Our CoacheS
Coach MatThew
Matthew Jurysta joins the Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club as the new Head Coach, bringing with him an impressive background in coaching across various disciplines. His experience spans coaching roles in soccer, track & field, multi-sport, fitness training, climbing and gymnastics. Most notably as the Gymnastics for All Programming Lead at Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics Club.
Matthew’s coaching philosophy focuses on the holistic development of participants. He emphasizes the intentional use of developmentally appropriate progressions that nurture not just physical skills, but also the social, emotional, and cognitive growth of each individual. For Matthew, gymnastics is a powerful tool for helping individuals—whether they’re children or adults who are young at heart—discover who they are and grow into who they deserve to be.
A strong advocate of Gymnastics for All, Matthew is committed to making the sport accessible and inclusive for as many people as possible. His approach aligns perfectly with the values of the Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club, which strives to be a welcoming environment for everyone in the community.
Outside of the gym, Matthew enjoys climbing, ski touring, backcountry camping, bikepacking and he’s excited to explore every inch of what the Rockies has to offer. His enthusiasm for both the gym and the great outdoors makes him a perfect fit for the Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club and the Golden community.
Coach Lisa
Lisa Weppler is another exciting addition to the Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club’s coaching staff. A resident of the Columbia Valley for 18 years, Lisa’s love for the mountains is only matched by her passion for gymnastics.
Unlike many in the sport, Lisa discovered gymnastics later in life after having her daughter. She quickly became immersed in the gymnastics community, and over the past 10 years, she has developed a diverse coaching portfolio that includes Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG), recreational gymnastics, and kinder classes.
Lisa’s coaching journey didn’t stop at traditional gymnastics; she expanded her horizons by diving into the world of freerunning and parkour, two sports she has coached for the past eight years. Her athletes have even competed in competitions in San Diego, California. In addition, Lisa has been coaching cheerleading for the past three years, further broadening her skill set and experience.
Lisa holds certifications in Parkour Level 3 Advanced, Trampoline Level 2, and WAG Comp Level 2, making her well-equipped to guide athletes of all levels. Her coaching style is rooted in the joy she finds in helping kids explore their potential, whether through gymnastics, parkour, or other activities. She’s also known for her creative approach to engaging young athletes, offering opportunities like birthday parties, nerf gun battles, glow-in-the-dark parkour sessions, and private lessons.
Lisa’s enthusiasm and dedication to providing diverse and exciting experiences for athletes of all ages make her an invaluable asset to the Kicking Horse Gymnastics Club.