Green Bay YMCA Gymnastics

Last day of summer practice calls for donuts to celebrate!

REMINDER: No practices until 9/8. Enjoy your back to school break!

Alumni Feature Friday: Clara

“I’m Clara and I’m currently a wildlife biologist and work for the state. After leaving the Y, I studied wildlife ecology at UW Madison and have stuck around Madison since then. I love hiking and reading and catching up with friends.

What I’ve learned by being a part of the Gymstar Team is that it is so much easier to do something that is scary when you know a good coach and friends have your back. Except back handsprings on the beam. Those are always scary.

My advice to younger gymnasts is to become friends with each person on your team. Makes every practice fun.

When I think of the gym, I think of all the friends I’ve made over the years. I also think about running 24 laps around the track to make a mile.”

Meet the Coach Monday! Meet Coach Sue, she will be coaching levels 3, 4, and 5 this season!

“Coaching gymnastics and instructing fitness classes has been my passion now for 27 years. When I was a high school team gymnast, I knew that someday I wanted to coach, teach, and help shape the character of young gymnasts and adults , as my own coach did for me. I love working with the whole child, not just the gymnast, and especially love building a sense of strong work ethic, discipline, motivation, confidence, and an overall love for the sport and themselves, as they eventually believe in themselves more. I enjoy the connection and relationships I build with the parents also, and feel so honored to be a part of their child’s village.”

It's almost Friday...

We're flashing it back today! Do you recognize anyone?

What started as a magazine assignment in 1993 became a lifelong connection to Green Bay YMCA Gymnastics for Preston!

He first came to write about gymnastics and martial arts cross-training, then decided to join a YMCA Adult Gymnastics class himself. That one decision led to personal growth, meaningful relationships, new confidence, and accomplishments he once never imagined.

“Since then, Y gymnastics helped me to grow not only as an athlete, but as a person. I went from someone who couldn’t do a cartwheel to getting a 9.8 for my floor routine at State!”

Preston also spent a year as an instructor for Saturday opens and credits Coach Robin, Coach Sue, fellow gymnasts, parents, other coaches, and especially his mom for supporting him along the way. His story is a reminder that one step through the doors of the Y can lead to confidence, community, new possibilities, and memories that stay with you.

Thank you, Preston, for sharing your Y story and reminding us to keep the faith!

Meet the Coach Monday: Coach Jenny! She will be coaching Xcel Silver and Gold.

"I started in Y gymnastics when I was 7 (and became an original member of the M&M Gliders) After leaving competitive gymnastics years later due to injuries and subsequent fears, I found my love for the sport again through coaching. I enjoy helping gymnasts find their strengths, work through their weaknesses, and, in doing so, build their confidence, achieve their goals, and have fun!"

See you tomorrow Gymstar Alum! Don't forget to bring a photo and favorite memory to share or even a dish to pass!

We hope to see you all there and don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook https://tinyurl.com/mr9ma9m9