Recent content by BusyMomof2

We've been in both, at 2 different gyms. At both, hours/cost were relatively similar (12 hours silver, 14 hours gold, 16 hours level 5/6/platinum). She's loved Xcel and her team a lot more than the DP side of things and interestingly her form has improved drastically this year (in Xcel) compared...

I think it's totally normal to adore the sport at 9 years old and have college dreams and beyond. In fact, I would say every girl on my daughter's team felt that way at 7, 8, 9 years old. The preteen years change so much and the sport may or may not remain at the top of the list. So - don't...

I'm pretty sure Georgia Elite has a large L10 team, maybe 8-12 girls.

I feel like you are describing our gym! Every situation is different but I am not willing to commute more // create more logistics around gymnastics at L6. If my daughter continues on, we could consider a change around high school. FWIW, we have a friend at an elite/D1 college producing gym...

We are not a fan of the drawstring bags but my daughter loves meet leos - the more simple, the better (meaning no itchy/glittering adornments or sequins). At our gym, meet leos get a ton of play if they are comfy!

Depends on the gym. Our old gym would do them anytime, for any kid, for any reason. In fact, their rec classes were always full with long waiting lists, so many rec kids were offered a weekly private instead of a class and took advantage of it. Our new gym (which is more competitive and strict...

Agree that I would not do this for a level 3. If she continues to progress and love gym, perhaps consider at the optionals levels. FWIW, we changed gyms about 5 months ago to a closer location (not the reason for the change but a factor) and the difference I feel as the driver is remarkable. I'm...

I'm not sure how old your daughter is, but in USAG the Junior A age group is killer. The lowest score in Junior A could easily be podium finisher in a different age group. My daugher likes to pick a couple of goals before each meet - sticking a particular landing, staying on the beam, etc. That...

Is there a way to DM on this site? It's a long story that I can't imagine others would be interested in, but the details may be important for you given your situation.

I am so sorry, I feel this so closely. We just left an old school gym - I could have described it exactly as you did. We've been gone for 4 months and still have not untangled the damage that was done at the very end - the yelling, humiliation tactics, threats, and allllll the tears that were...

Yes - we used to be at a gym that used Xcel in place of compulsory. My daughter did Xcel Silver, Xcel Gold, then scored out of L4 and was training L6 while she worked on the L5 routines for scoring out only. I would say that skill wise, Xcel Gold prepared her for L6. BUT - we changed gyms to a...

No, because while we left on good terms and liked her former coach, the coaching environment in general is old school - threats, humiliation and the like. I don't know the long term impact of that coaching but I am not willing to risk it just for her to be near friends. We did move her from...

Gymnastics is 100% about the team for my daughter. We recently moved gyms for similar reasons (wanted a different, more positive coaching environment) and she misses her old teammates terribly. They remain in touch but it isn't the same. Her new team is nice, and they are welcoming. I haven't...

We changed gyms in May and I just told our coach that she wouldn't be returning - it was the end of the season and there were only a few practices remaining. I didn't give any other details other than thanking the coach for all she's done (we liked her, it was the optionals coach that was a...

Wow. I'd be super irritated if I were you/your daughter. First - if she was that close to winning State as a L4, picking up the L5 routines should be no sweat. Many gyms don't compete L5 though - in our area, it would be hard to find somewhere to go! Is going to L6 a possibility?