Former Gym Dog Courtney Kupets Carter always hoped to coach.

But she was advised by former coach Kelli Hill to try everything else she wanted to do first. She did, and now, she's returning to Athens.

"It's full circle," said Kupets Carter, whose parents still live in Athens.

Kupets Carter will join the coaching staff at Oconee Gymnastics and Cheer in July. She'll coach all levels as needed, but will focus on level 1-3 or beginning gymnasts.

"I'm interested in helping those younger girls start off on the right foot," Kupets Carter said.

Kupets Carter's career at Georgia included four team titles, three all-around titles and nine individual titles. She won the Honda-Broderick Cup twice. She won bronze on bars and silver in the team competition at the 2004 Olympics.

Kupets Carter will coach part-time at the gym and continue to provide gymnastics commentary for the SEC Network.

She was drawn to Oconee Gymnastics and Cheer's approach to training and knew owner Katina Buffa. The gym tries to teach real-life skills, Buffa said.

"It's not gymnastics and competition, it's your faith in God, which I really like," Kupets Carter said.

"We're trying to make them well-rounded people, not just very good gymnasts. Courtney just loves that," Buffa said. "... She brings validation to what we are doing and wants to be part of that."