Parents Importance of gym having higher level gymnasts

[flipcityUSA]

My daughter is currently one of two girls at her gym training level 8 (the highest level at their small gym). To my knowledge, the gym has never trained anyone above level 9. The coaching staff has undergone several changes over the past few years, and I'm not entirely sure of everyone's history and experience. That said, how important is it to have higher levels training at the gym where your athlete is? I understand how it can be worrisome from a coach experience standpoint, but I'm also wondering if it can impact the athlete's overall motivation or drive? My daughter has dreams of successfully competing Level 10 before she graduates (currently a seventh grader), but she really doesn't even know what that looks like day-to-day. Some days she seems to thrive on being one of "the best" in her small environment, but other times I wonder if it would help her to be around higher level gymnasts - to push her further? Or does it really just come down to coaching? Has anyone switched gyms just for this reason?

 

[supernicegymmom]

I would say if your gym only goes up to levels 6,7,8 and you’ve reached the highest level that the gym offers, then it is time to switch gyms. If your daughter has dreams of being a level 10/NCAA gymnast then I would say it’s best to look for a big gym in your area and request a try-out for their optional team.

 

[Carly]

I would definitely consider switching to a gym that has level 9s and 10s unless your gym has recently hired coaches that have experience getting girls to those levels. There were several girls that switched from other gyms to my dd's gym to have a better chance to make it to level 10.

 

[leapingcows310]

My daughter’s old gym lost a lot of girls at the higher level. The old gym also didn’t have any recent history of getting girls to the college level and therefore we left. In our current gym, she loves watching the elites and can see what it takes to make the national team as well as collegiate teams. I think it motivates and inspires her!