BORN IN Chicago, Joy Stovall grew up about 90 miles northwest of Rockford, Illinois. There, she discovered her love for springboard diving and found herself competing at just 5 years old. At age 10, Stovall transitioned from diving to trampoline gymnastics and went on to compete in the World Trampoline Championships at 15.
After attending George Williams College in Downers Grove, Illinois, where she was named the Most Valuable Gymnast for multiple years, Stovall moved on to the University of Iowa and eventually settled in Idaho for over 27 years. In 2008 she relocated to Alabama to help open the Matrix Gym before finally moving to Tennessee.
A JOURNEY TO SUCCESS
Stovall has been a trailblazer in the world of trampoline and tumbling coaching for over two decades. With an impressive educational background, including a master’s in physical education and a Bachelor of Science in therapeutic recreation, Stovall has built an illustrious career that has garnered respect and admiration from her peers and students. The expert gymnast started a trampoline program at Olympic Medalist Simone Biles’s gym.
As a rebound therapy practitioner and tutor, Stovall’s expertise extends far beyond the realm of conventional coaching. Her three-year experience as a USA trampoline development center coordinator further solidified her standing as an authority in the field.
A PASSION FOR GYMNASTICS AND COACHING
Over the past 20 years, Stovall has been the proud owner of a successful gym, where she has served as the head coach of the trampoline and tumbling program. Under her guidance, the program has grown from its inception to an international podium level, showcasing her dedication and prowess as a coach. She travels throughout the United States as a consultant, training coaches and athletes, some of whom are preparing for national and international events.
“I go to gyms throughout the country and consult, and I get to work with different athletes, and I’ve worked in Iceland. I worked in Australia with an Australian trampolinist who went to the Olympics at that time.”
When at home in Estill Springs, Stovall works at Precision Dynamix in Winchester, doing rebound therapy with clients from toddlers to adults. She also works with gymnasts, cheerleaders, skateboarders, freestyle trampolinists, BMX riders, and more, utilizing the trampoline to help them master flipping and twisting skills.
Many of her athletes have gone on to perform with Cirque Du Soleil after competitive trampoline. Stovall’s commitment to excellence in coaching is evident in her tenure on the Trampoline and Tumbling National Coaching Staff, where she has served for 20 years, and on the junior National Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Coaching Staff, where she has contributed for over 15 years.
ACCOLADES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Stovall has been recognized for her hard work and dedication throughout her coaching career with the prestigious Coach of the Year title three times. She has also achieved the “Master of Sport Distinction” in trampoline, tumbling, and double mini-trampoline.
In addition to her coaching achievements, Stovall has excelled as an athlete. As a trampoline expert for USA Diving, a state powerlifting champion, and finishing 6th at the World Trampoline Championships, her personal accomplishments are a testament to her passion for the sport. This passion led to her induction into the Aurora University Hall of Fame.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS. COACHING CHAMPIONS.
Many witness Stovall’s impact as a coach through the incredible successes of her athletes. Among her many distinctions, she has coached eight-time National Senior Men’s Trampoline Champion Ryan Weston, World Age Group Trampoline Champion Kirstin McNabb, and World Age Group Double Mini-Trampoline Champion Erin Smith.
Her coaching expertise has been sought after at numerous international events, including serving as a coach for the 1994, 2005, and 2007 World Age Group Double Mini-Trampoline Championships, the 1998, 1999, and 2001 World Trampoline Championships, and the 1996 World Championship Tumbling event.
A LASTING LEGACY
Joy Stovall’s remarkable career serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and athletes alike. Through her unwavering dedication to excellence in coaching and her passion for trampoline and tumbling, Stovall has created a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the future of the sport for years to come. GN
