Meet Ryan Covo: The Coach Behind Hundreds of Gymnasts, Future College Athletes, and Lifelong Success Stories
"It doesn't matter what you've done in your career. What matters is what you've done for that child." — Ryan Covo.
For more than 30 years, Ryan Covo has dedicated his life to gymnastics.
Today, Ryan serves as Head Team Administrator for all North County Gymnastics locations and as Head Team Coach at North County Gymnastics Carlsbad, overseeing over 450 competitive athletes across the boys' and girls' Development Program (DP) and Xcel gymnastics.
But long before he was mentoring coaches, helping athletes earn college opportunities, and shaping one of Southern California's fastest-growing competitive gymnastics programs, he was simply a kid with more energy than he knew what to do with.
A Hyperactive Kid Who Found His Sport
"I was the typical kid who tried a bunch of sports,"
Ryan says with a laugh.
"I couldn't stand still during baseball, waiting for something to happen. I was always moving."
Then he discovered gymnastics.
"I loved flipping, flying, jumping into the pit. It was exhilarating. I had no fear."
Growing up in Fallbrook, California, Ryan became a competitive gymnast and eventually reached Level 10. While he competed all-around, he especially loved vault and floor exercise because they let him do what he enjoyed most: tumbling, flipping, and flying through the air.
He traveled around the country competing, but eventually came to an important realization.
"My passion wasn't necessarily where my athletic career was headed. My passion was coaching."
So Ryan approached his gym owner with a simple proposition.
"I asked if I could coach in exchange for free gymnastics tuition."
That conversation launched what would become a lifelong career in gymnastics.
Discovering a Gift for Coaching
Ryan quickly realized he had a natural ability to connect with athletes.
"I loved coaching and realized I had a gift for connecting with kids in a way that I felt others couldn't."
That connection would become the foundation of everything that followed.
Over the next three decades, Ryan coached at respected Southern California programs, including Seawind Gymnastics and SCEGA Gymnastics. Along the way, he coached thousands of athletes and helped build programs from the ground up.
At SCEGA, Ryan helped grow the boys' team program from roughly six athletes to nearly 50 competitive gymnasts.
"We created a pathway for boys from preschool all the way through team gymnastics. The boys wanted to be with other boys, and the parents wanted to see a future for their sons in the sport."
For Ryan, it was never just about gymnastics.
"It was about teaching life lessons. Learning how to deal with ups and downs. Learning how to handle adversity. Taking those lessons into school, work, and everyday life."
Developing Future Champions
Around age 28, Ryan transitioned from coaching boys' gymnastics to coaching girls' gymnastics.
Within a few years, he became Head Compulsory Coach at SCEGA. He played a key role in developing athletes through the TOPS program, helping identify and train young athletes with elite potential.
One of the athletes Ryan helped develop in her early years was former University of Missouri standout and NCAA star, Amari Celestine. Amari Celestine was one of the nation’s top collegiate gymnasts, earning multiple All-America honors while competing for the University of Missouri and helping lead the Tigers to one of the most successful eras in program history. A California native, she trained under Ryan Covo at SCEGA Gymnastics before recently coaching alongside him at North County Gymnastics in Carlsbad, making it a true full-circle moment. Amari is now pursuing a return to elite gymnastics with the goal of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
He also coached athletes such as Trinity Johnson. Trinity Johnson trained under Ryan Covo from age 5 through her collegiate gymnastics career, developing into one of the nation’s top athletes. Today, she has come full circle by returning to North County Gymnastics, where she is coaching summer camps and helping inspire the next generation of gymnasts.
Ruby Hernandez trained under Ryan Covo from age 5 through her collegiate gymnastics career, building a strong foundation that led to success at the NCAA level. Her journey is a testament to the long-term athlete development and lasting coach-athlete relationships Ryan has built throughout his career.
Erin Elkabchi trained under Ryan Covo from early childhood through her collegiate gymnastics career, spending more than a decade developing her skills under his guidance. Her success at the college level reflects Ryan’s commitment to developing athletes from their first cartwheel through the highest levels of the sport.
As Ryan's career progressed, he became known for developing Level 8, 9, and 10 athletes and helping prepare gymnasts for collegiate opportunities.
But when Ryan reflects on his career, the medals aren't what stand out most.
Watching Kids Become Adults
"What I love most is watching someone develop from the time they're five years old until they leave the gym at eighteen."
Ryan has experienced that journey countless times.
He's watched nervous preschoolers become confident teenagers. He's watched athletes overcome fears, battle self-doubt, earn college scholarships, and discover strengths they never knew they possessed.
"You're watching them grow from little human beings into adults."
That transformation is what still drives him today.
The Human Connection Matters Most
Ryan credits one of his greatest coaching influences, Kathy Bader, for shaping his view of coaching.
"She taught me that coaching is about the human connection."
According to Ryan, great coaches understand that every athlete is different.
Some athletes need to be pushed.
Others need patience.
Some need structure.
Others need a little more ownership of their training.
Ryan believes one of the coach's most important responsibilities is learning the difference.
"Everybody grows at their own rate. The key is knowing when to push and when to ease off."
That philosophy has become one of Ryan's coaching hallmarks.
What Separates Good Coaches From Great Coaches?
Ask Ryan what separates good coaches from great coaches, and his answer comes immediately.
"You have to set your ego aside."
"It doesn't matter what you've done in your career. What matters is what you've done for that child."
Ryan believes great coaches build a partnership between athlete, parent, and coach.
Communication matters.
Trust matters.
Individualization matters.
Sometimes the original plan needs to change because a particular athlete needs something different.
"You have to ask yourself, 'Have I done everything I can do to help this child reach their potential?'"
The Confidence Crisis Facing Today's Kids
One topic Ryan feels especially passionate about is self-esteem.
"In the last five years, low self-esteem has become almost an epidemic."
Ryan sees athletes constantly comparing themselves to others and struggling to recognize their own progress.
As a result, he spends significant time teaching athletes how to appreciate small victories.
"Gymnastics is hard. Really hard. It's okay to struggle. It's okay not to be perfect."
Instead of obsessing over scores, Ryan encourages athletes to focus on growth.
"The accomplishments aren't always the most important thing. Sometimes it's just doing your job to the best of your ability."
One of the team culture principles Ryan emphasizes is teaching athletes to support one another.
"Sometimes kids can't cheer for themselves yet. But they can cheer for someone else."
Over time, that support often helps athletes build confidence.
"We have the other kids love them until they can love themselves."
Coaching More Than Gymnastics
Ryan believes coaching at the highest levels involves far more than teaching skills.
"A lot of what we do is being a psychologist and therapist."
By the time athletes reach Levels 9 and 10, they're preparing for much more than gymnastics.
They're learning how to communicate with adults.
They're learning leadership.
They're learning responsibility.
They're learning how to be teammates.
"I don't want robots. I want well-rounded humans. That's what colleges are looking for when recruiting athletes. Yes, they need to have the skills, but does thier personality also match the culture at the college level?"
Ryan encourages athletes to show personality, communicate confidently, and enjoy the process.
"There's a time to lock in and focus. But I don't want athletes who just sit there in silence."
Why Ryan Loves Coaching ADHD Athletes
One answer that surprises many people is Ryan's affection for coaching highly energetic kids.
"I love ADHD kids."
Many coaches struggle with hyperactive athletes.
Ryan sees an opportunity.
"I think those kids have superpowers."
Over the years, he's watched many of those athletes become Level 9s, Level 10s, college athletes, and even elite gymnasts.
"The kids who challenge coaches the most sometimes end up reaching the highest levels."
What Makes North County Gymnastics Different?
When Ryan talks about North County Gymnastics, one theme repeatedly surfaces:
opportunity.
"We really do offer a path for everyone."
Ryan believes one of the program's greatest strengths is flexibility.
Athletes can choose schedules that fit their families.
Multi-sport participation is encouraged at the younger levels.
Unlimited make-ups provide flexibility.
Families can choose between the Development Program and the Xcel pathways based on their goals.
"We don't force everyone into the same mold."
That flexibility allows athletes to progress at a pace that works best for them.
Raising the Standard Across Six Locations
Today, Ryan oversees approximately 450 team athletes across six locations.
Maintaining consistency across that many athletes, coaches, and programs requires constant communication.
Ryan spends much of his time mentoring coaches, leading meetings, supporting team administrators, and helping implement company standards.
"Our locations all have the same core values, the same expectations, and the same commitment to excellence."
Gyminny Kids Core Values:
Fun and fitness
Teach character through sport
Raise well-rounded children
Be creative and a little weird
Serve and give back
Embrace change
Diversity and inclusion
But Ryan doesn't see his role as simply enforcing standards.
He sees it as supporting people.
"I want our coaches to have a voice. I want them to know I care about their success."
He believes healthy competition between the North County Gymnastics locations has elevated performance across the organization and strengthened programs throughout the company.
A New Era of Gymnastics in San Diego
Historically, many San Diego families believed they had to leave the county to pursue high-level gymnastics.
Ryan believes those days are over.
"North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids can take an athlete from parent-tot toddler classes all the way to college gymnastics."
"We already have nine level 10 gymnasts this year, and our level 8-10 athlete roster is growing by leaps and bounds every year. That is very exciting!"
He credits the organization's commitment to investing in both athletes and coaches.
"Daniel has made it possible for coaches to make a good living while continuing their passion for coaching gymnastics."
That stability has helped attract experienced coaches from across the country while allowing North County Gymnastics to continue expanding opportunities for athletes.
The Accomplishments That Mean the Most
When asked about accomplishments, Ryan immediately begins talking about other coaches.
He proudly discusses the success of the NCG Poway program, Brittany's culture at NCG La Costa, Tracie's attention to detail at NCG 4S Ranch, and the growth across all six locations.
Then he talks about Carlsbad.
North County Gymnastics Carlsbad recently finished second in California at the Level 9 State Championships.
Ryan becomes emotional discussing the accomplishment.
"I know how hard that is. I know how many years it usually takes to build something like that."
For him, the result represented three years of effort by athletes, coaches, and families since the Carlsbad location was launched in 2023.
He also points to the continued growth of North County Gymnastics' boys program as a source of pride.
"We have athletes driving one to two hours just to train with our boys' team."
Looking Toward the Future
Ryan admits he still has a competitive side.
"A part of me wants our teams to dominate."
Not just perform well.
Not just compete.
Dominate.
But his larger vision extends beyond trophies.
He wants North County Gymnastics to continue becoming a place where athletes of every level can thrive, from preschool and recreational gymnastics through college recruiting.
"We really do have something for everyone."
Each year, he sees the programs growing stronger.
Each year, he sees more athletes pursuing college opportunities.
Each year, he sees more coaches choosing to build careers within the organization.
And he believes the future is brighter than ever.
Life Outside the Gym
Many people would be surprised to learn that Ryan has another passion.
Cars.
Lots of cars.
"I LOVEEE high-end cars."
Ryan laughs as he talks about performance vehicles, engine sounds, and spending time browsing car websites.
"If I could buy a new car every week, I would."
When he's not in the gym, Ryan also enjoys vacations, relaxing by the pool, great conversations with friends, and quality downtime.
Camping, however, is another story.
"I like the kind of camping that involves a five-star resort, HA!"
One Final Piece of Advice
When asked what advice he would leave every athlete, Ryan doesn't hesitate.
"Give yourself every opportunity to become the person you want to be."
"Set goals. Don't sell yourself short. Don't let social media make you compare yourself to everyone else."
Then he pauses before sharing one final thought.
"Love yourself."
For Ryan Covo, gymnastics has never been about medals alone.
It's about helping young people discover who they are, what they're capable of, and how far they can go.
After more than 30 years in the sport, that's still what motivates him every single day.
"Give yourself every opportunity to become the person you want to be. Set goals. Don't sell yourself short. Love yourself." — Ryan Covo.
Ryan Covo At A Glance
Position: Head Team Administrator, North County Gymnastics
Home Gym: North County Gymnastics Carlsbad, Experience: 30+ years coaching gymnastics.
Athletes Currently Overseen: Approximately 450 competitive athletes across six locations.
Coaching Background: Boys Team, Girls DP, Xcel, TOPs, Compulsory and Optional Programs
Former Athlete: Level 10 Gymnast
Notable Achievements: Developed athletes who went on to NCAA gymnastics, helped build nationally competitive boys and girls programs, and helped lead one of Southern California's fastest-growing competitive gymnastics organizations.
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FAQ Section
Who is Ryan Covo?
Ryan Covo is the Head Team Administrator for North County Gymnastics and the Head Team Coach at North County Gymnastics Carlsbad. He has more than 30 years of coaching experience and oversees approximately 450 competitive athletes across six locations.
How long has Ryan Covo been coaching gymnastics?
Ryan Covo has coached gymnastics for more than 30 years. His experience includes coaching boys' and girls' gymnastics, Xcel, Development Program (DP), TOPs athletes, and compulsory and optional gymnastics.
Was Ryan Covo a competitive gymnast?
Yes. Ryan was a Level 10 gymnast who competed throughout the United States. His background as a competitive gymnast helped shape his coaching philosophy and passion for athlete development.
What is Ryan Covo's coaching philosophy?
Ryan believes every athlete deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. His coaching philosophy focuses on building strong relationships, understanding each athlete individually, knowing when to push and when to provide support, and helping gymnasts develop confidence both inside and outside the gym.
What levels does Ryan Covo, coach?
Throughout his career, Ryan has coached athletes ranging from preschool gymnasts and beginner team athletes to Level 10 gymnasts, TOPs athletes, and college-bound competitors.
What makes a great gymnastics coach, according to Ryan Covo?
Ryan believes great coaches set their ego aside and focus on what is best for each athlete. He emphasizes communication between coaches, parents, and athletes while individualizing training to help every child succeed.
Does North County Gymnastics offer both Xcel and Development Program gymnastics?
Yes. North County Gymnastics offers both Xcel and Development Program (DP) pathways, allowing families to choose the competitive gymnastics track that best fits their goals, schedule, and commitment level.
Can North County Gymnastics help athletes reach college gymnastics?
Yes. North County Gymnastics has helped athletes progress from preschool and recreational gymnastics through competitive team programs and college gymnastics opportunities. The program offers boys gymnastics, girls gymnastics, Xcel, and Development Program pathways.
What makes North County Gymnastics unique?
North County Gymnastics offers six locations throughout San Diego County, career coaches, flexible scheduling options, unlimited make-up classes, boys' and girls' competitive gymnastics programs, and a clear pathway from recreational gymnastics to college-level competition.
What does Ryan Covo enjoy outside of gymnastics?
Outside the gym, Ryan enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, relaxing by the pool, dining out, and following his passion for high-performance automobiles.
