Summer was slow for me so checked out a local gymnastics gym to see if they were in need of a coach. The owner explained they could have some help with the recreation classes. Their team was set with a couple of coaches and was doing well, but everyone knows Team is not where you make your money. The owner had little gymnastics experience, but had a great business sense so he was wanting me to help with the gymnastics coaching and making sure the coaches where on track.
I was excited about this opportunity and the first week the classes went well. I was not sure what the real need was. I mean people could focus more on basics and try and get to at least 3 events but they seemed to be doing their job. Well then the next few weeks went by and it was noticeable that there were a few people that were slacking on the job. I was able to step into classes and make sure participants were working on new skills. I could show coaches how to keep the athletes attention. I realized there is a need for people to put more focus into the coaches that teach the recreation classes.
I have made a career in cheerleading and gymnastics. I have 15 years of College Cheerleading Coaching Experience, and ten of those I was a spirit Coordinator. I was on Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Staff for 13 years and worked in three different regions. Beginning at 17 I started coaching gymnastics and cheer at local gyms. I have worked for Ozone Leotards for five years and I visit gyms all the time, so it has been great to see what works and what does not in gymnastics gyms.
Through the years I have had assistants that do things differently than me and it is great to always see how other do things. As I have gotten older I no longer take offense when someone does something different but look at it and say, “wow that is a great idea,” or this did not work because of that. You can always learn at least one thing from someone else. Working at my current gym I have learned from some of the young coaches because everyone sees things differently. I hope to help other coaches become better and open to new ideas. My goal for this blog is to help all gymnastics and cheerleading coaches be the coach that everyone wants have!
Hoppert Athletics 