Meet the Team
The people who make The Zone feel like home.
Every team member here is chosen for their experience and for their heart. Our coaches are trained, qualified, and love working with kids.
Meet the Owners
Dan Howell
Owner
Dan bought The Zone in 2019. A successful Evansville entrepreneur for 30 years, his love of the sport grew from years as a proud gym dad, watching his own daughter rise from a Pre-K gymnast to a college gymnast at the University of Kentucky. His goal is simple: a safe, family-first gym where every kid can chase their dreams.
Jill Howell
Owner
Jill is an Evansville native and a registered nurse with 20 years of experience. She holds degrees in both business and nursing from the University of Southern Indiana. Safety and care are close to her heart, in the gym and out.
Meet the Coaches
Sammi Richards
Director of Operations
Sammi grew up in the gym and has coached around the world, including China. She believes gymnastics builds confidence, discipline, and a strong mind. She even co-created a mindset book for young athletes.
Kaitlyn Ewald
Head Coach, Girls Team
A five-year collegiate gymnast at Illinois and Arkansas and a 12-year USA Gymnastics competitor with state titles and national meets under her belt. Kaitlyn leads our Girls Competitive Team.
Andy Brown
Dryland Diving Coach
More than 15 years coaching divers, from elementary school all the way to NCAA Division 1, with conference titles, state qualifiers, and a Coach of the Year award.
Amy Bartow
Front Desk
A Zone parent since 2020, Amy joined our staff as Front Office Manager in May 2026. With a degree in Organizational Leadership & HR, she keeps our operations running smoothly by welcoming families, organizing the Pro Shop, and caring for our resident tetras and beta while creating a positive culture for our gym families.
Lindsey Orem
Competitive Team Coach
Lindsey grew up in Kentucky and graduated from USI’s nursing program in 2010. She is married and has two children. She currently works as a teacher’s assistant at an elementary school. She has always been passionate about the sport of gymnastics. She competed herself up to level 7, and she continues to enjoy the sport by watching her daughter compete and by coaching.
Lauren Bradley
Competitive Team Coach
Molly Meyer
Pre-Team Coach
A University of Evansville student studying exercise science. Molly was a gymnast for six years and competed up to Level 8. She loves helping kids learn.
Hallie DeBallie
Pre-Team Coach
Lane Pollock
Recreational and Dryland Diving Coach
Levi Mckinney
Recreational and Tumbling Coach
Levi is 22 years old and entering his fifth year at the University of Evansville, where he competes as a member of the university’s diving team. He is pursuing a major in Business Management and Marketing. Levi’s athletic background began in gymnastics, where he progressed to Level 10 before transitioning to diving. His years of experience have given him a strong foundation in technique, discipline, and body awareness. As a gymnastics and tumbling coach, Levi is passionate about helping athletes develop their skills, build confidence, and reach their full potential in a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment.
Kassidy Howell
Recreational Coach
Kassidy competed through every level of USA Gymnastics, won the Uneven Bars title at Eastern Nationals, and competed four years for the University of Kentucky Women’s Gymnastics Team. She now leads our Pre-Team while studying to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of Evansville.
Sophie Furniss
Recreational Coach
Erin Hobgood
Tumbling Coach
Erin competed as a gymnast through the upper levels of the sport and reached regionals. Since retiring from competition, she has spent more than 20 years teaching. She is as good at connecting with kids as she is at getting them confident and ready for new skills. She has also run three full marathons, so she knows all about hard work.
Vanessa Andrews
Pre-K Coach
Vanessa built her athletic foundation as a competitive Level 6 gymnast right here at The Zone. Now a junior at Mater Dei High School, she has taken her tumbling skills, strength, and competitive spirit to the sidelines as a varsity cheerleader!
Eleanor Bartow
Pre-K Coach
A Level 8 competitor at The Zone Athletics, Eleanor has been on the mat since age three. She pairs her athletic experience with a huge heart for coaching, loving nothing more than introducing our tiniest athletes to the joy of gymnastics and inspiring the next generation of gymnasts.
And the Rest of Our Zone Family
Coaches, instructors, and the friendly faces at the front desk. Bios coming soon.
Kyndall Anthis
Caitlyn Williams
Nicole Catt
Olivia Her
Sophia Lannan
Dylan Whitely
Come Meet Us in Person
The best way to meet our team is to come try a free class. We cannot wait to welcome your family.