Our Gymnastic Coaches
David Marshall
Head Coach / Owner
When David was a senior elite gymnast, he almost had a skill on the parallel bars named after him. Today, he brings that expertise, along with 30 years of coaching experience, to Phoenix Academy. His coaching philosophy emphasizes both the physical and mental benefits of learning a sport, yet ensures that it remains in balance with the rest of life.
This means that his proudest achievements aren’t just first-place finishes or gold medals. They’re also knowing that his students have used the lessons of gymnastics to develop a balanced life that they truly love.
He lives in Northwest Arkansas with his wife, Rachel, and their two children, Alana, 6, the youngest member of the girls’ competition team, and Eian, 4, a gym regular and as fearless as you’d imagine a gymnast’s son to be.
When he’s not at the gym, David is a true jack-of-all-trades. He’s an alpha-tester for games. He also operates a tech acquisition company as well as construction and real-estate management companies.
Chase Warden
Coach
Chase Warden is a former Level 10 gymnast who brings more than a decade of coaching experience to Phoenix. He moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2009 to help develop boys team and parkour programs, and since then his gymnasts have consistently qualified for regional competitions.
His gymnastics philosophy is simple — success is how his students define it. “I want to see the kids succeed,” he said. “That means different things to different kids, and I work to help them anyway I can.” This includes a “train hard, play harder” class style that makes time for both work and fun. His favorite event? Floor, with a side of trampoline.
When he’s not at the gym, Chase enjoys playing Minecraft and other video games with his 6-year-old son. He wouldn’t reveal who wins more often.
Emily Warford
Womens Team and Xcel Coach
Emily’s our womens team and Xcel coach. She was a level 8 gymnast for the Williams Center and has been with us for 10 years. She also choreographs some of our upper level routines.
Linda Brewer
Coach
Linda Brewer is the recreational and men’s coach working with our younger students focusing on fundamentals and technique. Linda was a gymnast in high school and competed on her school team.
Logan Brewer
Coach
Logan Brewer has been a gymnast for the last 4 years and is currently a Level 9 gymnast. In 2014 and 2015 he was a member of the Level 8 team which placed first at the State Gymnastic Championships. He coaches our men’s team.
Anna Kate
Coach
Anna Kate has been a competitive gymnast for 4 years and has been coaching our Rec Kids for 2 years. She is 16 years old and is currently the only Xcel Platinum in Arkansas.
Dashal Pelphrey
Coach
Dasha Pelphrey is 14 years old and is currently in Xcel Gold with a qualifying score for Xcel Platinum. Dasha loves gymnastics and wants to inspire others to be the best athlete they can be.
Emily Hines
Coach
Emily has been a competitive gymnast at The Phoenix Academy of Gymnastics for 2 years. She started as a level 4 and is now an Xcel Gold with a mobility score to Xcel Platinum. She is currently 14 years old and enjoys helping our younger gymnasts to be the best gymnasts they can be.
Kendall
Coach
Kendall has been participating in gymnastics since she was 4 years old. She is 14 and a level 7 gymnast. She has competed in gymnastics for the last 5 years in levels 4 thru 7 and continues to compete each season. Kendall is our junior compulsory coach. She has a passion for gymnastics and enjoys sharing that passion with the younger kids joining Phoenix Academy.
