Competitive Gymnastics Coaching Staff - Waverley Gymnastics Centre

High Performance Coaching Staff

High Performance Management

Jessica Mason

High Performance Manager

Jess Mason

Gymnastics History: My love of the sport started as a 5 year old when I was a gymnast and commenced my coaching at the University of Ballarat Gymnastics Club, making the move to Waverley at the start of 2010. Highlights include 2022 Worlds Team event and AA Final, 2022 Commonwealth Games and multiple Nationals since 2008.
Accreditation & Qualifications: FIG Level 3 Coaching Accreditation. Bachelor of Applied Science – Human Movement. Sports Management Degree.
Fun Fact: My daughter was born on my birthday.
Coaching Philosophy: To nurture athletes through their gymnastics journey while instilling values and life skills.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Its beauty, daring skills and courage.
Favourite Apparatus: Balance beam

John Hart

Head Coach

John Hart

Gymnastics History: As a gymnast I started when I was 8 years old at BTYC and competed up to Level 7. As a coach I have been privileged to coach gymnasts that have represented Australia at the last 5 Olympics, 11 World Championships and the last four Commonwealth Games.
Accreditation & Qualifications: FIG Level 3 Brevet Coaching Accreditation. Honorary Coaches Diploma. Bachelor of Applied Science in Sports Coaching and Administration.
Fun Fact: I love to skateboard and water ski.
Coaching Philosophy: To empower gymnasts to reach their potential in a positive and supportive environment.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: That it challenges what the human body is capable of.
Favourite Apparatus: Vault

Bree Munro

High Performance Support Coordinator

Bree Munro

Gymnastics History: I started gymnastics in Prep when my teacher suggested I enrol due to my high energy levels. Unfortunately, this only encouraged more flipping around the classroom! I trained with the VIS and competing for Australia at the Olympics in ariel skiing.

Accreditation & Qualifications: Advanced Silver Coaching Accreditation. Degree in Exercise Health Science.

Fun Fact: I have a daughter who loves gymnastics.

Coaching Philosophy: I believe in having fun through hard work while striving to achieve team goals together.

My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The life skills learned.

Favourite Coaching Moment: When past athletes return to share stories about pivotal moments they remember from their training.

Favourite Apparatus: Trampoline.

Competitive Coaching Staff

Yusuf Topari

Gymnastics History: I was a member of the New Zealand National Team until 2005 and transitioned into leadership roles within high performance gymnastics, representing Australia as a Team Coach at World Cups, World Championships, the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2024 Olympic Games.
Accreditation & Qualifications: FIG Level 3 Brevet Accreditation. MAG/WAG High Performance Accreditation. Business Management. Certificate III & IV Personal Training.
Fun Fact: I hate olives.
Coaching Philosophy: Work as a team to create a motivating and positive environment while aiming for excellence.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Its merging of art and sport.
Favourite Apparatus: Beam and Bars

Jessica Haintz

Gymnastics History: Trained and competed at Ballarat as a young gymnast myself, developing a strong foundation in the sport from an early age and gaining first-hand experience of competitive gymnastics as an athlete.
Accreditation & Qualifications: FIG Level 3 Brevet Accreditation. FIG Level 2 Judging. Bachelor of Laws (Honours). Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours).
Fun Fact: My two favourite places are the beach and the snow.
Coaching Philosophy: To provide a safe and positive athlete-centred environment that empowers athletes to develop life skills.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: It challenges you to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Favourite Apparatus: Vault

Candice Visser

Gymnastics History: Senior Olympic Gymnast with extensive international experience, having competed at three World Championships and multiple Commonwealth Games, including achieving medal success on vault during her competitive career.
Accreditation & Qualifications: FIG Level 3 Coach. South African National Judge.
Fun Fact: Love 80’s music and rollercoaster rides.
Coaching Philosophy: Making sure all gymnasts reach their full potential in a safe, fun and inclusive environment while striving for excellence.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The discipline it teaches you.
Favourite Apparatus: Vault

Grace Yang

Gymnastics History: Originally a dancer at Hebei Art School, Beijing Dance Academy and the China National Dance Team, and has been teaching ballet classes at all levels of competitive gymnastics in Australia since 1996.
Accreditation & Qualifications: Ballet Teacher.
Fun Fact: Favourite type of dance is free dance.
Coaching Philosophy: To cultivate and help children of different ages realise their competitive gymnastics dreams according to their individual characteristics.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The artistry.
Favourite Apparatus: Floor and Beam

Qinghua Yang

Gymnastics History: I have been coaching more than 30 years in Australia, having coached internationally including athletes at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Accreditation & Qualifications: FIG Level 3 and GA High Performance Coaching Qualification.
Fun Fact: I play Golf.
Coaching Philosophy: Constantly researching new training improvement methods, including technology and injury aspects, to solve problems existing in training.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The technical quality.
Favourite Apparatus: Bars and Vault

Victoria Whitehead

Gymnastics History: I achieved Level 10 as a young gymnast myself at Waverley Gymnastics Club, gaining valuable competitive experience within the club environment.
Accreditation & Qualifications: Gymnastics Australia High Performance. FIG Level 3 Judge.
Fun Fact: I achieved Level 10 at Waverley Gymnastics Club.
Coaching Philosophy: To help every athlete develop to their fullest potential while fostering a genuine love for gymnastics.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Teaching bars and building solid foundations for the future.
Favourite Apparatus: Bars

Britt Henry

Gymnastics History: I was a gymnast as a child and have been coaching gymnastics for 15 years, sharing my passion and experience with young athletes.
Accreditation & Qualifications: Advanced WAG Coach. Advanced WAG Judge.
Fun Fact: I have young daughters who love gymnastics too.
Coaching Philosophy: To help every gymnast love the sport as much as I do through positive coaching.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Seeing hard work pay off.
Favourite Apparatus: Bars

Chelsea Shannan

Gymnastics History: I have been involved in gymnastics since the age of five and spent eight years in the competitive squad program, progressing to squad level 7 and competing at Victorian Championships.
Accreditation & Qualifications: Intermediate and Advanced Spotting.
Fun Fact: I still love doing gymnastics with my friends for fun.
Coaching Philosophy: Guiding and supporting new coaches within the high performance program at Waverley.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Always working towards a new challenge.
Favourite Apparatus: Floor

Jessica Latimer

Gymnastics History: I started gymnastics at the age of 5, trained competitive levels and continued in the sport until 2020.
Accreditation & Qualifications: Advanced WAG. Intermediate Judging Qualification.
Fun Fact: I still love doing gymnastics myself.
Coaching Philosophy: Having a positive mindset helps you excel in gymnastics and also in life beyond the gym.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: There is always something to work hard towards.
Favourite Apparatus: Beam and Bars

Kayla Helmich

Gymnastics History: I did gymnastics for 10 years, starting at the age of 3 and finishing at 13, attending classes at the Waverley Campus as a young gymnast.
Accreditation & Qualifications: Intermediate. Beginner Judge.
Fun Fact: My first spoken language was German.
Coaching Philosophy: A love for gymnastics and assisting younger children as they learn new skills.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: The adrenaline.
Favourite Apparatus: Bars

Nicole De Sensi

Gymnastics History: Started gymnastics in 1988, competed nationally and internationally, began coaching in 1996 and moved to Waverley in 1999, with extensive competitive and coaching experience.
Accreditation & Qualifications: Advanced Coach. Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement). Bachelor of Applied Science (Nutrition and Dietetics).
Fun Fact: I love chocolate.
Coaching Philosophy: Hard work, quality and consistency.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Lifelong bonds made between teammates.
Favourite Apparatus: Floor

Stacey Bull

Gymnastics History: I began gymnastics at the age of 5, started coaching at 15 and have coached competitive gymnastics for 10 years across different programs.
Accreditation & Qualifications: Advanced Coach. Bachelor of Education.
Fun Fact: I used to be a volunteer firefighter.
Coaching Philosophy: Teaching children gymnastics skills alongside important life skills beyond the sport.
My Favourite Thing About Gymnastics: Seeing every child achieve their goals.
Favourite Apparatus: Bars