Who we are
SAGA Gymnastics, formerly known as STEP Training Center, is proud to be the largest and longest-running gymnastics facility in Sandpoint, Idaho. For over 20 years, our gym has been dedicated to teaching gymnastics and cheerleading, providing a foundation of strength, skill, and confidence to athletes of all ages. Our gym has become a cornerstone of the Sandpoint community, and we are committed to continuing this legacy for many more years to come.
At SAGA Gymnastics, we focus on creating a welcoming and supportive environment where athletes of all levels can thrive. From beginners to seasoned competitors, we foster personal growth, discipline, and teamwork, while also helping each individual build the resilience and confidence necessary to succeed both inside and outside the gym. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of athletes, offering them the tools to reach their full potential while having fun and embracing the spirit of camaraderie.
We don’t just teach gymnastics and cheerleading – we cultivate life skills, build character, and empower athletes to excel in all areas of their lives.
OWNER & HEAD TEAM COACH
In 2023, Taylor became the proud owner of SAGA Gymnastics, a dream she has worked toward her entire life. Taylor started gymnastics at the age of three, at Score 10 gymnastics in Oldtown, ID. In the photo- Taylor is standing with her first every gymnastics coach, Ms. LoraLee, who paid her a visit. For 25 years of her life, Taylor she has been passionate about the sport- reaching Level 9 in gymnastics and Level 6 in all-star cheerleading. Along the way, Taylor also served six years in the Navy, an experience that further shaped her unique coaching style.
After returning home from her service, Taylor knew she wanted to continue sharing her love for gymnastics and mentoring the next generation of athletes. She was given the incredible opportunity to take over a long-standing tradition of gymnastics instruction in Sandpoint—a legacy that she cherishes deeply. Taylor often says, "I’m living the dream every day."
In addition to her coaching, Taylor is a proud mother to Sam, who is also an employee at here SAGA, and who you may see ripping around in his bright orange wheelchair. Her husband, Bryce, is a retired professional MMA fighter and Professor of Jiu Jitsu, and runs his own programs in various gyms, further enriching the family’s commitment to sports and fitness.
Coach Taylor’s coaching style is one-of-a-kind, combining her military discipline with her love for humor and fun. She creates confident, strong, humble, and detail-oriented athletes by building a positive, engaging atmosphere. Whether it’s teaching a technical skill or motivating her athletes, Coach Taylor is known for her ability to connect with children and communicate in a way they understand.
Our Staff
SCEDHULER & THE HEART OF THE GYM
Misty, or "Mama Misty" as she’s affectionately known by the SAGA family, is more than just our scheduler—she is the true backbone of our entire operation. While she’d never admit it, SAGA simply couldn’t run without her. Misty is the person that staff, students, coaches, and even the owner turn to both inside and outside the gym for support and guidance. She’s the first face you see when you sign up, and she has a unique ability to make everyone feel prepared, confident, and in high spirits.
Known for her professionalism, keen attention to detail, and thoroughness, Misty is dedicated to everything she does. Whether managing schedules or handling logistics, she brings an unmatched level of dedication to the team and the athletes we serve. But beyond the behind-the-scenes work, Misty is like a second mom to over 300 athletes here at SAGA, always offering a listening ear, encouragement, and guidance when needed.
Misty's daughter, Lyric, is both a coach and a member of our competitive team, and Misty has witnessed her make tremendous strides both inside and outside the gym since joining SAGA. The love and respect for Misty here at the gym are immeasurable, and we truly couldn’t imagine our community without her. She is an irreplaceable part of SAGA Gymnastics, and we wouldn't trade her for the world.
HEAD CHEER COACH
For almost 30 years, Jessica has lived and breathed cheerleading. Her passion for the sport is matched only by her success in other athletic pursuits, including gymnastics, wrestling, and various rodeo events. In addition to excelling in sports, Jess has a diverse skill set that extends beyond athletics—she operates heavy machinery, works in construction, and helps manage her family’s farm. Usually very demanding jobs- Jess says she does it because she likes "playin in the mud."
Jess's daughter, Hunter, is following in her footsteps, dominating the world of wrestling and continuing the family legacy of excellence in sports. Jess has competed on both national and world stages in cheerleading and has also had the honor of judging at prestigious cheerleading events on the national and world levels. Her expertise in cheerleading is rare and invaluable, particularly in our region.
Coach Jess's journey with cheerleading came full circle when she was coaching at a local high school and discovered young Taylor, our owner. She took Taylor under her wing, training her to Level 6 in All Star Cheerleading, which sparked a lifelong bond between the two. Many years later, their friendship led to the creation of SCC – SAGA Competitive Cheer.
With her unmatched knowledge and creative approach to training, Jess developed a curriculum that produced exceptional results. In their very first year, her team earned a spot at the World All Star Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida, a testament to her leadership and vision. Jess's cheerleading program is world-class, and it’s all right here in Sandpoint.
TEAM & RECREATIONAL COACH
Coach Alyssa has been a part of the SAGA coaching staff since 2024. She coaches both our competitive team and recreational gymnasts, bringing the perfect balance of structure, encouragement, and fun to every class. With 3.5 years of experience as a competitive gymnast herself, Coach Alyssa truly understands the dedication and heart it takes to succeed in the sport—and she uses that experience to inspire the athletes she works with every day.
Her approach to coaching is all about connection. She’s known for her fun and engaging style that keeps kids motivated, smiling, and excited to learn. Whether she’s helping a team athlete refine a routine or guiding a younger gymnast through a new skill, Coach Alyssa is always supportive, patient, and confidence-building.
Outside the gym, Coach Alyssa enjoys spending time with her dog and sister, finding joy in the little things and staying active with the people (and pets!) she loves. Her genuine passion for gymnastics and her caring nature make her a valued part of our SAGA family.
FRONT DESK & RECREATIONAL COACH
Crystal is a proud mom of two girls—one of whom is part of our recreational gymnastics program and a cheerleader on our SCC team. Her daughter Paisley has been with us since shortly after SAGA opened, and not long after, Crystal joined the team herself. She began as a full-time recreational coach and, in November 2024, stepped into the role of front desk lead and Misty’s right-hand woman. She now helps oversee class flow, keeps our skill board up to date, and is the friendly face letting you know how amazing your child is doing. Though she came to us with a background of over 12 years in dance and over five years of cheer experience, Crystal had little gymnastics knowledge at first—but she quickly grew and now confidently coaches up to Level 3. Her patience and natural connection with kids shine through in everything she does, both as a coach and behind the desk. She runs on caffeine and love for her babies, and if you hear little giggles coming from the office, it’s probably her youngest, Payton, hanging out while Mom keeps things running smoothly.
RECREATIONAL COACH
Coach Nicolle is a dedicated recreational coach here at SAGA, working with athletes from our tiniest gymnasts all the way through Level 3. She brings warmth, structure, and a passion for progress into every class she leads. Nicolle is not only a valued coach but also a proud SAGA parent—her two daughters are active members of our competitive cheer and gymnastics teams, and her two sons are part of our parkour program. Her entire family is deeply rooted in our gym community, which makes her connection with our athletes and families even more special.
Nicolle is known for her attention to detail and her strong emphasis on proper shaping and technique. She’s a firm believer that great gymnastics starts with great basics, and she takes the time to make sure each gymnast is building a solid foundation. In addition to coaching, Nicolle is also our in-house photographer for SAGA events, capturing unforgettable memories for our athletes and their families. When she’s not at the gym, she loves spending time with her kids and her husband. Her passion for gymnastics, her eye for detail, and her deep involvement in our community make her an important part of what makes SAGA feel like family.
TEAM STRENGTH AND CONDITONING COACH
Coach Jordyn is a dedicated and experienced coach at SAGA, currently working with our competitive team athletes as our strength and conditioning coach. She originally started with us coaching our Pre-K classes and Pre Team on Fridays, where her patient and encouraging style quickly stood out. Over the years, her role has grown, and she now plays a vital part in helping our team gymnasts build strength, endurance, and proper technique.
With a professional background as an occupational therapist and many years of experience working with children, Jordyn brings a unique perspective to her coaching. Her deep understanding of body mechanics and movement gives her an exceptional eye for detail—she’s known for spotting even the smallest corrections that can make a big difference in performance and safety.
Jordyn always brings a positive attitude and a calm, supportive presence to the gym. She’s a natural mentor, guiding athletes with both skill and heart. Her blend of technical knowledge, dedication, and care makes her an invaluable part of our SAGA coaching staff.
RECREATIONAL & TEAM COACH
Coach Alora has been part of the gymnastics world for over a decade and brings a wealth of experience and passion to the SAGA coaching team. Now in her third year as both a recreational and team coach, she is known for her creativity, positivity, and dedication to every athlete she works with. Having done gymnastics herself for 10 years and competed for several of those, Alora understands the sport from both the athlete’s and coach’s perspective, which helps her connect deeply with her gymnasts.
She’s especially great at creating fun, effective, and challenging stations for all levels—tailored to each group’s needs. Whether she’s working with tiny tots or team athletes, Alora puts thought into every class and makes learning skills exciting and rewarding. Her calm, supportive energy encourages gymnasts to try new things and believe in themselves.
In addition to gymnastics, Alora is going into her third year of high school cheer and was also a member of the SAGA competitive cheer team last season. Her love for movement and team spirit shines through in her coaching. A fun fact about Alora is that she had the amazing opportunity to compete at Worlds in Florida with her cheer team—a memory she’ll never forget!
RECREATIONAL COACH
Coach Megen is one of the newest additions to the SAGA coaching team and brings a strong gymnastics background along with a passion for cheer. Before stepping into coaching, Megen trained as a Level 7 gymnast, spending about seven years in the sport. Although she didn’t compete at Level 7, her training gives her a solid foundation in both skills and technique. She’s currently a cheerleader at Sandpoint High School and a proud member of our very own SCC competitive cheer team.
Megen has experience helping coach gymnasts up to Level 6 and brings a patient, energetic presence to every class. She connects easily with kids of all ages and loves encouraging them as they grow in both confidence and ability. Her gymnastics knowledge, cheer experience, and natural ability to work with children make her a valuable part of the SAGA family.
Fun fact: Megen traveled to Florida with our SCC team this year to compete at The Cheerleading Worlds—an incredible experience that she’ll never forget!
BOYS PARKOUR AND BEGINNER GYMNASTICS COACH
Coach Griffin is one of our junior coaches! He coaches for our Level 1 Boys and also our Parkour program here at SAGA. He began his journey with us as a gymnast in our boys program and, over time, grew into the role of assistant coach before stepping confidently into a co-lead coaching position. Watching him transition from athlete to coach has been an inspiring experience for everyone who’s worked with him.
Though quiet by nature, Coach Griffin brings a calm and confident energy that the boys really connect with. He has a natural ability to manage and motivate energetic young athletes, creating an environment that’s both fun and focused. His creativity shines through in the way he constantly comes up with new drills, challenges, and skills for his athletes to explore—keeping them engaged and always progressing.
Griffin’s maturity and leadership at such a young age are impressive, and he has quickly become a favorite among our boys. His ability to lead with patience, positivity, and purpose makes him an incredible role model and an essential part of our coaching staff.
RECREATIONAL COACH
Coach Ryan is a part-time recreational coach here at SAGA, working with athletes from our Tiny Tots all the way up to Level 2. A former competitive gymnast herself, Ryan competed at the Platinum level and has always had a deep love for the sport. After finishing her final season as a gymnast, she knew she wasn’t ready to leave the gym behind—and we were thrilled to welcome her back as a coach.
Ryan brings a fresh perspective, tons of energy, and a genuine passion for gymnastics into every class she teaches. Her experience as an athlete gives her a strong understanding of what it takes to grow in the sport, and she uses that knowledge to guide and support the next generation of gymnasts. Recently graduating from Sandpoint High, she’s already making a big impact as a young coach, and her athletes absolutely adore her.
With her upbeat personality and strong connection to the SAGA community, we’re so lucky to have Coach Ryan on our team!