NCCP training and certification level: 

Comp 1 certified

How did you become involved in rhythmic gymnastics and what is your history with the sport?
I started Rhythmic Gymnastics at 8 years old with Rhythmic South Gymnastics Club, based in Southampton, England.  I was a competitive athlete until we moved to Canada in 2007, we found NorGlen and I joined their Junior Performing Team when I was 14.  I started junior coaching when I was 15, and became head coach of the club in 2015.  Since joining NorGlen I have attended 3 World Gymnaestradas as an athlete and 1 as a coach.  I am currently coaching my 2nd World Gymnaestrada team and will be heading to Portugal with them in 2027.

How long have you been a coach?
Over 15 years

What is your favorite aspect of coaching?
I love so many things about coaching. The realization on an athletes face when they’ve achieved something they thought was impossible, both in the gym and in their day to day lives, and being able to watch athletes grow into incredible people is so special.

What is your favorite apparatus?
Hoop or clubs for sure!

What do you like most about being a member of Norglen RG?
I love being a member of NorGlen because it is truly a family, the support and love the people in this club give is phenomenal.  I genuinely do not know what I would do without them.  Also getting to travel the world and share the joy of sport with them is pretty cool too. 

Tell us a little about your life outside gymnastics:

My family and I are originally from England, we moved here in 2007 and have never looked back.  I have a regular day job as well as working part time at a restaurant so I keep myself pretty busy.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling or snuggling up with my cat, Nox, and a good book.

Nicole Caines

NCCP training and certification level: 

Level 1 Certified, Level 2 trained (RG)

How did you become involved in rhythmic gymnastics and what is your history with the sport? 

My mom put me in RG when I was 9 because my cousin was a coach. I moved through pre-competitive and competitive levels over the years, and retired from competing when I was 17 to focus on dance. When I retired from dancing in 2013, I decided to get back into RG and that is how I found NorGlen. 

How long have you been a coach? 

Over 30 years! I have coached many levels from recreational beginners to competitive athletes. I also have experience teaching several forms of dance. 

What is your favorite aspect of coaching? 

I love watching my gymnasts grow up, both as gymnasts and as people. The bond between a coach and an athlete is a special one that I cherish. I also love seeing gymnasts excited about learning new choreography. 

What is your favorite apparatus? 

Anything except ribbon!
What do you like most about being a member of Norglen RG? The community and family atmosphere. We are a tight knit group and support each other inside and outside the gym. Having come from a competitive background, I also like that the environment is less intense and more focused on fun and that you can continue performing throughout life. 

Tell us a little about your life outside gymnastics: 

I am a wife and fur-mom. I am a Registered Psychologist and own my own practice. In the future, in my role as a Psychologist, I hope to work with sports organizations to support the development of emotionally safe and supportive sporting environments. 

 Kate Wood

NCCP training and certification level:

 Level 1 trained

How did you become involved in rhythmic gymnastics and what is your history with the sport? 

I started with dance and gymnastics at a young age.  When I first tried rhythmic, I realized it was the perfect combination of both!  I started with another club, but joined Norglen in 2017.  I began with the intermediate group, and have worked my way up through to the Senior Show Group, which I have been a part of since 2022.  

How long have you been a coach? 

This is my third year of coaching.  I started as a junior coach and this is my first year coaching my own team.  

What is your favorite aspect of coaching? 

My favourite part of coaching is working closely with the kids and being part of their growth.  I love helping them learn new skills, gain confidence, and enjoy their time in the gym.  It's really rewarding to see their excitement when they accomplish something they've been working hard on.  

What is your favorite apparatus? 

Hoop

Tell us a little about your life outside gymnastics: 

Outside of the gym, I enjoy spending time with friends.  I love to travel.  In my free time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my puppy.  

Rhonda Helmeczi

NCCP training and certification level: 

Level 2 plus Level 4 Alixa Flexibility 

How did you become involved in rhythmic gymnastics and what is your history with the sport? 

I became involved in rhythmic gymnastics at the age of 5 years old with Bohemka Rhythmic Gymnastics Club based in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. I became a coach when I was 14 and have been coaching ever since. When I moved to Calgary, I started coaching with Chinook Rhythmic Gymnastics Club. In 2004, I joined NorGlen Rhythmic Gymnastics Club as a gymnast and a coach. I’ve coached all levels from preschool to adult. I have the privilege of attending multiple Canadian and World Gymnaestradas as an athlete, a coach and a team manager. Continuing education is important to me, and completing my Level 4 Alixa Flexibility has helped me support gymnasts in training safely to build and enhance their flexibility while building strength for longevity in the sport.

 
How long have you been a coach?

30 Years+

What is your favorite aspect of coaching?

I love the look on a gymnasts face when they finally master a skill that they’ve been working toward.  Sometimes you can actually hear it, the excited "yes!", the cheers, the high-fives, and the way teammates rally around each other to celebrate every win.  I also love the pride that comes from stepping onto the performance floor as a team, knowing the hard work, determination, and countless hours in the gym that brought them to that moment.  There's nothing quite like the goosebumps you feel as a coach when they're out there performing their hearts out and absolutely crushing it.

What is your favorite apparatus? 

Ribbon

What do you like most about being a member of Norglen RG?

Norglen truly feels like family.  We've grown together through so many stages of life, always supporting and encouraging one another along the way. 

 
Tell us a little about your life outside gymnastics: 

I am a wife and mom of two incredible girls who have grown up in the sport and continue to inspire me.  When I'm not working or in the gym, I love spending time with family and friends, making meaningful memories together. 

Sarah Minions

NCCP training and certification level: 

Currently enrolled in Level 1 Training

How did you become involved in rhythmic gymnastics and what is your history with the sport? 

I have been involed in Rhythmic Gymnastics and Norglen since 2005 after many years of my cousing encouraging me to join.  My history in artistic gymnastics and dance made it a smooth transition.  I've been to 2 World Gymnaestradas and am looking forward to a third.  

 
How long have you been a coach?

1 year

What is your favorite aspect of coaching?

I love getting to teach gymnasts new skills and helping them get better throughout the year.  Seeing the performances at the end of the semester is always a highlight.

What is your favorite apparatus?

Ribbon - but I really enjoy a mixed apparatus routine.

What do you like most about being a member of Norglen RG?

I love Norglen for the long lasting memories and friendships I've had over the years. 

 
Tell us a little about your life outside gymnastics: 

If I'm not a gymnastics, I'm usually playing a lot of volleyball or hanging out with my two cats.