At Gym Wizards, every child who walks through our doors becomes part of a family. And at the heart of that family is someone who brings warmth, laughter, encouragement, and a whole lot of sparkle to every session.
Meet Ruwayda Isaacs, affectionately known as Coach Ruby
With over 25 years of experience in sports, education, and coaching, Coach Ruby is so much more than a gymnastics coach. She is a familiar smile, a comforting presence, a firm but loving voice, and the mother figure of the Gym Wizards family. She has a truly special way with children, and anyone who has spent time around her will understand just how much she brings to the lives of the young gymnasts she coaches.
A Passion for Sport That Began in the Classroom
Ruwayda’s journey in sport and education began long before her Gym Wizards days.
In 2000, she started her career as a Physical Education Teacher at Steenberg High School, where she worked until 2008. During this time, she also shared her passion for sport as an athletics coach, rhythmic gymnastics coach, and judge for the South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF), including judging at the National Games in 2006.
These early experiences helped shape the coach she is today: knowledgeable, passionate, and deeply committed to helping children discover what they are capable of.
18 Years of Being Part of the Gym Wizards Family
In 2008, Ruwayda joined Gym Wizards as an assistant coach, and eventually became a permanent coach. She has proudly been part of the Gym Wizards family for 18 years.
Over the years, she continued to develop her skills and knowledge, completing her Level 1–3 coaching qualifications, as well as First Aid training.
But while qualifications and experience are an important part of being a great coach, what makes Coach Ruby so special goes far beyond what is written on paper.
A Coach with a Truly Special Way with Children
There is something wonderfully unique about Gym Wizards Coach Ruby.
She has a happy, sparkling personality that lights up the room. Her laughter, enthusiasm, and positive energy are infectious, making every gymnastics session feel like something special.
But behind that bubbly personality is a coach who knows when to be gentle, when to encourage, and when to be firm.
She is soft but stern, kind but consistent, and nurturing while still holding children to a standard that helps them grow.
That balance is one of her greatest strengths.
Coach Ruby understands that every child is different. Some children need a little extra encouragement. Some need someone to believe in them before they believe in themselves. Others need a gentle reminder to listen, try again, or step outside their comfort zone.
She has a wonderful ability to meet children where they are, while helping them discover where they can go.
And she does it with patience, care, and that unmistakable Coach Ruby sparkle.
More Than Gymnastics: Building Confidence for Life
For Coach Ruby, coaching has never been just about teaching gymnastics skills.
It is about helping children build confidence, discover their strengths, and learn that progress comes from trying, practising, and never giving up.
A forward roll, a handstand, a cartwheel, or a new gymnastics challenge may seem like a small achievement to some. But Coach Ruby knows that behind every new skill is a child who has worked hard, overcome a fear, or found the courage to try something new.
Those moments matter.
She loves watching children grow, not only as gymnasts but as young people. Seeing their confidence develop, their personalities shine, and their excitement when they master something new is what makes coaching so rewarding for her.
For Ruwayda, every child has potential. Sometimes they just need the right person to help them see it.
The Mother Figure of Gym Wizards
Every family has that one person who makes everyone feel at home.
Coach Ruby, thank you for the laughter, the encouragement, the patience, the high fives, and the countless moments of believing in our children.
Thank you for being soft when they need comfort, stern when they need guidance, and endlessly encouraging when they need someone in their corner.
Thank you for being the happy, sparkling personality that brings so much warmth to Gym Wizards.
Most of all, thank you for being you.
You have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many children, and we are incredibly grateful to have you as part of the Gym Wizards family.
We love you, Coach Ruby!
Want to join the Gym Wizards family?
Whether your child is taking their first steps into gymnastics or is ready to develop their skills further, Gym Wizards is a place where children can learn, grow, build confidence, and have fun.
Come and experience the magic of gymnastics with our wonderful coaching team.
Gym Wizards: Building confidence, one little wizard at a time.
