WAG Optional/College Programs: Is it the real deal?

[flipperdad]

We are in the process of looking for a quality optional program that has experience developing collegiate gymnasts. Our DD is a level 7 that has had good success in the past and has been told by former elite coaches that she has potential. The hardest part now has been separating the fakers from the real ones. We have been told so many things just to get us to come on board, but not everything seems to be for real. Does anyone have a list of things to look at in priority order so we can compare the gyms properly? If designing such a gym, outline what the most important factors should be. Thanks so much.

 

[bookworm]

For starters, I would go on your state's website and see how the gyms do at States...if they have no one in any of these meets, then it's probably more of a rec gym. Then I would go on your Region site and see how many from gyms in your area make Regionals and what proportion of them finish in the top 7 at Regionals (making them National qualifiers) or spots 8 and 9 ( making them NIT qualifiers) ..Gyms that do well with their 9s and 10s generally will have a decent program so that should get you started...

 

[iluvgym]

..and after you've done all that, let your daughter try a few workouts at at least two of those gyms that you've narrowed down. There may be a few good gyms but as different kids respond better to different coaching methods, you need to find the gym that's the best fit for her. What works for one doesn't always work for the next kid, even at good gyms vs good gyms.