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:

Owner and Head Coach of Missouri Valley Gymnastics, Inc.
Coaching experience since 1984
Coach of multiple State, Regional, and National Champions, as well as numerous scholarship athletes
Current member of USAG, Safe Sport, and Safety Certified
Head Coach for Evangel University Cheer (HAAC Champions & UCA Nationals Qualifiers) from 2001 to 2014
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..