About Dan Baker

With an impressive coaching career spanning decades, Dan Baker has made a lasting impact on the gymnastics community as both a coach and mentor. Dedicated to developing world-class athletes and individuals, he has committed his life to the pursuit of excellence in gymnastics, guiding gymnasts to success on national and international stages while instilling values that extend beyond the sport.
Dan’s coaching career is marked by outstanding accomplishments, with athletes under his guidance competing and medaling in major international competitions. His coaching highlights include the 2006 World Championship, where his team earned a silver medal, the 2005 Senior Pan American Championships, where his team won gold, and multiple other prestigious events, including the Jr. Pan American Championships, the American Cup, and the International Jr. Championships in Yokohama, Japan. Beyond international success, Dan has coached national champions, with his athletes securing over 40 international medals and four making the National Team. He has also developed TOPs and Developmental Team Members since 1998 and coached the 2008 Hopes All-Around Champion.
In addition to coaching, Dan has played a crucial role in shaping the future of gymnastics in the United States. He has served on the National Team Staff from 2016 to 2024, contributed to the National Staff Developmental & TOPs program from 2009 to 2024, and was the Elite Developmental Coordinator from 2018 to 2024.
Dan’s commitment to athlete safety and development is evident through his extensive certifications, including Master of Sport, FIG Brevet Coaching Certification, Safe Sport, and USAG Safety Certification.
Throughout his career, Dan has led and developed multiple gymnastics programs. Since 2006, he has served as the Owner and Head Coach of Stars Gymnastics in Houston, Texas. Prior to that, he was the Head Coach at Browns Gymnastics Houston, Stars Gymnastics Bakersfield, California, and Rising Star Gymnastics in Gainesville, Florida, where he was also the owner. His contributions extend beyond the gym, having worked as a Physical Education Teacher at Westwood Middle School and as the Senior Program Director at the Gainesville Family YMCA.
Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with a Minor in Coaching from Colorado State University. Before fully dedicating himself to gymnastics, he served in the United States Army at Fort Bragg, NC, from 1986 to 1990, further developing his leadership and discipline—qualities that continue to define his coaching philosophy today.
Through passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to athlete success and personal growth, Dan Baker continues to inspire and develop the next generation of gymnasts, ensuring the future of the sport remains strong and competitive.