Release via UGA Athletics

ATHENS, Ga. --- Josh Overton, a 19-year coaching veteran most recently overseeing the women's team at Chow's Gymnastics and Dance Institute in Iowa, has been named an assistant for the Georgia Gym Dogs, according to an announcement Wednesday by Coach Courtney Kupets Carter.

"I am pleased that we are able to add Josh to our staff," Kupets Carter said. "He has a passion for coaching and his philosophy of putting the athletes first aligns with mine. With his coaching and educational background, Josh will help us reach our goal of developing the total student-athlete."

He is not only a knowledgeable and accomplished coach, but he will be an organized and analytical recruiter. He will be a tremendous addition to our staff.

A native of Jackson, Ala., Overton has been the women's team head coach at CGDI since 2013. He has helped develop four Junior Olympic Program national champions and 14 national qualifiers. Overton has coached Level 4 through Elite, and CGDI had 100 percent qualifiers to the Junior Olympic Nationals in 2014, 2016 and 2017 as well as a HOPES and a Nastia Liukin Cup junior all-around champion and a Western national champion. Overton displayed his administrative skills as he improved education and communication between the staff and the parents, and he oversaw hosting The Chow's Winter Classic (the largest meet in Iowa with more than 1,600 participants).

Overton also served previously as Trainer, Coordinator and IT Manager for International Sports Federation in Acworth; Director of Organizational Development and Coach at World of Kids in Woodstock; and Coach and Team Coordinator at Gwinnett Gymnastics Center in Lilburn.

"Joining the Georgia gymnastics coaching staff and representing the University of Georgia is an opportunity that I am blessed to have," Overton said. "Living and coaching in the state for more than 10 years, I experienced the heart, passion and love poured into the program as it claimed NCAA and SEC titles while setting the national standard as a program of excellence."

Courtney has a clear vision for the program, and I am grateful and excited to contribute in every way possible.

During his stint at Gwinnett Gymnastics Center from 2006-13, Overton coached 2017 Gym Dog senior Lauren Johnson and worked alongside former Georgia All-American Katie Heenan-Dodson.

"Josh is one of my favorite coaches I have ever worked with," Heenan-Dodson said. "He is a man of integrity and knows what it takes to win. Not only does he understand the technical aspect of high-level gymnastics, but he also knows how to bring a team together for a common goal. He is going to be a great complement to the other coaches. His energy is contagious and his attention to detail is unmatched."

A USA Gymnastics Professional Member with a National Level Coach Certificate, Overton has received direct training during his career from Liang Chow, Tammy Biggs and members of the U.S. National Team staff. Overton was a Gym Dogs Camp instructor in 2012 and 2015.

"I think he is going to be a great asset to Georgia," Chow said.

He has shown excellent leadership qualities and the ability to guide athletes to their maximum ability. I'm going to miss him tremendously, but I'm proud of him and I wish him the best of luck.

Overton earned his bachelor's degree in Communication from Kennesaw State in 2004 and his master's in Professional Counseling in 2011. Overton also has completed several courses through USA Gymnastics University in Indianapolis.

Overton joins Charlie Tamayo as Kupets Carter's assistant coaches, while former Gym Dogs head coach Suzanne Yoculan Leebern will serve as volunteer coach.


Related:
Charlie Tamayo Added As UGA Assistant Gymnastics Coach