meet our trainers
life coaches
Christian-based tumbling coaches double as life mentors, offering more than athletic training—they guide with faith, shaping character, building confidence, and instilling values like discipline, humility, and perseverance to help young athletes thrive on and off the mat.
meet our trainers
life coaches
Christian-based tumbling coaches double as life mentors, offering more than athletic training—they guide with faith, shaping character, building confidence, and instilling values like discipline, humility, and perseverance to help young athletes thrive on and off the mat.
OUR COACHES
All Members
Kevin Kirkland (Coach Kevin)
Founder and Owner of Rise
Kevin graduated from Angelo State University in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree
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Kevin Kirkland (Coach Kevin)
Founder and Owner of Rise
Micheal Opincar (Coach Opi)
Co-Founder of Rise and Rec Gymnastics Director
Michael Opincar, who is known around Rise as Coach Opi, has been
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Micheal Opincar (Coach Opi)
Co-Founder of Rise and Rec Gymnastics Director
L'Rona O'Brien (Coach Roni)
Learn to Rise Founder and Director
L’Rona O’Brien is a mother to three amazing daughters and the younger
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L'Rona O'Brien (Coach Roni)
Learn to Rise Founder and Director
Bridget Runion
Rise Personal Trainer and Director of RiseFit
Bridget is a NPTA certified personal trainer and holds a bachelor’s degree
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Bridget Runion
Rise Personal Trainer and Director of RiseFit
Brynna Ray
Coach Brynna
Brynna Ray graduated from Littlefield High School and now attends Angelo State
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Brynna Ray
Coach Brynna
Merilee Applewhite
Coach Mer
Merilee Applewhite was born in College Station, TX and moved to San
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Merilee Applewhite
Coach Mer
Candra Barnett
Coach Candy
Candra Barnett is a Concho Valley girl and attended Wall ISD from
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Candra Barnett
Coach Candy
Grace Pape
Coach Grace
Grace Pape was born in Arizona and moved to San Angelo when
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Grace Pape
Coach Grace
Kaytlyn Lytle
Coach Lytle
Kaytlyn Lytle is the daughter of military father so she moved quite
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Kaytlyn Lytle
Coach Lytle
Lexi Guerra
Coach Lexi
Lexi Guerra is a true Concho Valley girl who graduated from Wall
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Lexi Guerra
Coach Lexi
Riley Hill
RISE Fitness
Kevin has known Riley since he and Kevin's son played soccer together
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Riley Hill
RISE Fitness
Nicole Goss
RISE Fitness
Nicole is a seasoned health and fitness professional with 17+ years’ experience
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Nicole Goss
RISE Fitness
