Meet the Owner of East Pasco Athletic Center

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Heather Besselman is the owner of the East Pasco Athletic Center and a lifelong advocate for youth sports programs, athlete development, and strong community-based sports initiatives. With extensive experience as a coach, gym owner, and sports administrator, Heather is passionate about creating opportunities where athletes can develop confidence, discipline, leadership, and a lifelong love of sport—a commitment that was inspired by the mentorship of Don and Lisa Pitts.

In the summer of 2024, Heather moved to Florida with her husband, Stephen, and three of their four sons, Noah, Parker, and Rhys. Their oldest son, Keaton, now an adult, remains in Ohio. As a family, they love spending time together, enjoying the beach and exploring the various theme parks throughout Central Florida. Homeschooling their four boys has provided the flexibility for the family to pursue athletics, travel, and other enriching experiences together.

As a gymnastics and trampoline & tumbling coach, Heather brings both technical expertise and a strong commitment to athlete-centered coaching. She believes that successful youth sports programs should challenge athletes to reach their potential while fostering an environment where they feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow.

Through the East Pasco Athletic Center, Heather is dedicated to building more than just a training facility. Her vision is to create a welcoming athletic community where children and families can find opportunities to learn, compete, build friendships, develop confidence, and acquire skills that extend well beyond the gym.

Heather’s background in sport leadership, coaching, event administration, and program development gives her a unique perspective on the needs of athletes, families, coaches, and athletic organizations. She continues to advocate for quality youth sports programs that provide athletes the chance to thrive both inside and outside the gym.

At the heart of everything Heather does is a straightforward goal: to offer athletes the same type of positive experiences, mentorship, and opportunities that shaped her own journey in sports.