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 president of Michigan Weightlifting. As a coach, she loves working with our Youth and Junior athletes and believes discovering strength at a young age helps to develop more confident and secure children.
As a lifter, Joelle competes as a senior 59kg and has lifted at AO Finals, Senior Nationals, The Arnold Classic and competed internationally at Cup of Blue Swords. She was the bronze snatch medalist at American Open 2018, 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 is working on her Canine Good Citizen title, so feel free to ask her to show you her credentials.
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.
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.