About Us
About
Jayhawk Gymnastics
At Jayhawk Gymnastics, we believe in providing kids with a safe and supportive environment to learn and grow in gymnastics. Our dedicated coaches are passionate about helping kids develop their skills while having fun and building confidence. Whether your child is a beginner or has some experience, our classes cater to all levels. Join us at Jayhawk Gymnastics and let's flip, tumble, and soar together!
Scott Belanger
Gymnastics and Music Enthusiast
Hi there! I'm Scott Belanger, owner of Jayhawk Gymnastics and a lifelong gymnast with over 35 years in the gymnastics industry. I'm a former collegiate gymnast at Southern Illinois University (Go Dawgs), founder of Extreme Kids in Marion, IL, Saluki Gymnastics in Carbondale, IL, and The Zone in Mt. Vernon, IL. I now bring my experience, imagination and passion to Lawrence. My focus is to have a super friendly, fun and safe gymnastics facility for kids in the greater Lawrence area. If you want your child to learn in a fun, safe and challenging atmosphere, you've come to the right place! We've recently completed our 3rd expansion and I'm super proud of what we can offer this community.
On a personal note: I moved to Lawrence 2019 with my incredible wife Sara when she became the director of the Kansas Biological Survey for KU. I've got 5 grown awesome kids, whom I love to visit whenever possible. In my free time, I enjoy anything involving motorcycles and I play drums in a KC Police Tribute band called Every Breath.
Shantel Krabill
Girls Team Director
Hi, I’m Coach Shantel! I’ve been in Lawrence since 2017. I competed up till Level 9 in gymnastics and danced for 14 years. Coaching is
rewarding to me because I get to share the love of a sport with
others. Keep up the hard work!
Nathan Del Real
Ninja Director
Hi, I'm coach Nathan. I grew up playing sports like soccer, basketball and MMA. I love sports and fitness and have a ca passion for coaching. I'm studying at KU and hope to work as a PE Teacher / Coach. I'm also a Sergeant in the Kansas Army National Guard where I practice other types of Ninja skills for America!
Braeden Soderstrom
Camp Director
Birthday Party Director
Ninja & Gymnastics Instructor
Hello! I’m Coach Braeden. I’ve been coaching at Jayhawk Gymnastics for over 2 years now, and love it with a passion! I grew up playing a multitude of sports, including volleyball, basketball, and soccer. I started tumbling in middle school, and have loved gymnastics ever since. I now coach both the Boys Gymnastics and Ninja classes here at Jayhawk Gymnastics.
Haley Belanger
Gymnastics Instructor
Coach Haley graduated Lawrence High School and competed for the LHS Gymnastics Team as well as our own Jayhawk Gymnastics Girls Team! She's a sophmore at KU studing psychology. Haley is a girls team and class instructor.
SheaLee Freeland-Schmer
Girls Team & Gymnastics Instructor
Hey there, I'm coach Shea! I did gymnastics for 12 years back home in Washington ans was team captain during high school for 3yrs! I currently am a student at KU and love helping children find their love and passion in the world of gymnastics!
Katie Schoaf
Gymnastics Instructor
Hey, I’m Coach Katie! I competed in gymnastics for 10 years back in Arizona, and also did diving in my high school years serving as our captain. I am currently a student at KU studying exercise science. I love being able to help kids find their passion for a sport so close to my heart!
Tyler Campbell
Ninja Instructor
Coach Tyler is a Doctor of Chiropractic and runs his office here in his hometown of Lawrence. He grew up climbing trees and playing ninjas with his friends. He has run in multiple obstacle course races, which test strength, endurance, balance and agility. Your kids will be in caring hands with him as their coach. CLICK HERE to visit his website and learn more!
Meara Kingery
Gymnastics Instructor
Hi, I am Coach Meara! I grew up in Lawrence, as a competitive gymnast for 10 years. I also spent time on my high school diving team, as well as some Unified Sports, with Special Olympics. I am currently a sophomore at KU, studying Human Biology. I love working with the children to help them grow their love for the sport!
Cleo Hazlett-Trigg
Gymnastics Instructor
Hi, I’m Cleo! I’ve been coaching at Jayhawk since 2025. I’m currently a sophomore in high school at Free State, and plan on working at Jayhawk until I leave for college. I have been doing gymnastics for three years and am currently on the platinum level team here!
Hayden McMeans
Gymnastics Instructor
Coach Hayden
Becca Liljestrom
Gymnastics Instructor
Hi I'm coach Becca, I've been a gymnast here at Jayhawk for 8 years and now I've started my own coaching journey!
