Vikki RobinsonHead Coach
Team + history
More than jump rope.
A place to belong.
Competitive athletes from second grade through high school and beyond; our college-age jumpers often return to compete and teach.
Coaching staff
The team
behind the team.
Lori HutsonAssistant Coach
Joe SchroederAssistant Coach
Harry WangAssistant Coach
Ally Astles MoyerAssistant Coach
Nanhua ZhangAssistant Coach
Rongwei YinAssistant Coach
Nicole RogersTeam Manager
Leadership + stewardship
Board of
directors.
The Comet Skippers are a 501(c)(3) corporation managed by a board of directors consisting of team leadership, parents, business leaders and community stakeholders.
A year in motion
The season.
From fall conditioning to the world stage, every phase builds on the one before it.
LATE AUGUST – JUNE/JULY
Practice
Fall begins with conditioning and skills. As the season progresses we transition to a focus on routines and speed.
OCTOBER – JUNE
Workshops & Camp
Focused sessions staffed by National and World Champion jumpers from around the world. The team hosts Jump With the Stars and Summer Camp.
JANUARY – MAY
Competitions
Competitions bring together teams from across the area for an opportunity to compete, grow, and showcase the hard work and preparation developed throughout the season.
JUNE / JULY
National & World Competitions
National & World Competitions bring together the best athletes and teams from across the country and around the world. These prestigious events give Comet Skippers the opportunity to compete at the highest levels, represent our team and our country on a larger stage, and celebrate the dedication, skill, and teamwork that got them there.
YEAR-ROUND
Demonstrations + Shows
The Comet Skippers bring the excitement of jump rope to life through dynamic, high-energy performances. From school assemblies and community events to collegiate and professional halftime shows, our athletes combine impressive skills, speed, teamwork, and entertainment to captivate audiences of all ages while showcasing the sport of competitive jump rope.
Where it all began
The Comets
take flight.
Mike and Carmen Simpson first became involved in competitive jump rope when their oldest child became interested in the sport in the mid-1990s. They began as spectators, parents and volunteers, and eventually helped coach the Hot Steppers of Grapevine, Texas.
When the family moved to Cincinnati in 2003, they promised their children, three of whom were now jumping, that they would start a new team. With the backing of the Mason City School District, the Comet Skippers of Mason, Ohio were born.
Yvonne Hill began her journey with the Comet Skippers as a parent and, through her growing involvement with the team, decided to venture into coaching. When longtime coaches Mike and Carmen Simpson retired, Yvonne stepped into the role of Head Coach in 2015, taking on the responsibility of leading the next chapter of the Comet Skippers.
From 2015 until her departure in 2021, Yvonne successfully guided the team through the ever-changing landscape of competitive jump rope. As the sport continued to evolve, she helped the Comet Skippers adapt, grow, and remain a strong and successful program. Her leadership, dedication, and commitment to the athletes helped carry forward the foundation established before her while preparing the team for continued growth and success in the years ahead.
Vikki Robinson’s journey with the Comet Skippers began in 2006 when the first of her four children joined the team. Over the years, all four of her children became Comet Skippers, and what began as a parent’s involvement grew into a lasting commitment to the organization.
Vikki began as a parent volunteer before joining the Board of Directors and serving as Executive Director. Her passion for the team eventually led her into coaching, first as an assistant coach and then as Head Coach in 2021.
For nearly two decades, the Comet Skippers have been an important part of Vikki’s family and her life. She is proud to continue the team’s tradition of excellence while building a strong, supportive environment where athletes develop not only their jump rope skills, but also confidence, leadership, determination, and lifelong friendships.
Questions, answered
Team FAQ.
Details may change from season to season.
What nights does the team practice?
Rookie and White teams practice Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30–8:30 p.m. The Green team practices Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30–9 p.m. Tumbling is offered throughout the season.
When is the team season?
The season begins in late August or early September. Rookies finish in May. White and Green teams continue through National Championships or World Championships (held every two years) in June or July.
Can team members compete in other sports?
Because jump rope is a team sport, participating in other sports can sometimes be challenging. Many of our events rely on multiple jumpers practicing and competing together, so consistent attendance is important to the success of the entire group. Jumpers considering participating in another sport discuss the schedule and potential conflicts with the coaching staff in advance. They work together to determine whether both commitments can be successfully managed.
Growing together
A lifelong
love of jumping.
