Gymnastics Team head coach, Richard Gishi has brought his 35 years of experience and knowledge to Team OC! With degrees in kinesiology and teaching from California State University, Fullerton, Richard uses his field of study in conjunction with his passion for gymnastics and children to be the best Team Director. Prior to Team OC, Richard was the head coach of the women’s gymnastics team at California State University, Fullerton. For the last 32 years, he has been a USAG professional member and his gymnastics expertise has helped produce 25 gymnasts on the USA National Team and 7 OLYMPIANS!!
With over 20 years experience as a Youth Sports/Gymnastics Facility Program Manager, Denise comes to TEAM OC with a wealth of experience. Her degree in Physical Education from California State University Long Beach (CSULB) and her YMCA “Senior Program Director” accreditation add to her familiarity in running successful sports facilities. Denise has credentials in program development, management, membership and over 20 years of coaching recreational classes through Level 10 competitive gymnastics.
As a USA “Brevet” judge, she is certified to judge all levels of Jr. Olympics, High School and College. Denise is involved in a variety of organizations, including the USAG State Board and is currently a member of the C.I.F. Presidents Council for high schools. She is extremely dedicated to involving kids in youth sports that develop healthy lifestyles and self-esteem. Her passion and involvement for gymnastics began in high school and continues to this day. In addition, she has also instructed gymnastics classes for CSULB and has lectured at a variety of local and regional clinics.
With extensive gymnastics knowledge and a love of children, Tina Preston is the architect and administrator of the Team OC Preschool/Developmental Gymnastics program.
Tina earned a Bachelor of Science and graduate degree in Physical Education and Health at California State University, Fullerton. She later received a California lifetime teaching credential and has taught at all levels from kindergarten to 12th grade. Her familiarity of working with young children and background in movement education aided her in creating the unique "Tots in Motion" program as well as other invaluable developmental related courses.
Tina has been a USAG Women's Jr. Olympic and NCAA gymnastics judge since 1975 and currently holds a National rating. She has been certified by the USAG in safety, preschool curriculum and education, and director of competitions. A staple of the greater gymnastics community who continues to coordinate events, her ultimate goal is to give her students confidence for successful skills in school and life.
Danita Barnard Trampoline Program Director and Head Team Coach
Danita Barnard brings a new dimension to Team OC as our Trampoline and Power Tumbling Director. Her experience in the gymnastics field spans many years and many facets of the sport.
Her undergraduate studies in Physical Education and Coaching at California State University Long Beach prepared her to teach elementary physical education and become a high school varsity gymnastics coach. As a USAG professional member since 1981, she has spent numerous years in sports management and facility operations in addition to coaching competitive Jr. Olympic artistic gymnastics and trampoline.
Her focus over the past decade has been dedicated to coaching trampoline and power tumbling. During this time she has coached numerous State, Regional and National Champions and has had athletes compete for spots on the USA National Teams and the 2007 USA Tumbling and Trampoline World Championship Teams. Danita is currently coach of a 2007 World Age Group Championships USA Team Member and the 2008 Pan American Championships Power Tumbling Champion and Double-Mini Trampoline bronze medalist in the Junior age group division.
Danita has also given many years of volunteer time to promote the continued growth of gymnastics in Southern California. She has held positions on the Southern California Women's State Administrative Committee and the USAG Elite Athlete Support Committee. She currently serves as the Southern California USAG Tumbling & Trampoline State Chair.
Gymnastics Team head coach, Richard Gishi has brought his 35 years of experience and knowledge to Team OC! With degrees in kinesiology and teaching from California State University, Fullerton, Richard uses his field of study in conjunction with his passion for gymnastics and children to be the best Team Director. Prior to Team OC, Richard was the head coach of the women’s gymnastics team at California State University, Fullerton. For the last 32 years, he has been a USAG professional member and his gymnastics expertise has helped produce 25 gymnasts on the USA National Team and 7 OLYMPIANS!!
With over 20 years experience as a Youth Sports/Gymnastics Facility Program Manager, Denise comes to TEAM OC with a wealth of experience. Her degree in Physical Education from California State University Long Beach (CSULB) and her YMCA “Senior Program Director” accreditation add to her familiarity in running successful sports facilities. Denise has credentials in program development, management, membership and over 20 years of coaching recreational classes through Level 10 competitive gymnastics.
With extensive gymnastics knowledge and a love of children, Tina Preston is the architect and administrator of the Team OC Preschool/Developmental Gymnastics program.
Danita Barnard brings a new dimension to Team OC as our Trampoline and Power Tumbling Director. Her experience in the gymnastics field spans many years and many facets of the sport.