Lily's Coaches
Jeff Pillars
Jeff has a USAW National Coach status and has been coaching the weightlifting since 2008. He is a USA Weightlifting Level 1 course instructor, and travels the state teaching other coaches. Jeff holds a masters degree in exercise physiology from Eastern Michigan University. With over 10,000 hours of Group and Private training under his belt, Jeff enjoys finding the path to success for each individual ranging from those who begin with extreme limitations to competitive athletes.
Joelle Emery
Joelle is a National Coach and she loves working with our Youth and Junior athletes. She believes discovering strength at a young age helps to develop more confident and secure children.
As a lifter, Joelle competes as a 63kg lifter and has lifted at American Open Finals (2015-present), Senior Nationals (2016-present) and competed internationally at Cup of Blue Swords in 2019.
She was the bronze snatch medalist at American Open 2018 and Senior Nationals 2020, silver snatch medalist at American Open 2020 and silver overall at American Open 2020. She holds the snatch, clean & jerk and total 59kg Michigan Records.
Persephone
Persephone is the newest member of the coaching roster. She is an expert at welcoming you in the mornings as soon as you walk through the door, and sharing all of her favorite toys with you. She is positive feedback driven, and is sure to let you know you did an amazing job with lots of tail wags. She has her Canine Good Citizen and her Advanced Canine Good Citizen certifications.
Retired Coaches
Athena
Athena coached for 8 years from 2014-2022. She was best known for her very successful training methods which allowed all lifters to become experts at throwing her favorite blue bone, and for her expert motivation during sleds.
Gisele (“Gigi”)
Gigi was a substitute coach for many years, and then took on a permanent role from 2017-2019. While she didn’t say much, when she did speak up, everyone in the gym turned to listen.
Lily
Lily was the OG gym dog, and even though she retired before this gym began, she has been with it every step of the way through its name and welcoming of all future gym dogs to come