Meet Mike Carder

 This Roseville dad was recently named Northern California Coach of the Year—for the fourth time. “That was cool,” says Mike. “All the hard work pays off…”

     Mike has coached gymnastics for 15 years, starting right out of high school, and he’s often in the gym from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., working with all ages and skill levels, from little beginners to the championship boys’ team he coaches in the evenings.

     Our Art Director, Leisa—whose little gymnasts adore “Coach Mike”—nominated him to be our September dad next door. “He is fantastic with the kids!”

     Mike only wishes he had more time to spend with his family. He has a 14-year-old son, Kale, and two daughters, Mia (7) and Elle (4). He and his wife, Jana, have been married seven years. “I couldn’t do the things I do without her,” he says. “She’s awesome!”

Coach Mike at Extreme Gymnastics in Loomis.
Photo: Alexandra Frankel

My favorite coaching tip is…

patience… I became a very different kind of teacher and motivator after having children. I think I became more sensitive to the kids’ needs and how to motivate different personalities. All three of my kids are different, so I’ve learned to deal with them in different ways.

Hardly anybody knows…
I won a Bart Simpson look-alike contest back in 4^th grade.  

When I need to relieve stress, I head straight for…
sports! I love any sport—wakeboarding or golfing helps me relax.

With a whole day, all to myself, I would…
go golfing.

My favorite junk food fix is…
I actually eat pretty healthy, but I do love the ice cream at Cold Stone [Creamery].

Favorite family movie?
I love watching Harry Potter with my kids.

Nothing makes me laugh like…
my kids—they’re crazy every day!

The best decision I ever made was…
to follow my goals in life. 

Life has taught me…

lots! I’m still learning every day.

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