Mini-Hops is Proud to Introduce our Full-Time Team and Recreational Coaches
Mini-Hops programs have been carefully designed to aid in your child’s physical, mental and social development. Our objective is to provide children with safe, positive and fun learning experiences! We aim to build strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination and self-confidence while having fun with the sport of gymnastics.
Current research confirms that physical activity is imperative to early brain development and learning. Studies show that children learn cognitive skills more effectively in an environment that includes the body as well as the mind (Barrett, 1998). Gymnastics and early childhood movement education is directly attributed to developing neurological pathways in students and promoting reading readiness.
While our teachers run about and play with their students, they are preparing those students for successful experiences in school. Children who have participated in movement education activities have longer attention spans, increased communication skills, general problem solving skills and improved self-esteem. Our instructors teach more than gymnastics!
Mini-Hops Gymnastics employs over 30 part-time staff members and 10 full-time staff members. Instructors attend monthly clinics to continue their education for gymnastics instruction and safety. Full-time staff are professional members of USAG, as well as Safety Certified, First Aid and CPR trained. All employees have background checks done through Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Coach Pete Lesch
Coach Pete Lesch – General Manager, Coordinator for High School Off-Season program
Hometown: Richfield, MN
Education: B.S. Exercise Science, University of Minnesota.
Levels Coaching: All Levels.
Coaching Certifications: USAG Safety Certification; CPR & First Aid Certified; USAG Professional Member.
Fun Fact: Pete was born 9 weeks early.
Coach Doug Price
Coach Doug Price – Boys Optionals Coach and Facilities Manager
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Education: Certified Engineering Tech/Assistant.
Levels Coaching: All Preschool and Recreation classes, as well as Boys Team.
Coaching Certifications and History: USAG Safety Certification; PDPI & II; USAG Professional Member since 1985; National Gymnastics Judges Association; Men’s Elite Coaches Association since 2002; Junior National Team Staff at the Olympic Training Center, 4 time Region 7 clinician. Doug has 25 cummulative years of coaching experience with all levels of athletes, a total of 23 years with competitive boys team. He has also logged 60 hours of clinical work with National staff members.
Fun Facts: Doug is a HUGE Washington Redskins fan.
Coach James Letzring
Coach James Letzring – Boys Pre-Team and Team Head Coach
Hometown: Grand Forks, ND
Education: Currently attending University of Minnesota.
Levels Coaching: Boys Team, Boys Pre-Team, Future Stars, Recreation Classes.
Coaching Certifications and History: USA Gymnastics Safety Certification; CPR and First Aid Certified; USAG Pro Member. James has been coaching for a total of 11 years in the recreation program, he has been the MH boys head coach for 6 years. James coached the 2007 National Future Stars, leading to the first qualification for a Mini-Hops gymnast. James is a 4-time Lake Owen Coach, and has also worked on numerous state and regional clinics. He attended the Men’s Program National Coaches Workshop and the 2005 National Future Stars Workshop. Rounding out his experience, he is also a member of the Minnesota Men’s Gymnastics State Board.
Fun Facts: James’ other loves are cars and his lovely daughter Addi.
Coach Courtenay Dickerson
Coach Courtenay Dickerson – Girls Team head Coach & Pre-Team Coordinator
Hometown: Eagan, MN
Education: Exercise and Sports Science.
Levels Coaching: Preschool, Recreation – All Levels Boys and Girls, Girls Team; Level 1-4 Evaluator.
Coaching Certifications and History: CPR and First Aid Certified, USAG Safety Certification; KAT, MELPD, PDPI, PCDPI, Trampoline & Tumbling Course 1. Courtenay has attended several High Performance Coaching clinics, many USAG National Congresses, and the Women’s Technical Symposium. He has also attended the Regional and State Congresses. Courtenay has coached at many camps, inlcuding: Woodward, Lake Owen, Illinois Gymnastics Institute, and Geddarts Twistars.
Fun Facts: Courtenay was born in Mons, Belgium. He lives and breathes gymnastics.
Coach Stef Kolesnikov
Coach Stefny Kolesnikov – Preschool Director
Hometown: Dodgeville, WI
Education: Graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Submajor in Exercise and Fitness from the Department of Human Kinetics – Minor in Business from the School of Business Administration and Certificate of Nutrition from the School of Allied Health Professionals.
Levels Coaching: Preschool, Recreational Classes, Boys Classes.
Coaching Certifications and History: KAT (Kinder Accreditation for Teachers), ACE Certified Personal Trainer; Heartsaver AED Certified; CPR and First Aid Certified – Adult, Child and Infant.
Fun Facts: Stefny is Married to the Assistant coach of the Minnesota Mens Gymnastics Team, Kostya Kolesnikov and is mother of two amazing children, Nikolai and Meela. She also speaks Russian!