Tristan Poirier begins his first season as head women’s gymnastics coach here at Rhode Island College. He takes over for Shannon Cornicelli who stepped down earlier this fall after two seasons at the helm.

“I look forward to growing the program, as well as, growing as a coach,” Poirier said. “I hope to raise the level of competition to the high standards set forth here at Rhode Island College.”

Poirier has nine years of coaching experience, including six years of gymnastics and three years of martial arts instruction. He had previously been the girls optional, as well as, the boys compulsory and optional coach at the Ocean State School of Gymnastics since 2003.

The Foster, Rhode Island native has coached the Rhode Island State Champion prep optional team for the last four years and led men's level 4, 5 and 6 teams to state championships.

Poirier coached the 2008-09 level 9 all-around champion in the senior age group and levels 8 and 9 regional champions on bars, beam and floor. He has also helped level 8 and 9 females and levels 5-10 men qualify for regional championships.

For the past two years, Poirier has trained Junior Olympic National qualifiers.

Poirier is currently working at Parmelee, Poirier and Associates, LLP. as a junior accountant. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Rhode Island College in 2005.

He resides in Providence, Rhode Island.