Our Coaches
Helping children reach their full potential is hard work- good thing we have the best coaches! Our staff is eager to share their passion for the sport and knows that there is a gymnast in every child that steps foot through our doors.
Pete Walker
Owner & Gym Director
Coach Pete has over 30 years of competitive gymnastics and coaching experience. He began his gymnastics career in Virginia Beach, then received a scholarship to compete for the College of William & Mary for four years.
He is one of four gymnasts at William & Mary to achieve the remarkable distinction of ranking in the all-time top 10 on every event during their college career. He also ranked first in W&M's all-time parallel bar records, third on high bar, fourth in all-around, eighth on floor exercise, rings, and vault, and tenth on pommel horse.
In 1992, Pete was voted team captain and won the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship All-Around Competition. Pete also helped his team earn the National Academic Team Championship for the Collegiate Gymnastics Association.
Pete's coaching career began in college, when he assisted with the recreational classes held at William & Mary. After graduating with a degree in education, he was brought on as the Assistant Men's Gymnastics Coach for the College. Pete coached at W&M for over 20 years, during which he was awarded the 2008 USAG Assistant Coach of the Year Award, the 2008 and 2011 ECAC Assisstant Coach of the Year Awards, and the prestigious 2006, 2008, and 2014 NCAA Eastern Region Coach of the Year Awards.
Pete has a tremendous amount of experience working with all levels of athletes and loves working with anyone that wants to learn gymnastics!
Cindy Walker
Owner & Administrative Director
Cindy grew up in Virginia Beach and received her degrees in Music Therapy and Music Education from Radford University. She worked as a music therapist for nine years in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools before coming to Williamsburg. She also earned her Masters of Education from Regent University and is ABD (all but dissertation) for her Doctorate in Education/Staff Development. In 2013, Cindy received the Richard M. Aronson Special Service Award from the NCAA for her work with the W&M Men's Gymnastic Team.
We call Cindy the mother hen because she keeps a close watch on everything around the gym! At home, she and Pete have four beautiful children who all share the same love of gymnastics and family.
Brett Lydon
Men's Team Program Director
Coach Brett is originally from Pennsylvania and started doing gymnastics when he was seven years old. Brett earned his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music and his Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Kansas.
Brett has more than 25 years of coaching experience. He has coached athletes of all levels including Special Olympics, USAG Future Stars, and athletes on the Junior National Team. He is active in the Virginia Men's Gymnastics community as a clinician and member of the state board. After six years as vice president, he is now serving as the board's new president!
Katy Dixon
Women's Team Program Director
Coach Katy is a former Level 9 gymnast from Northern Virginia. She was the Level 7 All-Around State Champion and National Team Member as well as a Level 8 Floor Champion and Regional Team Member. Katy has also earned multiple all-district and county high school titles.
Katy received a degree in Sports and Exercise Psychology from the University of West Virginia. She began her coaching career at G-Force Gymnastics, where she worked with recreational and Xcel athletes. Her favorite event is balance beam.