University of Minnesota Athletics
All-Around with Kiki Parenteau
12/30/2021 4:00:00 PM | Gymnastics
Get to know the coaches and staff members who support the Gopher women's gymnastics program.
From the coaching staff to the support staff, the Gopher women's gymnastics team has a knowledgeable, passionate group of people dedicated to supporting its student-athletes both on and off the competition floor. Get to know the people behind the program who support the Gophers in their athletic and academic endeavors, starting with the team's volunteer assistant coach, Kiki Parenteau.
GopherSports: When did you start working at the University of Minnesota?
Kiki Parenteau: I started working at the University of Minnesota at the end of August 2021.
GS: What's your alma mater and what did you study in college?
KP: I went to school at Southern Utah University where I majored in Family Life and Human Development. I was also on the gymnastics team through November of my junior year until I had to retire due to injuries. After that I stayed involved with the team as the student volunteer coach.
GS: What does your job entail?
KP: When it comes to the events, I assist on floor and vault; along with tramp vault, which is a low impact vault drill that we do. I have cut some floor music pieces and assisted Geralen Stack-Eaton with some floor choreography. I also have been able to learn the office side of things where I have worked on getting everything provided to our judges for meets, putting events into the calendar and was able to work on new tank leotards.
GS: How did you get into your field?
KP: At the age of 14, I began coaching at my club gym on the day I didn't have practice. I've always loved coaching and it has been the only job that I've ever done. I have such a passion for gymnastics and it is one of those things that had such a big impact on my life. I want to be able to help others find that same passion.
GS: How did you get into your current position at the University of Minnesota?
KP: I was coaching at a gym in Texas and Geralen came in to recruit. Ger and I got talking and I told her how I'm from Minnesota and want to get into college coaching. She told me that they were looking for a volunteer coach and texted Jenny that I was interested in the position. It worked out super well because I was going home that day for my sister's wedding so I was able to meet with Jenny a few days later about the position. I was beyond excited when Jenny offered me the position!
GS: What is your favorite part about your job?
KP: My favorite part of the job is everything I have learned from the coaching staff. It's only been a few months but I have learned so much from not only the gymnastics side of things but also the office side. They are helping to prepare me for my future when I get an assistant coaching position.
GS: What challenges do you face in your job?
KP: The major challenge comes in the office work as a majority of the things are new to me with all of the programs they use. But anything that I don't know how to do, everyone is so willing to help and guide me through any questions I may have.
GS: What is your proudest moment in your professional career?
KP: My proudest moment thus far in my professional career would have to be getting this volunteer coaching position. This is my proudest moment because it is the stepping stone that I had been waiting for to get into the college world and help me reach my goal of becoming a college coach.
GS: What is your favorite memory in your time working with Gopher women's gymnastics?
KP: I can't really pinpoint a specific memory because for me I have just loved how welcoming everyone has been and how it has really felt like a family. I really don't think I could have been more lucky getting the opportunity to work with this program because the staff here is absolutely amazing and we all get along so well. When it comes to working with the gymnasts, I appreciate how responsive they have been to me and I already feel like we have built that trust between one another. I love being able to help them, even if it's the smallest of things, and seeing how genuinely happy they are when they are successful. This program is really something special and I'm so grateful I get to be a part of it.
GS: If you could trade jobs with anyone in Gopher Athletics for a day, who would it be and why?
KP: If I could trade jobs with anyone it would be head coach, Jenny Hansen. I think it would be very interesting to see all of the responsibilities she has as a head coach. She's so passionate about her job and cares so much about the girls not just as athletes but as people.
GS: What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?
KP: I enjoy working out, watching movies, baking and going out on the lake. I grew up riding dirt bikes, four wheelers and snowmobiles so I enjoy those things as well! Also since moving back home, I love spending as much time as I can with my family.