Gymnasts HS Senior - life after gymnastics

[GymnastPotterhead]

So here it goes. Kind of been dreading posting this but I guess now is the time.

I'm a high school senior, and am almost done with meet season. My state is in about 2 weeks and I will either end gymnastics with that (my parent's choice) or continue practice to the end of April (my choice).

I've been trying to imagine what life after gymnastics will be like, especially the next few months. I'm hoping to join a club team at my college (not sure) but college will have a ton of new experiences and stuff and I'm not too worried about then. But every time I begin to think about the next couple months, I can't- it gets a little overwhelming and I've even had a couple breakdowns. I'm going to miss gymnastics, the gym, my teammates, my coaches so so much. And I have no idea what to do with the extra 4 hours a day. I also think I get really attached to people and places. Not sure how to deal with not seeing my favorite people in the world.

Does anyone have any advice? Or want to share their experiences? I don't even know what I am really asking for.


Sorry for the rant!

 

[ORgymmom]

Our seniors who aren’t continuing in NCAA often do a combination of reduced practice hours and moving into rec coaching. That way, they make pocket money for college, are still in a stable environment, they stay in shape, and probably don’t have time on their hands to get into trouble. Some have worked just one apparatus to try to get one last new skill.

Maybe that would be a good way to balance your feelings about being done but not ready to go cold turkey?

 

[GymnastPotterhead]

Our seniors who aren’t continuing in NCAA often do a combination of reduced practice hours and moving into rec coaching. That way, they make pocket money for college, are still in a stable environment, they stay in shape, and probably don’t have time on their hands to get into trouble. Some have worked just one apparatus to try to get one last new skill.

Maybe that would be a good way to balance your feelings about being done but not ready to go cold turkey?

Good idea - but my parents don't want to pay for more gymnastics, which I guess makes sense. To them gymnastics is done when meet season is done. Still trying to convince them to let me finish out April (my state meet is mid April).

I'm already coaching rec! Will try to increase my hours a bit.

 

[ORgymmom]

It might be worth talking to the gym owner and your coaches about trading rec coaching for gym fees or a reduced fee plan, especially since it won’t be a long-term arrangement so it isn’t a lot of financial risk for them. It’s really good for team morale to keep everyone training together, and a great example for younger kids that they don’t have to stop just because D1 isn’t an option.

Your insurance is covered for the year by your USAG registration, I think, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

 

[cmg]

Maybe you could pick up rock climbing or other sport that gymnasts are good at! I know rock climbing can also be expensive, but I am sure it will be less than gymnastics.

 

[Dahlialover]

I recommend making a list of every sport, activity, hobby, or experience you think you might want to try sometime in your young life. The list does not need to be realistic. It could include crazy stuff like “climb Mount Everest” and simple stuff like “try bubble tea”. Just write down as many ideas as you can possibly think of and then look at the list to see which ideas excite you right now. If the idea is totally impossible, ask yourself what the steps might be to get there and whether there is a tiny step you could take right now towards that end; write down those steps. Keep reading over the list and adding ideas. Maybe make a poster and hang it up. Then pick something and do it! And just keep on doing stuff! You got this!

 

[superNova08]

I'm a HS Junior but I graduate this spring! I actually medically retired from gymnastics after freshman year. When I retired I found it helpful to pick up a new hobby. I now knit and do tunisian crochet. Do you know what you're studying in college? Maybe you could start doing something in that field. Otherwise I would second the idea of coaching!

 

[GymnastPotterhead]

I recommend making a list of every sport, activity, hobby, or experience you think you might want to try sometime in your young life. The list does not need to be realistic. It could include crazy stuff like “climb Mount Everest” and simple stuff like “try bubble tea”. Just write down as many ideas as you can possibly think of and then look at the list to see which ideas excite you right now. If the idea is totally impossible, ask yourself what the steps might be to get there and whether there is a tiny step you could take right now towards that end; write down those steps. Keep reading over the list and adding ideas. Maybe make a poster and hang it up. Then pick something and do it! And just keep on doing stuff! You got this!

Haha funny you say that, I already have a list going. But I like the idea of taking steps towards them (since a lot of them aren't totally doable at the moment). Thank you!

 

[GymnastPotterhead]

I'm a HS Junior but I graduate this spring! I actually medically retired from gymnastics after freshman year. When I retired I found it helpful to pick up a new hobby. I now knit and do tunisian crochet. Do you know what you're studying in college? Maybe you could start doing something in that field. Otherwise I would second the idea of coaching!

I'm going to be studying computer science! I already do a bit with internships and clubs, but could definitely spend more time on personal projects and my portfolio. As for hobbies, I have a few that I'll spend more time on, but can't really seem to find a new one I'd enjoy. I don't have the patience for/interest in crocheting or knitting haha but I love when my friends make cute stuff haha, so it's cool you do it!

 

[superNova08]

I'm going to be studying computer science! I already do a bit with internships and clubs, but could definitely spend more time on personal projects and my portfolio. As for hobbies, I have a few that I'll spend more time on, but can't really seem to find a new one I'd enjoy. I don't have the patience for/interest in crocheting or knitting haha but I love when my friends make cute stuff haha, so it's cool you do it!

Sometimes it takes a hot minute to find something new you enjoy. Maybe it would be worth looking into a gym near where you're going to college and see if you can coach there when you go to school?

I also spend a lot of time reading. Finding the time to stay fit is also great. Personally I weight lift and walk, so maybe you could find something you enjoy.

 

[cmg]

You could also see if the school you are going to has a club gymnastics team. The club teams compete all different levels. You might have to pay something to help the club out, but it would not be as much as a JO club team. I think you practice 2-4 times a week depending on the club but it is all about having fun.

 

[ORgymmom]

I just want to add that as a mom and on behalf of the other parents here, I think we are all cheering for you. I appreciate you posting because as a mom of a little gymnast, I sometimes wonder what it will be like when she can’t do it anymore.

Remember that you weren’t special or worthy because you did gymnastics but that it was the other way around: you did gymnastics because there was something special about you that gave you drive, focus, perseverance, courage and motivation.

Whatever you do in life, you’ll bring those things with you and you’ll do big things whenever you go.

 

[Coach Kate]

I love this thread so much! I didn't personally deal with this because I switched to pole vault season right away and did cross country and track in college but it is so wonderful for anyone finishing the sport for any reason.

 

[Winterbuzz]

There are so many sports with organized adult leagues. I learned how to play tennis first, then I tried swimming, then many years later I learned to ski race. Sometimes these are called masters leagues. It has nothing to do with being a master of sport or anything, it just means adult. Look them up! I loved challenging myself with new skills. With your athletic foundation you will learn quickly, have tons of fun, and meet new friends. I will mention that most participants are older than you, but technically the leagues are 18 years and up. Good Luck!

 

[JBS]

I'm a high school senior, and am almost done with meet season. My state is in about 2 weeks and I will either end gymnastics with that (my parent's choice) or continue practice to the end of April (my choice).

My daughter is a senior and she just finished her last gymnastics meet ever. She will move onto track in college. I would just find an new activity that you may like... if you don't like it... try another. Not easy though.

You can always check out ChalkBucket to get your gymnastics fill!

 

[Dahlialover]

Haha funny you say that, I already have a list going. But I like the idea of taking steps towards them (since a lot of them aren't totally doable at the moment). Thank you!

when I am facing a big project, I always ask myself: “what is the smallest step I can possibly take to get started.” I find that the first step is always the hardest so I try to reduce the difficulty of that first step as much as possible. Good luck

 

[GymnastPotterhead]

@Coach Kate and @JBS Just wondering, did you/your daughter get recruited for track (like D1 or something) or just do "club" track (I'm not sure that's a thing but hopefully you get what I mean!)

Also, really appreciate all the replies here!

 

[JBS]

@Coach Kate and @JBS Just wondering, did you/your daughter get recruited for track (like D1 or something) or just do "club" track (I'm not sure that's a thing but hopefully you get what I mean!)

My daughter will be running track at a D3 school next year. She started doing track for her high school but as also been running club track in the high school off-season for the past 2 years.

 

[Coach Kate]

@Coach Kate and @JBS Just wondering, did you/your daughter get recruited for track (like D1 or something) or just do "club" track (I'm not sure that's a thing but hopefully you get what I mean!)

Also, really appreciate all the replies here!

I was recruited a little bit but ultimately decided to just go to a school I really wanted. It was D3. I had some academic scholarships.