Behind the Salute is a podcast for the families, athletes, and coaches who know that gymnastics is about so much more than medals and routines.
Hosted by Tracy Troxel & Danielle Mueller, we go beyond the skills to talk about confidence, resilience, discipline, mindset, and the life lessons built inside the gym. From competition nerves to parenting through pressure, this show pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the salute.
Because years from now, they may not remember every routine — but they’ll remember who they became because of it.
New season, new routines, new energy… and plenty to talk about! 🎙️
Tracy and Danielle are chatting about what we’re seeing in the gym this fall — from athlete attitudes and confidence to trends, challenges, growing pains, and those little things that make us stop and think, “Are we the only ones noticing this?!” 👀
We’re talking about what’s going well, what’s making us scratch our heads, and what we hope to see more of as the season gets rolling. Because after spending years in gymnastics as athletes, coaches, and now gym moms, we’ve learned that there’s always more happening in the gym than what you see on the surface.
Whether you’re a gymnast, parent, or coach, tune in for some real talk, a few laughs, and honest observations from inside the gym.
14 Oct 2026
More Than Medals: The First Meet of the Season
The first competition of the season is in the books, and we're recapping all the excitement, nerves, proud moments, and everything in between! ❤️
This meet was extra special for Danielle as she stepped into a whole new role for the first time: gym mom AND coach. Watching her daughter take the competition floor through a mom's eyes brought a whole new perspective—and watching so many of our gymnasts compete for the very first time was a reminder of why we love this sport so much.
But here's the thing: gymnastics is about so much more than scores, medals, and where you place on the podium.
It's about the little girl who overcomes her nerves enough to salute for the first time. The gymnast who keeps going after a mistake. The confidence built one practice at a time. The friendships, the courage, the life lessons, and the love for the sport that grows along the way.
Those first meets? They're building blocks. They're where strong foundations are laid, confidence begins to grow, and young athletes start discovering what they're capable of. We aren't just trying to build better gymnasts—we're trying to build gymnasts who LOVE this sport enough to stick with it for years to come.
🎙️ Tune in for a reminder that every great gymnastics journey starts somewhere—and sometimes, the biggest wins are the ones that never show up on a scoreboard.
7 Oct 2026
Your Coach Said WHAT?! Stop Back Tumbling At Home!
Back handsprings in the living room? Cartwheels down the hallway? Practicing your back tuck on the grass? 😳
We LOVE that gymnasts are motivated and want to improve—but there are some skills that should stay inside the gym!
In this episode of Behind the Salute, we’re talking about why coaches cringe when they hear, “I practiced it at home!” 😂 We’re breaking down the risks of unsupervised tumbling, why repetition doesn’t always mean improvement, and how practicing skills incorrectly can create bad habits, fear, or even injury.
We’ll also talk about what gymnasts CAN safely work on at home to build strength, flexibility, body awareness, and confidence without turning the living room into a gymnastics facility.
Your coach isn’t trying to ruin your fun—they’re trying to keep you safe, healthy, and progressing the right way.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
11 ratings
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