INDIANAPOLIS, May 8, 2019 – USA Gymnastics today announced that Christy Naik of Overland Park, Kansas, has been hired as the women’s Junior Olympic program director. Naik will be based in Indianapolis.
“Christy has been involved in the program as a coach and a gymnast,” said Annie Heffernon, vice president of women’s gymnastics for USA Gymnastics. “She also brings administrative and management experience, in addition to her passion and dedication to the sport.”
“I am happy to have Christy working with the women’s Junior Olympic program,” said Tom Koll, chair of the USA Gymnastics women’s National Junior Olympic Committee. “The timing is great because she will have the opportunity to attend and observe both the 2019 Junior Olympic Level 9 Western Championships and U.S. Junior Olympic National Championships, as well as meet the volunteer leadership of the Junior Olympic program. I look forward to working with both Christy and Annie as we prepare for 2020 and the release of the new compulsories in 2021.”
As the women’s Junior Olympic program director, she will be responsible for the oversight and administration of all aspects of the women’s Junior Olympic program (Levels 1-10 and the Xcel program). Naik’s responsibilities include: developing and implementing the Junior Olympic competitive rules, compulsory routines and strategic plan; assisting with planning and organizing the national Junior Olympic events, Junior Olympic National Championships, Level 9 East/West Championships and Nastia Liukin Cup; and overseeing the activities of the Junior Olympic National Team.
“I am looking forward to helping the women’s Junior Olympic program continue to grow and develop,” said Naik, who is a former gymnast and current coach. “I am excited to work with athletes, member clubs, coaches, judges, and parents to learn how we can bring a positive experience to anyone involved in this sport, from Levels 1 through 10 and Xcel.”
Since 2007, Naik has worked in several capacities at Kansas Gymnastics and Cheer, including coach, competition director and developmental director. She initiated the recreational program at the facility, as well as established the club’s Xcel program. Naik assisted in managing and running the club’s annual Pink Ribbon Invitational, including running one of the competitions and supporting the event’s breast cancer awareness initiatives. She coached both recreational and competitive gymnasts and served as the head coach for developmental and team gymnasts. Since 2012, Naik also worked as an accountant for Upper Lake Processing Services/Pomo One Marketing, Inc.
Naik earned her Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in kinesiology from Kansas State University.
Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. The organization is committed to creating a culture that encourages and supports its athletes and focuses on its highest priority, the safety and well-being of the athletes. USA Gymnastics has taken specific, concrete steps to strengthen its athlete safety policies and procedures. Former gymnast and business executive Li Li Leung is the new president and chief executive officer of USA Gymnastics. The organization’s disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, acrobatic gymnastics and gymnastics for all (formerly known as group gymnastics). For more complete information, visit usagym.org.