Will Latham is a fun-loving camp coach at ASI Lake Highlands. He started as a camp assistant in the summer of 2007, and now he’s running the show as a camp supervisor! Will’s students and co-workers agree, he’s the camp comedian. Will says he finds joy and success anytime he can make a kid laugh.
Quote from Will
“I love kids! This is the perfect job.”
In addition to his high energy and perfect comedic timing, Will also has two black belts, so don’t cross him! Martial arts aside, Will’s hobbies include music, reading, and basketball. He also loves eating fine fried foods, perfecting the art of power napping, and exploring ancient mayan ruins. Can you guess which one is the joke?
Coaching at ASI has helped Will in so many ways. ASI allows Will a flexible schedule, and helps him pursue his academic goals by offering tuition assistance. Will is a kinesiology major at Texas A&M. What a great fit for a gymnastics coach! He gets plenty of exercise running around at camp!
Quote from Will
“I get paid to play games with kids! What more could you ask for?”
Will loves coaching gymnastics because he feels it is the best athletic development for kids. Take it from this future physical therapist, “the skills you acquire early on in gymnastics can be applied to any sport.”
Title: Coach Classes: Tiny Tots 1 & 2, Kidz Gym 1 & 2, Girls Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Level 1 Team.
Q: Why did you decide to apply for a job at ASI?
A: My mom coached gymnastics when I was growing up and she worked here when I was 14. I would come help her with open gyms and and PNOs ALL the time. The manager gave me a job here the minute I turned 15!
Q: What do you love about working at ASI?
A: I love walking in the door every day and being greeted by my kids’ smiling faces! It’s impossible to be in a bad mood when they are making me laugh all day.
Q: How do you think gymnastics helps kids?
A: Gymnastics is such a beautiful and graceful sport. However, it also requires an amazing amount of talent and skill. This intense sport helps kids because it provides a great deal of physical activity while remaining interesting and FUN!
Q: Why do you enjoy coaching?
A: I enjoy coaching because it allows me to make a difference in these kids’ lives. Not only am I teaching them cartwheels and handstands, but also how to work hard, follow instructions, and believe in themselves.
Q: What’s one of the proudest moments you’ve had as a coach?
A: My proudest moments as a coach are when my kids FINALLY accomplish a skill that has been giving them trouble and they’ve been working on for while. I absolutely love the sense of accomplishment it gives them…not to mention the confidence boost! Being able to tell them, “See, I TOLD you you could do it!!” is one of my favorite things about this job!
Getting To Know You:
Q: Where are you from?
A: I was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, but I’ve lived in Royse City, Texas for most of my life.
Q: Are you currently in school (college/high school) and where?
A: I’m currently attending Texas Woman’s University in Denton and I’m studying nursing.
Q: What’s something someone would be surprised to know about you?
A: I have 8 chickens!
Q: What are your hobbies/interests outside of working at ASI?
A: I love reading, singing, playing piano, and hanging out with my family and friends
Q: What sports and activities did you participate in while growing up?
A: I was in gymnastics, soccer, Girls Scouts, Sea Scouts, 4-H, and swimming. I also volunteered at the Dallas Zoo when I was 11-14 years old!
Q: Have you ever coached or taught children before?
A: I have been teaching gymnastics at ASI for five and a half years now 🙂
Q: What is one goal you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime?
A: I want to see the play Wicked on Broadway! In the front seat of course 😀
Q: If you could be anyone in the world (living or dead) who would you be and why?
A: The owner of Starbucks…because then I could have as much Starbucks as I wanted!!
With the new USAG Level System about to take place next week, many of you may continue to have some concerns and questions regarding all the changes. Below are some articles that explain the exact changes taking place and what to look forward to in the future.
If you have any questions, you may email sales@nullasigymnastics.com or visit the front desk. They will be happy to help and answer any of your questions.
Q: My daughter did not get an evaluation. Anything I can do?
A: Yes! You can request an evaluation at any time.
Q: My daughter did receive an evaluation. However, I disagree. Can I have another evaluation?
A: Yes! You can request an evaluation at any time.
Q: We are not happy about being “demoted.”
A: I understand. Please keep in mind it is not a demotion. It is just a number. The girls will actually be working on harder skills, more advanced skills. That is what is new about this year. Actually, that is what is going to make your summer workouts so much fun!
Q: My child is moving from Level 4 to Level 3. Will they do placement only at the meets.
A: No, we will do achievement as well.
Title: Coach Classes: Tiny Tots, Kidz Gym, Girls Gymnastics. I also work Parties, Open Gym, Camp, and Parents’ Night Out.
Q: Why did you decide to apply for a job at ASI?
A: Gymnastics has played a huge role in my life. I did club gymnastics for about 12 years. I competed as a level nine gymnast and went to Western Nationals in 2004. I applied at ASI because I appreciate what gymnastics can do in a child’s life.
Q: What do you love about working at ASI?
A: Probably the feet smell. 🙂 Kidding. I love the people I work with, the positive energy, the laughter, and that every day is different.
Q: How do you think gymnastics helps kids?
A: I like that gymnastics is difficult. I know that sounds weird, but gymnastics taught me discipline, determination, and attributed to my work ethic. In gymnastics, you will get to a point where it is no longer easy. Sometimes it takes months and months to learn certain skills. People know how physically difficult gymnastics is, but often only gymnasts know how challenging it is mentally. Gymnastics teaches you to have a strong mind and body.
Q: Why do you enjoy coaching?
A: I love telling the kids how awesome they are and seeing them improve every week!
Q: What’s one of the proudest moments you’ve had as a coach?
A: I had a girl in a Kidz Gym class that had trouble listening. We had been working really hard for a few months at being a good listener, and one day we had three new students in class. That day I saw her take a leadership role, she helped the other kids follow the circuit and was a great example for the new students. I was so proud of her! I’m still pretty new to coaching, so for me I see success in the little things. When a kid learns a new skill and their eyes light up with excitement! I see their confidence growing and it warms my heart.
Getting To Know You:
Q: Where are you from?
A: I’m a Texas girl. Born and raised.
Q: Are you currently in school (college/high school) and where?
A: In 2010 I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance from The University of North Texas. I would like to return to school in the future for a Master’s degree so I can teach dance in a college setting.
Q: What’s something someone would be surprised to know about you?
A: I’m a dancer! I perform with a number of local companies. I mostly do modern dance, but I also do ballet, jazz, and hip hop.
Q: What are your hobbies/interests outside of working at ASI?
A: I love being active and creative! I do yoga, run, ride my bike, draw, paint, and read. I also love trying new food, sleeping, and going to museums.
Q: What sports and activities did you participate in while growing up?
A: Besides gymnastics and dance, I also loved singing. I was in the varsity show choir in high school.
Q: Have you ever coached or taught children before?
A: I’ve also taught dance! I’ve taught ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, and creative movement.
Q: What is one goal you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime?
A: I want to see the world and experience its beauty. I’d also like to see outer space, but I think I’ll just admire it from telescopes.
Fun Facts:
Favorite Color: Yellow! Favorite Animal: In the real world, giraffes. Otherwise, I would say a phoenix. Favorite Sport: Gymnastics! Favorite Food: Pizza! I could live off pizza the rest of my life! Favorite Super Hero: Batman. Definitely Batman.
Q: Why did you decide to apply for a job at ASI?
A: I decided to apply for a job at ASI after working for a lot of gyms with different values and beliefs. I believe that every kid should have a chance to be successful in the sport of gymnastics, and at ASI, that is possible!
Q: What do you love about working at ASI?
A: I love working at ASI, because I have never been around so many people that truly love what they do. It is so refreshing to come to work every day and love every minute of it.
Q: How do you think gymnastics helps kids?
A: I like that gymnastics increases total body strength, awareness, and coordination. I feel that even if a child does not choose to make a career of gymnastics, it is a great starter sport for every other sport out there, and it is FUN!
Q: Why do you enjoy coaching?
A: I enjoy watching kids grow and become better people thanks to the sport of gymnastics. I love teaching discipline, hard work, and keeping kids active all while having fun.
Q: What’s one of the proudest moments you’ve had as a coach?
A: One of my fondest memories is seeing one of my special needs students finally able to participate in a class all by herself. Seeing the progress students make both mentally and physically while working with them, makes my job worth while.
Getting To Know You:
Q: Where are you from?
A: Valencia, California
Q: Are you currently in school (college/high school) and where?
A: I went to San Diego State University, majored in Biology, minored in International Security and Conflict Resolution.
Q: What’s something someone would be surprised to know about you?
A: I went to school to be a Zoologist. When the University asked me what major I wanted, I defaulted back to what I wanted to be when I grew up; a Zookeeper!
Q: What are your hobbies/interests outside of working at ASI?
A: I just moved from California, where I LOVED being at the beach; surfing, kayaking etc. Now, anything outdoors is fun! Playing with my dogs takes up most of my time.
Q: What sports and activities did you participate in while growing up?
A: Recreational Gymnastics has been a part of my life since I was 3 years old. I was on a competitive dance team until I was in high school and switched to cheer, both high school and all-star cheer teams. I also competed with a collegiate all-star team.
Q: Have you ever coached or taught children before?
A: I have been coaching gymnastics for 11 years, from recreational levels to pre-team and competitive teams, both boys and girls.
Q: Do you hold any certifications related to children or gymnastics?
A: USAG Professional Member and USAG Safety Certified
Q: What is one goal you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime?
A: To visit all of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful Places in the World
Fun Facts:
Favorite Color: Navy Blue Favorite Animal: Dogs Favorite Sport: Gymnastics and baseball Favorite Food: My Grandpa’s Spaghetti and Meatballs Favorite Super Hero: Captain Planet!
