: Coached numerous teams to championship titles, choreographed over 250 routines, and judged competitions nationwide.
- Certifications: USASF certified in all levels 1-5.
Fun Facts:
- Favorite food: Little Caesars' Crazy Bread
- Favorite quote: "Teamwork makes the dream work!"
- Favorite gymnastics event: Balance Beam
- Beverage of choice: Coke
Danielle Hopkins
- Competitive Team Head Gymnastics Coach
Danielle is a former Universal Athletics athlete who has returned to coach and share her passion for gymnastics. With a focus on fun, patience, and positivity, Danielle has helped her athletes achieve significant progress.
Key Qualifications:
- Experience: Former competitive gymnast, 10 years of coaching experience.
- Expertise: Coaching recreational gymnastics and Xcel Silver, Gold, Platinum levels and Level 4 and 5.
Fun Facts:
- Favorite movie: The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Favorite food: Watermelon
- Favorite part of gymnastics: Seeing the joy on a child's face when they achieve a new skill.
Jessica Rojas
- Head Gymnastics Program Director and Xcel Competitive Coach
Jessica is a dedicated member of the Universal Athletics family, bringing her passion for gymnastics and her organizational skills to her role as program director.
Key Qualifications:
- Education: Murray State University graduate.
- Experience: Long-time member of the Universal Athletics community and 1st Grade Teacher at East Calloway Elementary School.
- Expertise: Xcel competitive coaching and program management.
Fun Facts:
- 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 Assistant All-Star Coach.
Morgan's love for working with young children shines through in her coaching style. With a background in all-star cheerleading and early childhood education, she is the perfect fit for our Tiny Cheer program. She has an eye for detail which aids in the success of all our teams from tumbling and stunting technique to cleaning routine choreography!
Key Qualifications:
- Education: Murray State University graduate, majoring in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education.
- Experience: Former all-star cheerleader, all star head coach, and Pre-School teacher with Murray Independent Schools.
Fun Facts:
- 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 a talented coach who brings energy and enthusiasm to her classes. As a current Murray State University student, she offers a fresh perspective and a passion for helping athletes reach their goals.
Key Qualifications:
- Education: Murray State University student studying public relations.
- Experience: Former gymnasts and experience coaching various levels of gymnastics.
Jon Williams
- "Train Hard" Coach Head Ninja Training and Recreational Tumbling Coach
Jon is a dedicated coach who emphasizes hard work and effective training techniques. With a background in athletics and a love for ninja training, he brings a unique perspective to his classes.
Key Qualifications:
- Education: Murray State University business student.
- Experience: Former athlete and MSU Cheerleader.
- Expertise: Ninja training, head Ninja Team coach and recreational tumbling instructor.
Fun Facts:
- Favorite quote: "Pitter Patter Lets Get Atter!"
- Favorite song: Simple Song by Chris Stapleton
- Favorite food: Honey Buns
Amaya Hendricks
- "I Can Totally Relate" Coach
Amaya's personal experience as a former Universal Athletics athlete gives her a unique understanding of her students' challenges and aspirations. Her caring and supportive approach makes her a beloved coach.
Key Qualifications:
- Experience: Former Universal Athletics athlete, assistant coach to UA All-Stars, Recreational class instructor.
- Expertise: Coaching beginner athletes and tiny humans.
Fun Facts:
- 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
- Favorite part of routine: Dance
Savannah Scott
- "You got this" Coach
Savannah is a remarkable coach who excels at motivating athletes, providing clear and helpful techniques for skill progression, and she pushes each to do their very best! She is a talented choreographer who develops innovative choreography for all ages and skill levels. Her dedication to the UA family and to all the athletes paired with her passion for the sport make her an exceptional coach.
Key Qualifications:
- Experience: Former Universal Athletics athlete both competitive gymnast and UA All-Star, assistant coach to UA All-Stars, recreational class instructor, and choreographer.
- Expertise: Choreographing all star routines, coaching tumbling.
Fun Facts:
- Favorite cheer memory: Going to the D2 Summit in Orlando, FL and Youth Summit as a coach in Tampa, FL.
- Favorite quote:
- Favorite song:
- Favorite part of routine: Dance
