Since 2001, reports have been filed against the coach creating decades of gymnasts who allege abuse.
December 6 – Watch the latest news report here
December 2 – This week in Boerne, Texas, a town outside of San Antonio, former gymnasts of Boerne Gymnastic Center came forward to pursue legal action alleging abuse against coach Mike Spiller.
Boerne native, Meredith Drukker Stratigopoulos, an attorney at Watts Guerra LLP has made it her mission to help those who are victims of this terrible abuse. “I’d be shocked if this wasn’t a pattern of behavior,” Meredith told San Antonio Express News on Wednesday. She also warned that since the coach has a decades-long career that traversed states and countries, many other programs could also have victims.
“This is happening in yours and my hometown. Michael Spiller worked all over the country at YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, and multiple gyms and no one has said anything for decades. He was enabled by various institutions across the United States and interacted with countless gymnasts of all ages” Meredith stated.
She compared these allegations to those of Larry Nassar and the United States Gymnastics team as well as USC where gymnastic coaches abused their role and victimized young girls. Those who have come forward so far have alleged that Spiller exposed himself on the team bus when traveling and would not stop even after being asked to do so. “His behaviors seem to be systematic, and I hope to help expose Michael Spiller” she stated.
“We are thankful for the vigilant work of Boerne PD and the Kendall County District Attorney’s Office on this case and will continue to support their efforts. We intend to hold Boerne Gymnastics accountable for their role in Mr. Spiller’s abuse.”
Meredith is an advocate for those who have been sexually abused. Her expertise on the subject matter was recently tapped when she partnered with Ransomed Life and spoke to other attorneys about how the hotel industry plays a significant role in the sex trafficking industry. “It takes incredible courage to come forward, please know you are not alone, and I am here to help you receive the justice you deserve.”
We encourage parents throughout the state to talk to their children about any experiences with Michael Spiller. There is a thirty-year statute of limits on sexual assault cases in Texas for minor victims.
It is possible that Michael Spiller has hosted training, camps, and workshops at the following institutions over the last five years:
Camp Quillian – Houston, Texas
Bellaire Parks and Recreation – Bellaire, Texas
Alamo Heights Gymnastics Center – San Antonio, Texas
Powerhouse Gymnastics – San Antonio, Texas
SPJST Counselor Training – Temple, Texas
Capital Gymnastics – Austin, Texas
Summer Camp Counselor Game Days – College Station, Texas
Corpus Christi Summer Camp Counselor Training – College Station, Texas
Leaps and Bounds – Louisiana
Gymnastics Association of Texas
Texas Classic – Galveston, Texas
Scottsdale Gymnastics
Meredith Drukker Stratigopoulos is a partner at Watts Guerra LLP. She has represented many clients who have been victimized and has successfully held them accountable. A graduate of law school at the University of Texas at Austin, she is a native Texan and a local advocate for anyone who has experienced sexual assault.