It is bittersweetly that we say goodbye to our own Coach Jordan Gaarenstroom after 4 wonderful years as part of our boys team staff here at SCATS. Moreover, though, we wish him a resounding “CONGRATUALATIONS!” as he embarks on a VERY exciting new chapter in his gymnastics career.
Jordan has been selected from an extremely short list of candidates to become Michigan University’s newest Men’s Gymnastics Assistant Coach! As you may or may not know, Michigan has been recognized for many years as being one of if not the top NCAA program for men’s gymnastics (don’t worry Coach Mitch, it’s no slight on your Ohio alma mater). Many SCATS boys have gone on to earn scholarships and compete for Michigan, including Adrian De Los Angeles, 2x Olympian and 8x NCAA Champ Sam Mikulak, Cameron Bock, and Jordan himself!
After bringing his competitive gymnastics to the next level at SCATS from age 11 to 18 under our very own Head Coach Grigor Chalikyan and Coach Albert Avchian, Jordan took his talent to Ann Arbor alongside his SCATS teammate and closest friend, Sam Mikulak. He continued his successful career in the sport as a collegiate gymnast, worked closely with his Wolverine underclassmen and teammates, and also lent his technical and motivational insight to Sam as he cut his path to numerous NCAA and National Titles as well as two Olympic Games (London 2012 and Rio 2016).
It wasn’t until Spring 2015 that Jordan would try his hand at coaching at the compulsory levels, when he would return to his second home here at SCATS. As his athletes will attest, he became a fan favorite coach here and has helped our levels 5, 6 and 7 boys take their gymnastics to new heights, including a SCATS record showing at Future Stars National Championships with EIGHT boys making the team.
Those accolades are only the tip of the iceberg and a small portion of what Jordan has added to the boys program he grew up in. His passion, drive and overall love for our sport and our SCATS students has him in a special class of coach and character. Our hats are off to you Coach Jordan! Just as you have never stopped being a Wolverine, you’ll always be a part of our family at SCATS.
Until your next visit, Coach…