Staff - Owners & Coaches - Gymnastics Staff in San Antonio & Boerne

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

Lisa Mueller - Program Director / Team Coach
Lisa began gymnastics at the age of 9 years old in Covina, California. She retired from competitive gymnastics as a Class I (Level 10) her senior year in high school. Lisa began coaching competitive gymnastics in 1988 at Charter Oak Gliders. She has had many National Champions as well as several athletes receive full college scholarships in gymnastics. Lisa has recently moved to Texas and is grateful to work for a great program such as HUGS Gymnastics.

Martina Thompson - Rec Coach

Martina has been with HUGS for over two years and has enjoyed sharing her passion for gymnastics with the next generation of gymnasts. Martina currently teaches our Kinder classes, boys & girls gymnastics classes, and tumbling.

Helotes Location

Crystal Farias - Coach and Owner

Crystal was born and raised in San Antonio, TX were she began her gymnastics career at the age of 12. Her career flourished over the years of training and she became a competitive level 10 International/ National gymnast. Then at the age of 15 Crystal began her Professional career as a gymnast/ stunt performer at Sea World of Texas. Crystal then moved out to California to pursue her dreams further and became the Assistant Manager of the Golden State Warrior's Dunk/ Halftime show Team. Crystal has been around the world and back again performing with top athletes.

Crystal currently has her Associate Degree and is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Sports Psychology/ Kinesiology. Crystal along with her family now owns and operates the HUGS Helotes Location. She has coached and trained with all levels of athletes, from Mom and Me classes to professional gymnast.

Andie Farias - Team Coach / Operator
Andie was born in raised in San Antonio. She started her gymnastics career at the age of 4. She was an accomplished Level 8 gymnast, trained by Michael Harris at HUGS Gymnastics where she was very successful in District, State and National Competitions. Then she moved on to dancing where she trained/danced with some well known Dancers/Choreographers and has travelled all around the United States performing in various venues. She choreographed for dance companies as well as the Acro JNOTeam. Andie then turned back to her passion and started coaching gymnastics. Andie has coached everything from Mom&Me, Girls Gymnastics, Acro Gymnastics and Cheerleading. Andie was recently a Pro. Cheerleader for the San Antonio Roses which is a promotional squad that does appearances for NBA and Semi Pro Football teams here in San Antonio. Andie started coaching at the age of 15. Andie was also recognized as an accomplished Junior National Olympic Acro Team coach