The Team
Who We Are
Debbie Ward
Owner and Head Coach
Debbie Ward has proudly owned Missouri Valley Gymnastics, Inc. since its opening in 1993. Originally from Oklahoma, Debbie moved to Missouri with her husband, Darrell, to attend Baptist Bible College in Springfield. Her passion for gymnastics began in junior high, and owning her own gym has always been a lifelong dream. Over the years, she has had the privilege of coaching athletes at all levels, from beginners to National champions.
It has been a true blessing for Debbie to witness many of her gymnasts achieve their dreams, including earning college athletic scholarships. She wouldn't trade her career for anything, as working with children brings out the best in her. She is deeply grateful to God for the opportunity to share His love through the gymnastics program.
Credentials & Achievements:
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Owner and Head Coach of Missouri Valley Gymnastics, Inc.
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Coaching experience since 1984
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Coach of multiple State, Regional, and National Champions, as well as numerous scholarship athletes
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Current member of USAG, Safe Sport, and Safety Certified
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Head Coach for Evangel University Cheer (HAAC Champions & UCA Nationals Qualifiers) from 2001 to 2014
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Trained under National Team Coaches and Collegiate-Level Coaches
Paula Thompson
Office Assistant
Dawn
Recreational Director
Lindsay Williams
Office Assistant
Britney Tucker
Team Coach
Britney Tucker (Ward) is an optional level team coach as well as a certified Occupational Therapist with an emphasis in upper extremity rehabilitation. Britney has 10+ years of collective coaching experience as well as an extensive gymnastics background rooted right here at Missouri Valley Jags. She was the J.O. National Beam Champion in 2012 and later went on to compete for the University of Missouri from 2015-2019 earning 3x All-America honors. Britney has a heart to coach and develop skills for her athletes and cherishes the time she can pour into the gymnasts' careers as she utilizes the personal and professional knowledge she acquired through her athletic and academic pursuits at the University of Missouri. Since 2021 when Britney became one of our competitive team coaches, she has become a national level coach propelling athletes to both J.O. level 9 Western and level 10 National Championships. Outside of the gym, Britney loves being a mom/wife, spending time with her family, going on walks/hikes, and takes any chance to enjoy time outside soaking in some sunshine and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Ozarks..
Bailey
Team Coach
Bailey is a seasoned gymnastics coach with over 12 years of coaching experience. She competed Level 8 twice and trained through Level 9, bringing a strong technical background to every class she leads. During her time as a gymnast, she earned multiple awards, including 2nd Place on Bars at the Region 4 Championships and 2nd Place finishes on both Bars and Beam as a Level 8 at the Missouri State Championships. She was also an Ozark Varsity Cheer State Champion in 2015–2016.
Bailey is passionate about helping kids reach their goals and believes in the power of coaching to make a positive impact in athletes’ lives. Her coaching style is both encouraging and effective, and she finds it incredibly rewarding to help gymnasts grow in skill and confidence. Her years of experience and love for the sport make her a valuable part of the Missouri Valley coaching team.
Makenzie Marciniak
Team Coach
Levi Tucker
Team Coach
Kathy Yates
Team Coach
*Began coaching in
*USAG, Safe Sport, Safety certified
Jordyn King
Xcel Team Coach
*Began coaching in
*USAG, Safe Sport, Safety certified
Savannah Bryant
Xcel Team Coach
Savannah is a dedicated coach who brings both personal experience and enthusiasm to her role. She competed through Level 9 and qualified for Regionals in 2022. Since then, she has been coaching for over three years, using her background to guide and inspire athletes in and out of the gym.
Savannah loves teaching the sport that shaped her into the person she is today. She values being able to connect with her gymnasts, equipping them with both the physical and mental tools they need to succeed. Gymnastics holds a special place in her heart, and she considers it a privilege to share that passion through coaching.
Hattie Witte
Xcel Team Coach
*Has been coaching since
*Coached team since
*USAG, Safe Sport, Safety certified
Savannah Mengwasser
Xcel Team Coach