Fred Turoff
Program Director
Former head coach of men’s gymnastics at Temple University 1976-2017, now assistant coach at Temple; former NGJA and FIG judge; member of US National Team 1969 & 1970; inducted into USAG Hall of Fame in August, 2009.
Anthony McHugh
Coach of boys, levels 3&4
Anthony McHugh started his athletic career as a springboard diver in Indianapolis, IN when he was 8 years old. He competed for 10 years and qualified for high school state championships his junior and senior years. While attending MIT, Anthony joined the club gymnastics team as his first introduction to the sport. He competed with MIT for 3 years and fell in love with the sport. Anthony continues to compete through the National Association for Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs (NAIGC) and also serves as a volunteer on their rules committee. In addition to coaching boy’s team, Anthony works as a structural engineer primarily on demolition projects in New York City.
Nyla Welsh
Instructor of beginner girls and preschool
Nyla completed her freshman year at Temple University where she studied criminal justice and dance. She is now at Circadium School of Contemporary Circus to pursue a diploma in circus arts. When she was younger she took dance and gymnastics, but quickly decided she wanted to focus on ballet and studied at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet for 10 years. She also began training in aerial arts when she was in high school.
Josh Smith
Coach of boys, levels 5 and up plus adults
Joshua Smith has been coaching gymnastics for the past 11 years. Living out his belief that gymnastics is for life, he hopes to compete in NAIGC and is currently cast in two musical productions where he tumbles and sings. Josh has had many of his gymnastic dreams come true such as coaching highbar with Jonathan Horton at the Starbound clinic in NJ. At Woodward, Josh learned from and worked with Slava Boiko who coached for Penn State and the Soviet Union’s National Team. Josh strives to continue giving young men with drive and daring– the knowledge to take State and Regional titles.
Jen Lex
Instructor of preschool, beginner and advanced beginner girls
Jen has been involved with gymnastics since she was 8yo. She tumbled from 8 to 16yo and then found a love for coaching. She’s been coaching for the past 20 years and has enjoyed every minute. Jen has worked with tots up to teens. Her thrill is seeing her students learn new skills and reach their goals.
Tahir Ingram
Instructor of levels 1&2 boys
Tahir has 10 years of coaching experience with Sayre Morris Gym Crew and was a competitor for 3 years with that team. He finds it rewarding to teach skills that transcend the sport and “stick” for life.
Aidan Henry
Instructor of preteam boys
Aidan was a level 10 gymnast on the PBG boys’ team. He started gymnastics with PBG, then spent a few years at another club before returning to PBG.
Mioshi Ellison
Instructor of preschool and beginner girls
Mioshi competed for Haverford Y up to level 7. She later coached at both Haverford Y and Roth’s Crosspoint. As a West Chester U student, she trained with its club team. At WCU, she majored in Exercise Science and minored in Coaching. She’s a certified EMT as well.
Jesse Kitzen-Abelson
Coach levels 1,2,preteam and 5-9 in May-August
Jesse is the head coach of Temple University Men’s Gymnastics Team. He was an NCAA competitor in his college days, and qualified for the NCAA Championships. After graduating, he spent 5 year coaching in South Africa before returning the the US to enter the collegiate coaching ranks. He was assistant coach at Temple U for a year before taking over, while former coach Fred Turoff moved to assistant coach. Jesse also teaches at Circadium, a circus arts school in Philadelphia. Jesse coached the senior men at the 2022 Maccabiah Games in Israel. He was named Coach of the Year in the GymACT conference this past season.