Get to know us and learn more about our Department Leaders!
• Hometown: Miami, Florida
• With Sun Country since Day One (1987)
Linda was raised in Miami and moved to Gainesville with her husband to go to UF in the summer of 1971. They both loved the area and knew they would eventually return.
Linda and Phil Bennett moved their family back to Gainesville in the summer of 1986. It was then that Phil urged Linda to open a gym and offer something new to the area. With a degree in Early Childhood Education and 6 years of teaching pre-school and pre-school gymnastics experience, Linda took on the challenge.
With her family’s help, she opened Sun Country Sports in 1987. Linda remained active and involved in running every aspect of the business until 2020, when an ovarian cancer diagnosis forced her to take a small step back to focus on her health. She was a member of the Leadership Gainesville Class of 36 and Leadership Gainesville Alumni Association. She mentored thousands of staff, business owners, and children in her 35 years in the industry. Her dedication to building healthy, strong babies was unwavering; together with her staff and family, she led Sun Country’s effort to raise over one hundred thousand dollars for the March of Dimes over the years.
Linda’s last vision for the company was “for every person to feel better about themselves when they walk out of our doors than they did when they walked in.”
In December 2021, Linda passed away. Her memory lives on every day in the programs and teams of Sun Country. A stone bench outside the Jonesville location’s front door commemorates her strength and incredible accomplishments to the community.
• Hometown: Miami, Florida
• With Sun Country since Day One (1987)
Phil attended the University of Florida, receiving a B.S. degree in chemistry. He continued his education at Purdue University to receive a Ph.D in chemistry. Phil moved his family to Gainesville in 1986 when he got a job developing advanced batteries for General Electric (GE) and later Energizer. While working for Energizer, Phil often appeared as the Energizer Bunny during various community fundraisers.
In 1987 Phil challenged Linda, his wife, to open a gymnastics school. Phil continued to work as an industrial research and development chemist during the day but helped-out in the evenings and weekends while Linda and their children built Sun Country. When Energizer closed their Gainesville operation, Phil became an assistant chemistry professor at Santa Fe College.
Although not actively involved in the day-to-day operation of Sun Country, Phil is currently involved in negotiating major equipment purchases and strategic and financial planning for Sun Country. In addition, he oversees the operation of Sun Country’s facilities, serving as its building engineer and enjoys playing practical jokes on staff and family. He is an alumnus of Leadership Gainesville, active in the Florida Education Foundation, serves as a student mentor, and judges local, regional, and Florida state science/engineering fairs. He remains active in advanced rechargeable battery R&D by consulting for several start-up advanced battery companies and delivers lectures on rechargeable batteries domestically and internationally.
• Hometown: Gainesville, Florida
• With Sun Country since Day One (1987)
Jodi started competing in gymnastics when she was six years old. At 14, she began coaching at Sun Country and that same year started competitive cheerleading. Jodi also danced for 4 years while in high school and college. She graduated with honors from the University of Florida in 1999 with degrees in marketing and economics. Upon graduation, Jodi decided to refresh the marketing/branding of the business and decided to work full time as the first marketing director of the company. While originally this was intended to be a stepping stone for a corporate marketing career Jodi is now co-owner with her father.
Jodi is also involved in many civic and volunteer organizations: the Gainesville, Newberry, and Jonesville Chambers of Commerce; She served on the board of Alachua County Emerging Leaders for 5 years (where she chaired the Champions for Charity Kickball tournament 3 years in a row); Leadership Gainesville class of 35; and former March of Dimes-North Central Florida Board Member. She is also the co-founder of G3, Gainesville’s first public triathlon club. In 2011, Home Magazine named her one of Gainesville’s “40 under 40.” In 2019, she formed the non-profit Sunny Cares Foundation to lead community and charity efforts.
Jodi has two sons who love coming to Sun Country. They are currently on the boys’ competitive gymnastics team, and swim team and love playing baseball. In her free time, she enjoys running and has completed many races, including the New York City and Chicago marathons.
• Hometown: Gainesville, Florida
• With Sun Country since 2007
Judy currently serves as the Director of Dance Sun Country, as well as the Artistic Director of the affiliated non-profit performing company, Sun Country Dance Theatre, which she founded in August 2008.
Ms. Benton’s vast experience as a dance instructor, choreographer, dance studio manager, arts administrator and Artistic Director spans over 45 years. She has studied in New York at the American Ballet Theatre school, Joffrey Ballet School, and Luigi’s Jazz Center, as well as attending countless workshops, dance intensives, master classes, and teacher training seminars with many greats of the dance world to continue honing her expertise and expand her knowledge and instructional capacity.
She taught at numerous private studios and colleges throughout the United States, including serving as the Artistic Director of Gainesville Ballet Theatre for 25 years, as a choreographer for the Dance Theatre of Santa Fe, and as a guest teacher at Santa Fe College, Florida Dance Association and Floridance at the University of Florida.
Ms. Benton’s students continue to receive scholarships to study at some of our nation’s most prestigious dance programs, intensives, and companies, including the School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet School, Orlando Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Miami City Ballet, and Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre. Many former students have gone on to successful careers in the dance world, including professional dancers, teachers, choreographers, Broadway stage managers, stage directors, professional lighting designers, dance journalists, and arts administrators.
• Hometown: Bradenton, Florida
• With Sun Country since 2021
Brent has been in retail management and customer service for 20+ years. He has worked with student athletes at all levels from elementary school to college in baseball, soccer, and basketball with a large focus on baseball. Brent played high school and college baseball for 8 years and graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelors degree in physical education. He played baseball in the Junior College World Series and won a world series title with IMG Sports in Bradenton during his sophomore year of college.
Brent loves all sports and working with kids and seeing them achieve their goals. Brent also loves the outdoors and going camping and fishing whenever possible.
• Hometown: Gainesville, Florida
• With Sun Country since 2022
Angela was born and raised in Gainesville, FL. She loves working with people and hopes to make a positive impact on those she interacts with. Angela’s hobbies include anything that involves spending time with her family! They love Disney, the beach and riding bikes.
• Hometown: Gainesville Florida
• With Sun Country since 2010
Mikey attended P. K. Yonge, Santa Fe College, and the University of Florida. He graduated with honors earning a Bachelors of Applied Science in Organizational Management with a focus on Human Resources, and holds SHRM-CP certification. He is also a certified Red Cross Lifeguard, USA Climbing Level-2 Coach, USA Gymnastics Meet Director, and Notary Public for State of Florida.
Over the years, Mikey has worked in every department at Sun Country. He currently manages Human Resources and Rock Wall, trains and supervises Department Leaders, oversees safety, accreditation, licensure and compliance, and directs Sun Country’s hosted gymnastics meets. Mikey may also occasionally be seen lifeguarding, driving a school bus, or fixing a computer network. His favorite part of working at Sun Country is practicing servant leadership and having the opportunity to make a positive impact not only on the students, but also on the young professionals beginning their future careers.
Mikey enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter biking, rock climbing, fishing, canoeing, playing piano and djembe. He also volunteers with Kids4Kids, Gainesville Sports Commission, Gainesville Chamber Diplomats, and is a Girl Scout Daisy Leader, and Co-Organizer of TEDxGainesville.
• Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
• With Sun Country since 2021
Allen is from Boston, where he worked with the New England Patriots, New England Revolution and Harvard University in a variety of rolls. He has two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots and was able to travel with the Revolution to a championship game. In his spare time he likes to be outside with his daughter playing all kinds of games, sitting in the sandbox or playing sports video games Allen hopes to excel the After-School and Camp departments even further and continue to help them grow and evolve. With a Bachelor’s of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management with a concentration in Sports Management and a minor in Business under his belt there is no doubt he can continue to make exciting things happen in the programs he oversees.
Allen is also an avid CrossFitter, enjoys CentrFit workouts (Chris Hemingsworth’s company) and workouts that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have leaked out. He also participated in the CrossFit Open in 2019. Allen is DCF and lifeguard certified.
• Hometown: Canton, CT
• With Sun Country since 2026
William “BJ” Muzzy joined the Sun Country team in 2026 and brings a strong background in facilities and recreation to his role. Originally from Connecticut, BJ studied Outdoor and Commercial Recreation in college and began his career as a recreational programmer—experience that, combined with facilities management, has truly brought him back to his roots.
Growing up, BJ stayed active through golf, running, biking, swimming, fishing, and playing ice hockey, and he continues to enjoy an active lifestyle today. He loves being part of an environment that supports kids and families and is excited to help create safe, welcoming, and well-maintained spaces where children can learn, grow, and have fun.
One lesson that has stuck with BJ throughout his life comes from a coach who taught him: whether you think you can do something or you think you can’t. This mindset guides his work and approach every day.
Outside of work, William enjoys running, biking, and reading. If he could instantly master a new skill—or coach a new sport—it would be golf or tennis.
Samantha is a proud graduate of Sante Fe College where she pursued her pass for Digital Media Technology. As a Florida native, Alachua county has been her home since she was 10. Samantha loves all things Harry Potter, Marvel, DC and Disney! In her spare time, you can catch Samantha playing video games, building cool Lego sets and having a blast with Dungeons & Dragons. Working in marketing at Sun Country has been a joy for Samantha as she adores creating new things and seeing the smiles they bring to children’s faces.
• Hometown: Gainesville, Florida
• With Sun Country since 2023
Krystal grew up attending Sun Country and started working in multiple departments here her senior year of high school which she continued for 9 years. Krystal continued to work in the childcare field as a pre-kindergarten teacher and later a Director of a daycare. Krystal jumped at the opportunity to return to Sun Country in 2023 as the Pre-School Gymnastics and Sunny’s Pre-School Department Leader. Krystal holds a Staff Credential from the Department of Children and Families and has completed 75+ hours of early childhood education courses. She has a strong foundation in best practices for early childhood education and a heartfelt dedication to children’s growth and development.
Krystal’s hobbies include gardening and making things on her Cricut. She has 2 young girls who have also been attending activities at Sun Country for most of their lives!
• Hometown: New London, CT
• With Sun Country since 2024
Angelina joined the Sun Country team in 2024 and is passionate about working with children and supporting their growth and development. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Growing up, Angelina was actively involved in travel softball, which gave her the opportunity to compete in tournaments throughout the state while teaching her the value of teamwork, dedication and perseverance.
Angelina has been working with children since the age of 15, beginning her career as a preschool teacher and advancing through various roles in early childhood education. She holds an active Staff & Director’s credential.
In her free time, Angelina enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading and creating diamond art.
• Hometown: Puerto Rico
• With Sun Country since 2022
Jose has been involved in Gymnastics for the past 34 years. From athlete, recreational coach, team assistant coach, team head coach, junior national team head coach, national team assistant coach, and Gym Manager. He is an International Gymnastics Federation certified Coaching Expert and International Brevet Judge.
Jose enjoys and finds the core value of every sport and the learning process that brings to every single kid. He lives by 2 main quotes. “A friendly smile is the cure for all the bad situations in life” and “Impossible is just an opinion”.
Mike Walker is a multi-sport athlete and coach. He is a USA Gymnastics certified competitive coach in men’s artistic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling and is also a parkour athlete with the USAG. In addition, he has national certifications for coaching soccer, track, basketball, and diving. He has coached college track and field with an emphasis on sprints and hurdles and also a long career as a sports journalist. He holds a BFA and MFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design and has taught design and art history as college faculty. His hobbies include skateboarding, mountain biking, surfing, cooking, and baking.
• Vallejo, CA
Bre, who was also a former gymnast herself, has over 15 years of experience training gymnasts in Northern California and Montgomery, Alabama. She graduated from Alabama State University, where she was also an athletic trainer, with a degree in biology. Bre loves food and gaming! Her favorite flower is a sunflower and she loves anything Winnie the Pooh. Bre believes in enjoying life’s simple pleasures!
• Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
• With Sun Country since 2010
Claire is a proud Gator who graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism with a specialization in Event Management in 2009. Claire serves on the board for the Sunny Cares Foundation which focuses on raising money and awareness for select nonprofits that focus on children, families and education. She represented Sun Country as a member of the Leadership Gainesville Class of 39 (Go Green!). During her time at Sun Country, she has assisted with organizing and implementing multiple community events and worked with a number of local non-profits and charities. She enjoys working with others to help new ideas come to fruition and seeing others work together to create a positive environment for children and their families on a daily basis.
Claire loves spending time with her family and showing her daughter new things. She is an animal lover and enjoys traveling to old and new places, spending time in the sun and trending news and events.
• Hometown: Bradenton, Florida
• With Sun Country since 2013
Greg was a collegiate gymnast at Temple University majoring in Elementary Education. He worked for Sun Country after college and returned to our team in 2013 after coaching in other locations around the state of Florida.
Greg serves as the USAG Florida Men’s State Chairman and Men’s Region 8 Elite Coordinator. He is a Nationally rated judge and a member of the state and regional Elite Coaching Staff.
Greg also worked as a firefighter and brings his EMT knowledge to our team.
