As many of you know, Puma Jr has been struggling. She has improved so much, but she's been really down on herself and we've decided to step away from JO at least for now. Unfortunately, this means another gym change and I'm incredibly sad to be leaving her gym. But the only other option for her there is Xcel, and they still compete against the very strong gyms who sweep the podium. The one gym especially is very selective with their small JO teams and funnels the rest to Xcel. Their Xcel kids would be very strong JO athletes at most other gyms around here. So I feel like if we're giving up all the hopes and dreams of JO, I want to put her in a position to potentially be able to be more successful at meets. I did a lot of research on USAIGC, and I think it will be a good fit for her. It's less hours and less intense and she could go back over to JO in a year or so if she wanted. This was absolutely her decision. Even as we drove to that last meet when she finally qualified for States, she said she wanted out. I'm feeling incredibly guilty for not realizing how stressed she was. It's like the weight of the world is off her shoulders now. She's excited to have a fresh start and to not have compulsory routines. She was in between Bronze and Silver, and she and I are both glad they decided on Bronze. Its slightly easier than L5, so she feels like it takes the pressure off. She can practice big, fun skills but compete what she's solid at. She was sad texting her old teammates about it last night when she made the final decision, and I asked her if she was having second thoughts, and she said no. She was 100% sure. I am heartbroken to leave her coaches who have put so much work into her and will never forget all they've done for her. I will also miss the awesome people I've met there. But I have to do what's right for my kid. I just want her to be happy. I am so appreciative and taken aback by how kind and understanding everyone involved has been. Both HC and the owner had wonderful things to say about Puma Jr and wished her the best and even said the door was always open to her. I seriously cried when I read that. The other coaches and parents have been amazing too. And YOU would cry if you read the group message the teammates had going. All the coaches said they believe she has the potential to be a JO gymnast if she wants to be, but that's something she has to decide. I absolutely get that she can be a tough kid to coach, doing skills well once, then back to sloppy habits, or not taking correction well and shutting down when embarrassed...she was getting frustrated and I think it spiraled into her thinking she could never get better. I appreciate the coaches being tough on her because they knew she could do it, but it got to be too much. Maybe it's a maturity thing, maybe she's just not cut out for JO. I don't know, but I know she loves gymnastics and I'd rather step back a little than have her burn out and quit altogether. I have told her that no matter what gym/program/level, that taking correction is a must and form is still everything. I don't expect her to come in and dominate, but I do hope going against slightly lower competition will get her confidence back up. We shall see! On to our next adventure! 
