Meet the Owners
Michael and LaPrise Harris are the owners of HUGS Gymnastics which was established in 1986. They have two wonderful daughters - Mickaela and McKenna. They currently coach 14 girls in their elite development program. Their biggest gymnastics accomplishments include placing two athletes onto the 2001 USA World Team.
Michael Harris
Michael began gymnastics as a freshman in high school in Milton, Florida. He later received a full gymnastics scholarship to the University of Southern Connecticut where he competed under one of the nation's top coaches - Abraham Grossfield. After graduating with a B.S. degree in Physical Education, Michael moved to San Antonio to open HUGS Gymnastics.
Michael has coached more than 20 TOPS and USA National/International Elite Team Members. He has competed several athletes in various international meets including Japan, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Belgium, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii and almost every state in the U.S. He is currently the Region III Elite Committee Program Chairperson. He also overlooks the Region III TOPS development program. Many of his gymnasts have received full college scholarships in gymnastics, are currently coaching elite athletes and are gymnastics business owners themselves.
LaPrise Harris
LaPrise began gymnastics and dance at the age of 6 years old in Lubbock, Texas. She remained competitive in gymnastics until the age of 16. She attended Lamar University where she performed with many dance companies and began doing choreography for area gymnastic schools. She began coaching competitive gymnastics in 1989 at beaumont Gymnastics Academy until 1994.
LaPrise and Michael met at a gymnastics meet in 1992, and were married in April of 1995. LaPrise was a member of the Texas USA Board for four years and has been a nationally rated Elite level judge for four years. She has choreographed more than 150 floor routines and special performances. She recently received a B.S. degree in Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Michael and LaPrise enjoy working together to develop the talents of their gymnasts. They greatly appreciate the hard work and effort of their staff and the efforts put forth by their team parents. They are very thankful to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of people.
Michael and LaPrise would like to welcome and thank all of their customers for choosing HUGS.
Meet the Coaches
Laura
Laura was born and raised in Pasadena, Texas, where she began gymnastics at the age of five. She was a gymnast for eight years before ending her career to pursue other activities. Laura served as an officer of her dance team in high school and competed in numerous dance competitions receiving high honors. While still in high school, she began coaching recreational gymnastics and became the director of the Tots program. After graduating, she pursued her Bachelor's degree at Texas State University and coached gymnastics at a gym in Austin, Texas. Laura graduated from Texas State in August 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a minor in Psychology. She moved to San Antonio after graduation and headed the Girls Team Program at a local gym before joining the HUGS staff in August 2007.
Laura has coached along side Olympic and World gold medallists as well as National team coaches. Her experience varies from Parent and Tot classes through competitive gymnastics. Laura uses her experience as a former competitive student to connect with each child she instructs. Laura is USAG safety certified, child, infant, and adult CPR certified, as well as first aid and AED certified.
Coming soon
Marlene
Martina
Jonathan
Jesse
Nicole
