Submitted Photo Cayla Leichtenberger has been named the next head gymnastics coach for the Powerhouse Gymnastics program at the Warren County YMCA.

Cayla Leichtenberger has been selected as the next Warren County YMCA Powerhouse Gymnastics head coach.

Leichtenberger, an occupational therapist for the Warren County School District, has been involved with the team since she was 4 as a member and then as a coach.

“I began coaching as a junior coach when I was 14 years old and have been an assistant the past two competition seasons,” Leichtenberger said. “I am excited to take a leadership position as head coach this year.”

“It’s great to have Cayla back at the YMCA,” executive director Thad Turner said. “She is the kind of outstanding person we are proud to have on our team and in our community.”

Leichtenberger, who received a doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University, said she completed her capstone project at the Warren County YMCA.

“I designed an adapted gymnastics program for children with disabilities focusing on increasing their independence in daily activities,” she explained. “The program is currently being used for a similar model in Australia.”

Leichtenberger is optimistic about the upcoming season.

“We have a strong group of gymnasts this year who are hardworking and dedicated,” she said. “Our gymnasts have adapted to our new COVID procedures and are excited to be back in the gym. We are preparing and looking forward to an abbreviated competition season starting in January. My goal is to have a high percentage of our gymnasts qualify for states and a group of gymnasts attend nationals.”

She credited her gymnastics “family” for a “huge role in my life” and said she hopes to pass that on.

“I hope to develop well-rounded athletes, both inside and out of the gym,” she said. “There is no denying the level of work ethic a gymnast demonstrates. I hope that our gymnasts demonstrate that trait no matter where they end up in life.”