Our Staff

Gym Director

From here in New Orleans, Greg Grillot has had a successful competitive and coaching career giving him a level of experience that is unmatched in the city of New Orleans. His love for gymnastics propels him to run a highly competitive program which offers only the very best in training and conditioning. His knowledge has allowed our program to flourish and his dedication continues to bring success to our academy. 

Greg was a senior Elite Power Tumbler and was ranked 2nd in the nation. He has 10 years of coaching experience starting at the age of 14, with 20 years of experience in the sport of gymnastics. Greg also has a number of years studying orthopedic massage therapy, which has allowed him to work with the LSU Swim and Dive Team, traveling with them numerous times to the SEC Championships.

Greg's focus in our tightly run program is to produce the very best athletes for our Competitive Team, which he hand picks out of our very own Recreational Program before every training season begins.  Our Recreational Program and Competitive Team are successful because of his experience and we hope that you will benefit from his experience as we have.

Gym Owners

John and Lisa Grillot opened Empire Gymnastics Academy in 2002. Natives of New Orleans, they have eight kids, whom have all been involved in gymnastics at one time or another! They are also the master minded duo behind Empire's New Orleans Christmas Classic and the New Orleans Jazz Invitational. So if you see an attractive couple in the office clamoring to get things in order, don't worry, it's just the Grillot's getting ready for the event.

Coaching Staff

 Our staff is safety certified through USA Gymnastics, the national governing body for our sport. Coaches conduct classes using techniques and safety standards approved by the gym director. 

Coaches for Preschool and Girls Developmental Gymnastics

• Michelle Alcina
• Claire David
• Alex Grillot
• Mitchell Grillot
• Brooke Hagler

Michelle Alcina

Michelle teaches Girls' Developmental Classes, as well as, is  the Head Coach for the Girls' Competitive Team. A former competitive gymnast, she is currently working on her Master's at UNO. 
  

Claire David

Claire David has is currently at Dominican High School. She has a total of 7 years of gymnastics expereince. She finished her last year as a competitive gymnast at level 4. She now coaches our Dyno Tyke, Preschool and Girls' Developmental Classes.

Alex Grillot

Alex Grillot is the owners second oldest child of eight. She graduated from Delgado Community College with an Associate's Degree in Business Administration with plans to continue her studies towards a Bachelor's Degree . She competed for 13 years and finished her last year as a competitive gymnast at level 9. She coaches Girls' Developmental Classes and is Assistant Girls' Competive Team Coach.

Mitchell Grillot

Mitch Grillot has over 6 years of experience in the sport of gymnastics and competed up to Level 9 in the sport. He now coaches the Boys' Developmental Classes and the Boys' Advanced classes and assist Greg with the Boys' Competitive Team when needed.

Brooke Hagler

Brooke Hagler started gymnastics at the age of 2, and went on to become a competitive gymnast. She claimed the title of the Louisiana Floor State Champion in 2003, and retired in 2004. She is now studying Vocal Music Education at Loyola University and hopes to graduate in the Spring of 2013.

Office Manager

Teresa Garner holds and Bachelor's and Master's in Business Management. She is a Licensed Louisiana Real Estate Broker and holds several business related certifications and designations. She has owned and operated two Health Clubs and currently has a Small Business Consulting Firm outside of managing the office for Empire Gymnastics.