East Ridge gymnastics: Brittany Simmons hired as new head coach of Raptors

Brittany Simmons has been hired as the new head gymnastics coach at East Ridge High School.

Simmons served as an assistant coach in the East Ridge gymnastics program in 2010-11. She is a trained club gymnast through Gleason's Gymnastics School and she has held positions as a gymnastics instructor across the metro area including youth programs at the YMCA, The Little Gym of Burnsville and Minnetonka's Community Education programs.

She has also coached competitive Midwest Amateur Gymnastics Association (MAGA) teams in Minnetonka, introducing new skills and executing routines. Since joining the East Ridge staff, she has coached private lessons in District 833 and will be leading this summer's Gymnastics Kick-Off Camp.

Simmons takes over East Ridge for Christine Askham, who coached the Raptors in the program’s first two years.

Simmons first trained in gymnastics at the age of three. She participated in competitive club gymnastics until seventh grade, as a Level 9 gymnast and she began her career as a decorated high school athlete. Simmons was a captain and four-time MVP in gymnastics at Park Center High School. She was also a captain, two-time state qualifier and MVP in diving and well as a captain and state qualifier in Track and Field. She was also named the Athena Award Winner and Female Athlete of the Year. According to East Ridge Activities Director Trent Hanson, Simmons “demonstrates strong leadership qualities, knowledge, and passion for the sport that will continue the growth and success of the ERHS gymnastics program.”

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