To Being A Gymnast, To A Coach, And Now A Judge

Two years retired from gymnastics.

Two years ago today I hung up my grips and leo and wrote my final thank-you letter to gymnastics. If you know me, you know this sport was my entire life for 11 years. Coming home from school to practice at Wilmette, literally lived at the gym, and winning three uneven bar titles that chapter completely made me who I am. Saying goodbye to gymnastics was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

When I first retired, I honestly didn't know who I was going to be without flipping every single day, and navigating life after Gymnastics is really different and an total adjustment. But walking away with an amazing career in the sport and making other ways to stay connected have helped along the way.

I am also so glad about the opportunity this sport have also given me. But I can’t fully say I have officially processed not flipping everyday. The truth is this sport never really leaves you your relationship with it just changes. I definitely still miss it everyday , and I love getting to flip around for fun whenever I can, but my focus has shifted from the equipment to the sidelines.

Today, I am a to coach, a certified judge, and the creator of Gymnast Salute. Getting to help the next generation find that same love and passion for the sport that I did is the best reward. My time competing might be over, but staying connected in the sport is far from done. I’m so excited to keep giving back to the community that raised me, and here to the journey that shaped me, the heart that beats for the sport, and to keep chasing the ultimate dream of coaching at the NCAA level one day!