The Stafford Royals coaching staff hold certifications in, but not limited to, USAG Fundamentals of Gymnastics Instruction, USAG Safety & Risk Management, are USAG SafeSport Trained and have passed the USAG NCSI Background check.
Cecily Knicley: Head Coach, Team Coordinator, & Pre-Optionals
With 20 years of coaching experience, Coach Cecily has been a part of the Stafford Royals Competitive Team Coaching Staff since June 2015. Throughout her time at Stafford Gymnastics, she has coached all levels of the Preschool and Recreational Program, Pre-Team Program, Xcel Program, Compulsory Program, and Optional Program. This year she is coaching the Pre-Optional Team which consists of levels 4 and 5.
As Head Coach and Team Coordinator of the Stafford Royals Competitive Program, Coach Cecily has had the opportunity to be a part of our unique and family atmosphere. She feels so humbled to be a part of such a well-knit gymnastics team, and thoroughly enjoys getting to see each and every one of our gymnasts learn and grow together.
Ashley Holzworth: Optionals 7-10 & Pre-Team Director
Born and raised in Fredericksburg, VA, Coach Ashley started gymnastics at the age of 5 and competed through her senior year of high school. She started coaching at the age of 15 and has continued her love for the sport throughout her adult life. She has over 25 years coaching experience with more than 15 years of that being with competitive teams.
Coach Ashley currently coaches the optional team levels 7-10 and is the director of the Pre-Team program here at Stafford Royals. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and son. She also enjoys puzzles, fishing and being outdoors! A fun fact about Coach Ashley is that she is the proud parent of two sausage dogs that she loves very much!
Cesia Acevedo: Optionals 7-10
Coach Cesia started gymnastics at the age of 7 and competed competitively for almost 8 years. After leaving the sport, she came back to her home gym and began coaching rec classes. She eventually made the switch to coaching competitive levels and has been doing so for almost 10 years now. Outside of the gym, Coach Cesia enjoys exploring local coffee places and working out.
Kirsten Spatz: Compulsory & Xcel Bronze A
Coach Kirsten is a military spouse and a mom to two kids. She has been coaching gymnastics for 18 years. She is coaching Compulsory and Xcel Bronze for the 2026-2027 Competition Season. Outside of the gym, she enjoys traveling with her family. A fun fact is that Coach Kirsten is also a travel agent.
Tracy Davis: Xcel Diamond & Xcel Gold
With 11 years of experience working across multiple competitive gymnastic levels and a passion for developing confident, resilient athletes, Coach Tracy brings a blend of technical expertise, patience, and enthusiasm to every training session and is known for her encouraging coaching style and drive to bring out the best in every gymnast she works with. She believes gymnastics is as much about character as it is about skill, and she strives to help athletes build confidence, discipline, and joy in the sport. Coach Tracy focuses on building strong fundamentals, safe progressions, and a positive training environment where gymnasts feel supported and motivated. Her coaching philosophy centers on empowering athletes to trust their abilities, embrace challenges, and celebrate growth both on and off the equipment.
Sabrina Surles: Xcel Platinum
Coach Sabrina has been coaching for three years now – including preschool, school age, and the competitive team. This year she is coaching the Xcel Platinum and Xcel Diamond levels. Outside of the gym she enjoys crafting and hanging out with her family. A fun fact about Coach Sabrina is that she was a gymnast for 16 years, all at Stafford Gymnastics! She started with recreational classes and then competed all the way through level 7!
Nia McManama: Xcel Silver & Xcel Bronze B
Coach Nia absolutely loves coaching gymnastics and helping athletes grow both in and out of the gym. She has 11 years of coaching experience, spent her childhood years being a Royals gymnast, and has a degree in Sports Management from George Mason University. She is passionate about creating a fun, positive, and encouraging environment where every gymnast feels confident, supported, and excited to learn something new.
Coach Nia believes that hard work and smiles go hand in hand! Whether we’re celebrating a new skill, working through a challenge, or simply having fun at practice, she wants every athlete to leave the gym feeling proud of themselves. Coach Nia loves watching gymnasts build confidence, make lasting friendships, and discover what they’re capable of.
Char Aitken-Cade: Recreation Manager & Boys Team Coach
Coach Char has been at Stafford Gymnastics since 2015. She is currently the Recreation Manager and Boys Team Coach. She has coached girls’ and boys’ gymnastics for over 40 years and is also a judge.
Jared Cuessy: Optional Boys Team
Coach Jared is coaching our boys team this season. He has experience coaching many levels including two years with optionals, four years with recreational classes, two years with beginning adult classes, and he was also a gymnast for 11 years as a kid. Coach Jared’s favorite activities outside of the gym are reading, going to Kings Dominion with his family, and using all his remaining energy keeping up with two young kids. Fun fact about Coach Jared is that he’s from Southern California and has also lived in Utah, Texas, and Virginia.
Marian Schamel: Compulsory Boys Team
Coach Marian has been coaching gymnastics for 3 years and this is her first year coaching team! She started out coaching recreational classes and last year she coached the Pre-Team 3 and Pre-Team Boys. She is a high school graduate and is taking a gap year before she starts her general studies at Germanna Community College. Coach Marian loves weightlifting, spending time with family, and all things music.
Everyone here at Stafford Royals has become a second family to Coach Marian and making all the children smile is her #1 priority. Coaching has become a super important part of her life, and she can’t wait to start this next chapter of her coaching career!
Emma Isidro: Pre-Team 3
Coach Emma started coaching three years ago at 16, teaching both recreational and pre-team. She was a gymnast for 12 years ending as a Diamond. She is finishing up her associates degree in Computer Science at Germanna this year. Outside of gymnastics, Coach Emma enjoys reading, working out, and spending time with family.
Additional Coaching Staff:
Pre-Optionals – Nicole
Pre-Team Girls – Jayne and Sophia
Pre-Team Boys – Noah
