About Us

Our mission at Leading Edge Gymnastics Academy is to provide a gymnastics training facility that can accommodate athletes from tumbling toddlers to the highest level of gymnastics. We strive to provide an environment that is fun, structured, and coached with Christian values and mentorship. Through gymnastics we believe we can teach teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness that has benefits far beyond the doors of our gym.

Conveniently located near 316 and Hwy 53 in Winder, Georgia, our fully-equipped 20,000 square foot facility and team of seasoned coaches are excited to build a LEGAcy at Leading Edge.

The LEGA Team 

Misty Edgington

Co Owner + head compulsory coach

As Co-Owner and Head Compulsory Coach, Misty has either participated in or coached gymnastics for over 30 years. Transitioning from competition to coaching at age 15, Misty began her coaching career at World of Gymnastics in Idaho, while also continuing to dance competitively through high school. She transitioned to coaching team gymnastics in 2009 at Advanced Gymnastics in Idaho and has continued over the past 10 years.

In addition to gymnastics, Misty worked for 11 years as a Commercial Collections Manager and is currently an Administration Manager for a local attorney. She and her husband David have three girls that also love gymnastics!

Bridget Boyd

Co-Owner + Head Optionals Coach

With 16 years’ experience coaching team gymnastics, and three years as an assistant gymnastics coach at West Virginia University, Bridget brings a wealth of experience and knowledge as LEGA’s Co-Owner and Head Optionals Coach. 

In her career, she has coached multiple Level 10 regional championships qualifiers, including three-year (2007-09) Junior Olympic National Championships qualifier Lindsey Cheek (UGA). Bridget has also mentored gymnasts to the Level 9 Eastern National Championships.

A 13-year competitive gymnast, Bridget competed at Classic City Gymnastics Academy and was a Level 9 Eastern National Championships qualifier.

Bridget earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia in Recreation and Leisure studies in 2006.

​Kalem Calien (Coach K)

Vault + Bars Specialist,
​Head Cheer Coach

Coach K comes to LEGA as an experienced gymnastics and cheerleading coach, specializing in bars and vault, and leading the LEGA cheer program. Kalem has coached cheerleading for 17 years and is certified by the US All-Star Federation (USASF). Shortly after moving to Athens, Georgia in 2014, he also began coaching gymnastics and is USA Gymnastics certified.

A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Kalem went to North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina and later served as an Executive Administrative Intern for State Senator Vincent Hughes from 2006-2013.

Alicia Pachuta

Team coordinator

For the person that does so much, it’s hard to write a bio to include everything “Mrs. Alicia” does for our gymnasts at LEGA. A mom to three girls that are current or former competitive gymnasts, with her youngest a Level 10 at LEGA, Alicia is our Team Gymnastics Coordinator. 

With 10+ years experience as a team coordinator, she handles all things related to our competitive programs - from event and meet schedules, team apparel, communications, and so much more!

A native of West Virginia, Alicia received her bachelor’s degree in Education from Concord College.

Ericha Webb

Team coach

Coach Ericha fell in love with gymnastics at the age of five and competed for the first time in 2004. After competing for four years at Level 10, Ericha had a career ending injury in 2013  but soon after began investing her passion in coaching.

Passing along her knowledge, experience, and love for gymnastics, she has coached since 2013. She also began judging competitive gymnastics in 2015.

A graduate with honors from the University of Georgia, Ericha earned a degree in Exercise Sport Science. She is currently in Physical Therapy school at Georgia State University, working on her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. with plans to graduate in May of 2021. Along with coaching, Ericha’s goal is to work with athletes in injury rehabilitation and prevention.

Megan Beckett

team coach

Megan comes to LEGA as a trained dancer and former gymnast, with over 16 years experience in dance. Competing for nine years in dance and three years in gymnastics (for Coach Bridget!), Megan is trained in classical ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, tap, and hip hop. Her love for dance and gymnastics led her to begin coaching gymnastics in 2013. She is AAU and USAG certified as a Team Coach at LEGA.

Megan’s love for working with children extends beyond gymnastics - she has worked as a camp counselor for Georgia 4-H for five years, serving as Leadership Counselor for Rock Eagle 4-H Center for two of those years.

​With a bachelors in Human Development and Family Science, Megan graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2019.

Chris Kopacz

TEAM COACH

Chris began her gymnastics career in 1995 and competed through her freshman year of high school. After having a career ending knee injury, she immediately joined her gym's staff and coached her own teammates. Since 2003, she has coached various gyms in New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia. Chris also underwent extensive training a as coach at International Gymnastics Camp, where she studied under Olympic coaches and athletes in the Professional Coaching Diploma program.

Chris graduated cum laude from the State University of New York, College at Oneonta with a bachelor's degree in Music Industry and Business Communications. She worked on Broadway as an account specialist prior to returning to graduate school to earn a master's degree in Student Affairs Administration and Higher Education at Ball State University. She currently works full time at the University of Georgia and is also completing her doctorate in Student Affairs Leadership at UGA with a graduate certificate in Education Law and Policy. Chris plans to graduate in May 2021.