
High Performance Starts Here
Meet the Coaches

Head Coach
Steve Arkell
Steve brings over 40 years of coaching experience and currently serves on the USA National Staff (Bars & Vault). A USA & Canadian National Team Coach, he has produced 40+ National Champions and 53+ NCAA scholarship athletes. His career spans international coaching assignments, collegiate coaching at UC Berkeley, and leadership at top clubs across the U.S. and Canada. Steve is recognized worldwide for his technical expertise and dedication to athlete development.

Head Coach
Gabriela Avilez-Arkell
Gaby has been coaching since 1994, starting in Mexico before moving to the U.S. in 2000. She has developed gymnasts at every level, from recreational to elite, producing TOPs National Team members, National Champions, and 20+ NCAA scholarship athletes at universities including Oklahoma, UCLA, Auburn, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Pitt. Known for her technical eye and passion for athlete growth, Gaby continues to inspire gymnasts to reach their highest potential.

Optional Coach
Erin Eldridge
Erin grew up in gymnastics, competing through Level 9 athlete. She earned an Acrobatics & Tumbling scholarship at Augustana University and now brings her passion and experience to coaching at Prime. Erin is dedicated to helping athletes build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for the sport.

Optional Coach
Gabriela Lopez
Coach Gabby Lopez brings both elite athletic experience and a strong educational background to Prime Gymnastics. A former Division I gymnast and two-time JO Nationals qualifier, she is also a three-time TOPS Team member. Coach Gabby earned a full scholarship to George Washington University and later graduated cum laude with a degree in Kinesiology from UTSA. Her leadership experience extends beyond the gym, including two years as a lifeguard and one year as a supervisor overseeing a team of 20 lifeguards with the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. She is passionate about athlete development, safety, and helping gymnasts reach their full potential.