Lady Mustang gymnastics coach received the 2004 CCS Honor Coach
Award.
GILROY – Nichole Anagnoston fell in love with gymnastics in her very first contact with the sport in the city recreational department program when she was only 8 years old.
“Something about gymnastics hooked me at a very young age. I grew up admiring (Russian Olympian) Olga Korbut and (Romanian Olympian) Nadia Comenici,” said Anagnoston, who first studied under Coach Ami Lesso in Gilroy before joining a private club in Monterey.
“There was something about sport that just appealed to me at a young age and followed me ever since,” she added. “I really just get fired up because of gymnastics.”
Her passion for gymnastics grew by leaps and bounds over the years, making Anagnoston the perfect fit as the head coach at Gilroy High School. The enthusiastic instructor has now been working with the Lady Mustangs for more than 15 years, sharing her experiences with her gymnasts.
“I really think it was a natural transition because just working in any capacity in the sport – just watching, helping teach it, doing it myself – is all exciting to me,” Anagnoston said. “I love every aspect of it.”
Anagnoston was recognized for all her hard work April 29 at the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom in Milpitas when she was named the 2004 Central Coast Section Honor Coach For Gymnastics.
“It was really special,” Anagnoston said.
When the global studies teacher came to Gilroy High School, Susan Privyl – a science teacher at GHS – was running the gymnastics program and immediately recruited Anagnoston to join her staff.
“She was a great mentor to me,” Anagnoston said.
With the support of former Athletic Director Sal Tomasello that was continued by current AD Jack Daley, the student became a teacher.
“Those three people have been so key to me over the years in terms of guidance, encouragement and support,” Anagnoston said. “Those three have really meant a lot to me.”
Daley, who accompanied Anagnoston along with assistant principal Manny Corso at Thursday’s CCS Board of Managers meeting, was the first to tell his gymnastics coach of the CCS honor.
“I got a letter that same day. Then, Jack came in (to my classroom) and gave me a hug. He was grinning ear-to-ear,” the first-time recipient said. “It was very much a surprise. … I’ve loved gymnastics as a sport since I was a little kid growing up and being able to work with kids in the sport I love is rewarding and meaningful.”
Senior co-captain Luz Gonzalez, a four-year varsity gymnast, has learned almost everything she knows from Anagnoston.
“I didn’t know how to do that much when I came here,” Gonzalez said. “She’s taught me everything that I know how to do. She’s always spotting us. She’s not just a coach. I’ve known her for four years, so you get close.”
Gonzalez has qualified for the Central Coast Section Championships the past three seasons, going as an individual her freshman year and with the entire team her sophomore and junior years.
“It’s great (to compete at CCS). At the same time, I just like watching the other gymnasts. They are awesome,” said Gonzalez, whose strongest event is in her floor exercise. “I sit and watch and learn from their skills. It’s really great.”
Senior co-captain Marliz Copado, a first-year varsity gymnast who has been in the Gilroy High program since she was a freshman, also enjoys learning new skills from Anagnoston.
“I think she’s been a very good coach. I really respect her,” said Copado, whose best event is on the vault. “It’s always safety first with her. She really watches out for us. She makes sure we take care of ourselves.”
Copado moved up from the junior varsity squad in time for last year’s league championships and then went on to CCS with the varsity team. This year, she hopes to be more competitive against the section’s top tumblers.
“I was really proud of just being there. That’s something she told us,” Copado said. “I just want to make sure I hit my routines (this year), and really focus on what I’m doing and what’s around me.”
It is a sure bet that Anagnoston will be by their side every step of the way like she has been for past gymnasts, who she always welcomes back to join the coaching staff and help her coach.
“They just return to coach for us and, honestly, without their participation, I wouldn’t be able to run the program,” Anagnoston said.
Gilroy High alumni who have returned as coaches include Lisa Rodriguez, Michelle Messerole and Lynn Baggese, as well as current junior varsity coaches Jennifer Yip, Jenny Spohr and Gerardo Mendoza.
“I have definitely been fortunate to have very competent assistant coaches,” Anagnoston said. “In running the program, the most enjoyable part to me is working one-on-one with small groups, training them, teaching them new skills and technique.”
