Hey NYC!

Many of you know me but for those who don’t, I’ve been coaching youth sports for 18 years. About 10 years in, I transitioned from coaching competitive gymnastics to competitive rock climbing, and that is where I plan to stay. Coaching and mentoring are integral to my identity and I couldn’t be more thrilled for this opportunity to cultivate a space for the next generation of climbers.

I’ve held Head Coach positions in various programs across the country. Most recently, I’ve worked with USAC to organize and lead the annual Youth Festival and was awarded the opportunity to join the coaching staff for the US Youth National Team in the 2023 IFSC Youth World Championship. I’m also currently an independent mental performance coach based in Brooklyn, NY and aspiring Survivor player.

With 18 years of coaching experience and a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology, I’ve supported athletes in reaching their goals at the national & international levels. 

I also love cats. Like, a lot – ask for photos, I’ll prove it.

I’ve been coaching youth climbers in NYC since 2016 and I’m psyched to have the opportunity to be Head Coach at the GP81 YTC! The sport has grown so much in the past decade and I’m excited to see how much further we can push it with the launch of our own dedicated training facility. 

Leading up to the opening of the YTC I’ve guided 20 athletes to qualify for and compete at Youth Nationals. I’ve also led my programs through consistent team success: winning Team Regional Championships in Bouldering and Lead/TR from 2022 to 2025, as well as a Divisional Championship in Bouldering in 2023.

My coaching philosophy has always centered around a team culture that cultivates a life long passion for climbing. While I only discovered the sport in 2012, I hope to inspire all the athletes that I mentor and coach to experience the vast rewards of climbing beyond performance and through local and international travel, exploring new crags, and connecting with others well into their adult lives.

Fun fact: I’m born and raised in NYC and my parents ran a bodega in Queens through my high school years!

As co-owners of the GP81 Youth Training Center (YTC), Julian Acevedo and Cliff Simanski hope to continue what they started with their original concept at GP81. Their partnership began in 2017 when the idea for GP81 grew from their decades of experience across all facets of climbing and high level competition. Following years of the demanding lifestyle as a triathlete, Julian focused his drive and motivation on climbing. Cliff started working in the climbing industry in 2006 and apart from an extended 2 year climbing road trip, he has been fully immersed in it since.  Throughout the years, Cliff and Julian recognized the need for a space that focused solely on climbing and its community. GP81 was born from that vision.  By focusing on a specific user group, GP81 is able to cater to those seeking a challenging, outdoor inspired experience that is free of the commotion of a typical commercial climbing gym.

With the introduction of The YTC, Julian and Cliff seek to carve out another niche by creating a space that exists for one purpose - to train, empower, teach, develop, and inspire youth climbers to achieve their full potential. Amid the rapidly expanding market of bigger and bigger climbing megagym chains, Cliff and Julian strived to maintain the owner operated model that allows every decision made to be based entirely on what's best for the members and not a distant board of investors. 

As owners, Julian and Cliff are proud to recognize the talents of Denis Gu and Zoe Sayetta and grateful to have them at the helm of the YTC. From the design of the walls through every detail of how to structure the programming and kinds of snacks to stock, the YTC allows the coaches, setters, and staff to take ownership of the space and environment they seek to create.