Our Staff

Our Staff


 

Phil and Chris Summers

Hello from Phil and Chris Summers, co-owners of Spearfish Sports Academy. We moved to Spearfish from Michigan where we both grew up and began our interest in gymnastics. Myself through her experience in high school and Phil though the competitive program at Central Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree is Education. I continued my education at Ferris State University graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene.

Starting our coaching careers in Michigan gave way to a move to Washington D.C. for 5 years of experience coaching and running gyms in a far more advanced environment than was available in Michigan at the time. After this training period, we returned to Michigan to purchase and run our own gym for 9 years. Our club was very successful over the years. Our family took a vacation to Spearfish one summer and, upon returning, made the decision to move and bring gymnastics to this great community! With that move Spearfish Gymnastics Academy was born! That was 24 years ago, and today, Spearfish Sports Academy proudly provides a unique experience to the children of Spearfish and surrounding communities.

Phil and I have both been coaching gymnastics for 40 years! Together we have taught and coached all levels of gymnastics from pre-school, recreational classes, and high school gymnastics, all the way through the highest levels of the Jr. Olympic Program.  We have produced many state, regional, and national award winners, and have numerous     students earn full ride scholarships at Division I Universities.

As exciting as all of that is, our love true love for gymnastics comes from working with all children and helping them develop a love for physical fitness! It is so awesome to see them gain strength, confidence, and character that will help them succeed in life long after they are done flipping in the gym!

We love the Spearfish Community!


 

Lexie

My name is Lexie Cathcart, daughter of owners Phil and Chris Summers. Here at Spearfish Sports Academy I coach our competitive teams as well as Learning Tree Preschool.

My husband John and I have three children, Zoë, Dakota, and Katana. When I am not in the gym I enjoy bike riding, gardening, photography, and spending time with my family!

I have been involved in gymnastics since I was very young.  My parents owned a gym in Holland, Michigan and by the time I was six years old I was a competitive gymnast.  I competed for 15 years, first in Holland and then in Spearfish, South Dakota.

After graduating from Spearfish High School I attended college at Central Michigan University on a gymnastics scholarship. While there, I took many Early Elementary Ed classes but decided to settle on the path of an art degree with a major in Photography and minor in Art History. During college I started coaching gymnastics at a local club. After college
I continued coaching so I could still be involved in the sport that I love.

I have been coaching gymnastics for 20 years and have experience at all levels of the sport. I coached at two different successful clubs in Michigan before moving back to South Dakota. I also have an extensive background in dance and choreography.


 

Kirk

Hi, I’m Kirk Summers, son of Phil and Chris Summers, the owners of Spearfish Sports Academy. I grew up here is Spearfish and love our great community! I am the class instructor as well as the program director for the SGA Ninjas Program.

I have been involved in gymnastics for my whole life. I grew up in the gym while my mom and dad were teaching. Before I began teaching I spent six years in the gym and traveling to gymnastics meets with my parents. This time gave me a great opportunity to watch and learn about all aspects of gymnastics.

When I am not in the gym teaching Ninja I enjoy tennis and playing with my dog. I also love being outside and going for hikes in the beautiful Black Hills

I love working kids and helping them to become strong and confident Ninjas! It is such a fun way to keep kids active and get them hooked on fitness.

I am looking forward to a great year of Ninja fun!


 

Amber

My name is Amber Speck. I have been coaching at Spearfish Sports Academy for 5 years! I coach the Xcel competitive team along with Gym Kids and Preschool classes.

My gymnastics career started in Massachusetts when I was 3 years old. I started gymnastics at Tops USA Gymnastics and finished my 15 years of gymnastics at All Star Gymnastics. I also worked for 3 years at All Star Gymnastics coaching preschool, recreational, and competitive team through level 8.

I moved from Massachusetts 5 years ago to attend Black Hills State University. I am an Elementary Education major working towards student teaching. I now live here in Spearfish with my fiancé and our two boxers. I can’t wait to share another great year gymnastics and fun!


 

Veronica J

My name is Veronica JenkinsI grew up in Wisconsin where my mom opened a gym when I was 4 years old. I do not remember a time when gymnastics was not a part of my life. Growing up in a gym my love for doing and coaching gymnastics came naturally. I spent 6+ years coaching before coming to Spearfish Sports Academy. I am excited to be back in the gym again and sharing this amazing sport with the next generation!

I now live in Wyoming with my husband and two kiddos; Leland, who loves all sports, and Morgan who is a level 3 at SGA. When I am not in the gym I enjoy going hiking with my family and being outdoors.