Alex Mateik

Assistant Coach 2019 - 2020

Gymkana Member 2008 - 2014

President 2012 - 2013

Historian 2009 - 2011

Best Trouper Award 2012

Born and raised in Bowie, MD, less than 20 miles from the University of Maryland, Alex Mateik had been around Gymkana for much of his early life.

“My mom was a University of Maryland employee with student workers on Gymkana who mentioned a summer camp. My first time on campus was when I was five for the Gymkana Summer Camp as a result of that connection.” 

Alex later enrolled at the University of Maryland as a student in 2008 and immediately joined the troupe. He developed as a strong performer of rebound acts, particularly vaulting, DMT and trampoline. His other acts also included tumbling, free movement, teeterboard, parallel bars, ladders, and partner balancing. He was a natural leader who served in various leadership positions including Design Chair, Social Chair, Historian, and President. He also taught for many years as a counselor and instructor in Gymkana’s summer camp and class programs, mentoring countless others where he first got his start. 

He was the recipient of two Best Act Awards (2011 Partner Balancing w/ Caite Fleming & 2014 Teeterboard). He was also honored with the Best Trouper Award in 2012.

Describing his experience as a trouper,

“When I joined the troupe I had great mentors in my senior troupers, Matt Garton, Sven Radhe, Warren Hull, Kevin Asonglefac. They shared tips and drills and seemed to take great pleasure in watching new members like me grow and improve. That shaped how I felt about the Gymkana Troupe, the old teach the new, and that was the philosophy I learned from watching my mentors. When coaching I wanted troupers to reach their goals, but be equipped with enough skill to help teach someone struggling to follow them. I also loved pulling out old Home Show videos to highlight the team’s history.”

After graduating from the University of Maryland in 2014 with a degree in Kinesiology, Alex remained connected with Gymkana as an instructor in its programs and occasionally volunteering to mentor troupers in practice and help out at events. He also worked in the same building as the School of Public Health Facilities Manager from 2017-2020.

Alex officially joined the coaching staff for one season from 2019-2020. He most enjoyed coaching DMT along with other rebound acts and men’s apparatuses. 

His advice for anyone just starting out,

“Learn to handstand. Flips are flashy and cool but they have no longevity. A handstand is for life.”