Off Topic Introductions Thread (2025 Version)

[StephensMom]

I’m just seeing this post so I suppose I’ll join in. I am a mom of 4 young girls. The oldest is 7 (almost 8) and getting ready to compete level 3 or 4 this next season. I’m thinking 3 but 4 isn’t totally ruled out yet. We got into gymnastics as a way to get out of the house when she was a toddler. We never really anticipated how much of our lives it would take over just a few years later. As she gets older, her passion seems to only grow.

Our second daughter is 5.5. We were genuinely surprised when her rec coach approached us and suggested she be evaluated for pre-team just before she turned 5. She’s loving it though and gymnastics challenges her in ways that we know are really growing her mentally and emotionally so we love it for her.

Number 3 will be 4 soon. She’s been watching her big sister since infancy basically and has always wanted to be at the gym too. I finally relented to the rec coaches wanting to put her in the more advanced preschool class over the summer and her love for the gym seems to have fallen off ever since. She says she misses her old class with the younger kids so we’ll be taking a step back for her and just see what happens.

One thing we have realized is that we are very much just along for the ride on this crazy train. Doing our best to take care of our girls, support them, and keep some balance. Every time my husband calls to ask where I am, the answer is “at the gym.” I sometimes wonder if we can really sustain this but we just keep taking it a season at a time.

 

[Princess Andrea]

Hey Guys,
My name is Andrea and I have been in the gym since I was just three years old and fell in love with gymnastics right away. By sixteen, I began coaching and now enjoying working with Level 2 and 3 gymnasts, helping young athletes build skills and confidence.

Outside of the gym, I always been active. I grew up running cross country, track and field and playing flag football. Sports have always been a huge part of my life, not just participating but also as a fan - I love watching college football and the NFL whenever I get a chance.

My energy, passion for athletics, and love for working with kids make me a positive and encouraging coach who's exited to see my gymnasts grow.



Thank you!
Text me if you have any questions.

 

[ryanolympian]

Hi! I’m a former national team member, coaching in the Southwest now for just over 20 years. I toured the world with Cirque du Soleil as an aerialist for 5 years and then performed with various circuses. I didn’t intend to just be a lurker when it came to this forum, but this is my first post! I’m a proud full-time father of one, and proud to be a lifelong mentor to many. I have supported special needs gymnasts and elite gymnasts, as well as competitive dancers and aerialists. Gymnastics is for everyone, and teaches us to find our inner “Jedi”.

 

[NutterButter]

Welcome, @ryanolympian! We are glad you are here. Don't be shy about posting.

 

[BStephenM]

Hi, I am a dad of a 14 year old girl who has been competing in gymnastics since she was around 4. It's her desire to reach level 10 by her Jr year in HS and possibly compete in college. I have older kids who were athletic (swimming, soccer and tennis) but NOTHING like this

 

[Flamewinds]

Hi, I am a dad of a 14 year old girl who has been competing in gymnastics since she was around 4. It's her desire to reach level 10 by her Jr year in HS and possibly compete in college. I have older kids who were athletic (swimming, soccer and tennis) but NOTHING like this

Hello. I am sure your daughter will do well.

 

[Pricess_leia]

I am 16 and a first year Xcel gold. In region 2. I self taught myself some of the basics in elementary school, but actually started talking classes when I was ~11. I was in rec classes off and on (due to other sports and injuries) until I started taking gymnastics more seriously when I was 13. I got into xcel silver my second tryout. And competed silver two years. I have my first gold competition in three weeks! Wish me luck! My favorite event is bars and my least favorite event is vault. I used to be really insecure about my age and height (i am 5ft 8(maybe 9)in), making friends and finding community definitely eased those insecurities. I really can’t imagine my life without gymnastics; I am completely in love with it. And can’t imagine that I only have one year left with it . I have always struggled with a lot of mental blocks and just general scaredness, but overcoming that is one of my favorite things about gymnastics. I love learning what my body can do, I love how mentally and physically challenging it is. I love the dance and smaller details that make gymnastics beautiful. And I love learning all the rules and technique. There is so much to learn! I hope to be a coach or possible a judge one day. For now though, I will be soaking as much of gymnastics as I can as a gymnast. Very glad I am a part of the chalk bucket community!