BYRON KNOX, DIRECTOR OF GYMNASTICS
Byron Knox, a former USA National Team gymnast himself, brings over 40 years of competition, coaching and program development experience, at both the collegiate and club levels. Byron has been with the WWFY, part-time since Oct 22 and full time since June 23, coaching the competitive girls’ team and overseeing the gymnastics department. Byron has been the Head Gymnastics Coach at Southern CT State University for the last three years. Prior to that he led the University of Bridgeport to six-straight USA Gymnastics/NCAA Division II National Championships. Byron has coached 70 USA Gymnastics/Individual All-Americans and 150 Scholar Athletes. He is a former USA Women’s Gymnastics National Team Coach and has trained multiple student athletes to go on to compete with the USA Women’s National Team. In addition, he served on the USA Gymnastics Women’s Regional Elite Committee and was the Director for Women’s International Olympic Gymnastics Course, representing the United States in Tobago, Trinidad. He has a record of excellence and is known to build a solid trusting relationship with both gymnasts and parents.
JAY VILLEGAS, DIRECTOR OF GYMNASTICS
Jay brings over 45 years of experience to our team, having made significant contributions to the sport at various levels. Starting his journey in the Bronx, Jay’s gymnastics career began in high school and quickly advanced to national and elite levels. His coaching experience spans prestigious institutions like Grossfeld School of Gymnastics, Kingstown Dance and Gymnastics, Ocean State School of Gymnastics, Brown University, and Southern Connecticut State College, where he has guided athletes to numerous state, regional, and national titles. Jay’s dedication to gymnastics is evident in his impressive track record, including mentoring athletes who have achieved perfect scores and setting new records. At the YMCA, Jay is excited to leverage his extensive background to mentor our young athletes and help elevate our competitive gymnastics program to new heights. We look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our community!
MEGAN WILLETT, PROGRAM MANAGER
Megan Willett is a graduate of Penn State University where she competed in Club Gymnastics in college. She competed JO Artistic Gymnastics at a high level in addition to competing on the Fairfield High School Gymnastic Team. She coaches all levels but is also the Level 3-5 Artistic Gymnastics Compulsory Team Head Coach, has more than 15 years coaching experience and has been coaching all levels at the Westport YMCA Gymnastic Center since 2011. Megan is also the Competition Team program Manager and Coordinator. Megan brings a wealth of knowledge. Her contribution to the Westport team has resulted in many state, regional and national championships.
KELSEY MARTIN, ASSISTANT COACH
Kelsey Martin is a graduate of University of Connecticut with a degree in Kinesiology, Sports Administration and Coaching. Kelsey coaches both Staples High School and Norwalk High School gymnastic teams (this is her 12th season). She competed in JO Artistic Gymnastics at a high level and also competed for Fairfield High School and Fairfield Ludlowe in High School. She was a Connecticut High School State and FCIAC champion and a YMCA regional champion. Kelsey coaches all levels at the Y Gymnastic Center in addition to being the Upper Level Optional Team Head Coach. She is also a certified trainer and fitness instructor. She loves using her fitness background to challenge the team to reach peak performance.
ANNA BETZ, ASSISTANT COACH
Anna Betz began gymnastics at the age of 4. Her competition career took her through High School in Milford at Cartwheels Gymnastic Center. Anna also competed on the Jonathan Law High School Gymnastic Team.. She is currently a student at Housatonic Community College and a Criminal Justice Major. Anna currently coaches Compulsory Gymnastics at the Westport Y. She is thrilled to be working with these gymnasts at this developmental stage to support them as they grow into strong and graceful athletes. This season Anna is head coach of the pre-team and TNT programs.
AMANDA LEWIS, ASSISTANT COACH
Amanda Lewis is a graduate of Mandfield University with a masters from University of Saint Josephs. She is a 7th grade science teacher in Norwalk and has been teaching gymnastics 20 years at the Westport Y. Amanda has 14 years coaching competition team and a strong background in dance with many years of classical dance training. Amanda grew up in the Westport Y Gymnastic Program competing all over the country with the Exhibition Team bringing home 1st place Gold Medals all over the United States. Her favorite event to coach is vault and she enjoys choreography. Amanda works with all levels in the gym.
ALENA SEREBRYAKOVA, ASSISTANT COACH
Alena Serebryakova is a graduate of Pace University – Lubin School of Business and a former Level 10 Elite Gymnast winning CT State, Regional and Nationals 1st place titles in all levels. Alena grew up in Westport and started her gymnastic career at the Westport YMCA competing nationally and internationally on our Exhibition and Competition gymnastic teams. Alena currently coaches all levels both compulsory and optional and is excited to be working with the Y gymnasts.