A
Anonymous (f8be)
Hi all. I am struggling with choosing a new gym for my 9-year old who has had a relatively (?) successful 2 years competing.
Gym 1: newer program, large (over 300 gymnasts on team), super successful and lovely coaches. Trains compulsory in TOPS style (I'm really not sure what that even means) and after a few weeks of trial practices on the level 5 team my daughter is bored out of her mind. When the coach checked in with me and I mentioned my daughter was worried about losing some of her newer skills, I was nicely asked what her goals are - and if it's college, she needs to stay put. "The skills will come back, now we're focusing on strength". This gym is picky about who they will accept on the compulsory/optionals side.
Gym 2: also newer program, much smaller (maybe 50 gymnasts on team), does well competitively but nothing like Gym 1. Placed my daughter on a level 6 team and she'll score out of level 5 this fall. Never asked me about goals, are thrilled to potentially have her, etc. She's enjoyed the trial practices more as it's similar to what she's used to.
Both cost about the same and are about the same hours. Both are about the same drive.
I guess I am struggling because yes, my daughter would love to do college gymnastics - as I think many 9-year olds in the sport say they would. But really, what does she know? Are we really expected to make decisions at 9-years old that will impact a potential athletic career in college? I want her to have fun, continue to love the sport and see where it takes her. We've been told that she has "what it takes" to go far but I am not sure if everyone gets told that.
Since we're changing gyms now I am hoping to find a place with longevity to avoid having to change again. I don't know what seems best. HELP!
Gym 1: newer program, large (over 300 gymnasts on team), super successful and lovely coaches. Trains compulsory in TOPS style (I'm really not sure what that even means) and after a few weeks of trial practices on the level 5 team my daughter is bored out of her mind. When the coach checked in with me and I mentioned my daughter was worried about losing some of her newer skills, I was nicely asked what her goals are - and if it's college, she needs to stay put. "The skills will come back, now we're focusing on strength". This gym is picky about who they will accept on the compulsory/optionals side.
Gym 2: also newer program, much smaller (maybe 50 gymnasts on team), does well competitively but nothing like Gym 1. Placed my daughter on a level 6 team and she'll score out of level 5 this fall. Never asked me about goals, are thrilled to potentially have her, etc. She's enjoyed the trial practices more as it's similar to what she's used to.
Both cost about the same and are about the same hours. Both are about the same drive.
I guess I am struggling because yes, my daughter would love to do college gymnastics - as I think many 9-year olds in the sport say they would. But really, what does she know? Are we really expected to make decisions at 9-years old that will impact a potential athletic career in college? I want her to have fun, continue to love the sport and see where it takes her. We've been told that she has "what it takes" to go far but I am not sure if everyone gets told that.
Since we're changing gyms now I am hoping to find a place with longevity to avoid having to change again. I don't know what seems best. HELP!