The Illinois gymnastics community lost one of its longtime leaders with the passing of Leroy G. McDaniels on April 30, 2026.
Coach Leroy spent more than 50 years growing gymnastics in Illinois and mentoring generations of athletes. A Springfield native and former captain of the Feitshans High School gymnastics team, he went on to create Springfield’s first tumbling team, the Flip Flops, before founding L&M Gymnastics with his wife Merrill in 1975.
Over nearly five decades, Leroy coached countless state, national, and international champions and became known as the “Trainer of Champions.” His impact extended far beyond Illinois, leading gymnastics tours through 12 countries and helping athletes build friendships and experiences across the world.
Coach Leroy also worked camps at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of Illinois Chicago and was inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
More than his accomplishments, Coach Leroy will be remembered for his passion for young athletes, his dedication to the gymnastics community, and the lasting impact he made on so many lives throughout Illinois gymnastics.
The full obituary can be found at Dignity Memorial Obituary Page.