Laurens County

Laurens County Gymnastics Center opened on October 6, 2008.  We currently offer recreational and competitive level gymnastics.  Our goal is to provide gymnastics instruction while also developing the whole child.  We would like to build confidence and character through gymnastics instruction.  

Meet the Owner

Michelle Barnes Spires

Owner and Instructor

I am excited about the privilege I have been given to provide the children of Laurens County an opportunity to participate in the sport that I have been involved in since the age of 3.  I participated in both recreational and competitive gymnastics for about 11 years.  I traveled throughout the Southeast to compete at both the state and regional levels.  I have taught gymnastics at All American Twisters and Laurens YMCA. I have been married to my husband, Tommy, for five years.  I have a daughter, Taylor (15),  stepdaughter, Anslee (11), and Madalyn (3 mos).  I currently teach Social Studies at Laurens District High School.

Meet the Instructors

Julie Tapio, Instructor

            Julie has over 25 years gymnastics experience.   She has been a competitor as well as a coach for the majority of her life.  Julie has taught gymnastics in Mount Pleasant, Clinton YMCA, and All American Twisters.  Julie was the former coach of Ms. Michelle.  It is an honor to have her working with us at LCGC.

Krista Hartman, Instructor

I am a senior at Laurens District 55 High School.  I am a cheerleader for both Varsity football and basketball.  I began taking gymnastics at the age of 2 and took gymnastics for about ten years.  I was a competitive gymnast and won the 2002 Level 4 state championship as well as all around winner.  I have taken gymnastics from All American Twisters and Dance South.  I am excited to be given the opportunity to work with future gymnasts and hope they will love the sport as much as I do. 

Olivia Owens, Instructor

            Olivia is a senior at Laurens District 55 High School. Olivia took gymnastics from All American Twisters and Greenwood YMCA Flipsters.  She is currently involved with volleyball and softball at the high school level.  She is very excited to be given the opportunity to stay involved in the sport of gymnastics by coaching.