What made you want to coach gymnastics?
Funny thing is, I never actually planned to coach gymnastics. I came back home after college and I needed a job. But once I started, I fell in love with helping people through gymnastics. As soon as I got my first group, I knew this was where I was meant to be.
Were you a gymnast yourself growing up before you started coaching the sport?
Yes, I was.
How did you help your athletes overcome mental blocks?
I believe in taking steps back to move forward. Rebuilding confidence starts with sitting down and talking through our fears, processing them, and understanding how we began. I’m spoke life into my athletes and taught the positive self talk.
Who was your mentor/or a coach you looked up to when you started?
I had a few great mentors growing up, with phenomenal coaches who taught me a lot. As I delved deeper into the sport and learned various techniques, Mary Lee Tracy, Tammy Biggs, Neil Resnick, Tom Forster, Mas Watanabe, and Valeri Liukin played pivotal roles in my gymnastics education.
5. Were you a college or club gymnastics coach? If you were a college coach how did you become one?
I was a club coach. I coached both. There was no real progression for me in moving up as a coach. While starting rec, I worked with the lower level compulsory and moved up as my kids moved up.
I have always had the goal of coaching on a college or club team someday. What steps did you took?
First, you need to learn the developmental stages of the sport as a coach. Understanding how kids grow in gymnastics is essential, and you can learn a lot from coaches at the option level. Then, I’d suggest volunteering at a college program to see if it's something you truly enjoy. Work your way up from there. It's crucial to continue your education and always stay open to learning.
How did you fall in love with coaching gymnastics?
I fell in love with coaching gymnastics because of my first group. They were talented and eager to learn. I enjoyed breaking down skills for them, watching them struggle, and then seeing the moment it clicked. Witnessing them practice, compete, and succeed made me feel like I helped them achieve something they didn’t think they could do. It was incredibly rewarding.
Advice you may give to coaches coaching the sport or gymnasts still competing?
To coaches, I'd say stay open and keep learning. Don't just focus on the skills; get to know your athletes both in and outside the gym so you can better support the whole person. Set aside your ego and help them achieve the goals they've set for themselves.
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