Choosing a college is a big decision, especially when you're a gymnast. With over 150 colleges offering gymnastics and acro/tumbling programs, it can feel overwhelming to find the right fit. Websites and brochures only tell you so much, and visiting every campus just isn't possible.
That's where the Discover College Gymnastics podcast comes in!
We're your one-stop resource for all things college gymnastics recruiting. Each episode features in-depth interviews with college coaches from across the country. They'll share insider tips and insights, including:
What they look for in recruits: Beyond your skills, what qualities make a gymnast stand out?
The recruiting process: From making contact to campus visits, get the inside scoop on how it all works, straight from the coaches themselves.
Program highlights: Discover the unique aspects of each program, from training schedules to academic support.
Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're deep into the recruiting process, this podcast will help you navigate this exciting journey with confidence.
Greenville University Gymnastics Head Coach | Anique Grenier
In this episode, you'll hear:
How she didn't really think she wanted to be a college gymnast and what changed.
What she loves about team (college) gymnastics and how it's different than club.
When she wants athletes to reach out and what her recruiting timeline is like.
Why she feels like more contact is better--reach out often!
What stands out when you go on a college visit.
Why it's important to "get on campus" and have an open mind to all opportunities.
Helpful Links
Greenville University Gymnastics: https://athletics.greenville.edu/sports/wgym/coaches/index
Greenville University Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gu_gymnastics/
See all of our interviews and get free college recruiting resources at: https://discovercollegegymnastics.com/
We’d love to hear from you! Email us: discovercollegegymnastics@gmail.com
13 Jan 2025
University of Montevallo Acrobatics & Tumbling Head Coach | Kati Horstmann
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How she looks for “good humans” and athletes who fit in with their culture.
How she finds many of her recruits on Instagram and how she likes going to gyms to observe practices to see how recruits interact with coaches and teammates.
Things she’s seen recruits do at practice that show her an athlete isn’t recruitable.
The amazing community support and atmosphere at the University of Montevallo.
How she creates a supportive culture where athlete’s aren’t afraid to make mistakes.
Helpful Links
University of Montevallo Acrobatics and Tumbling: https://montevallofalcons.com/sports/acrobatics-tumbling
Recruiting Questionnaire: https://montevallofalcons.com/sb_output.aspx?form=4
University of Montevallo A&T Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umacrotumb/
See all of our interviews and get free college recruiting resources at: https://discovercollegegymnastics.com/
We’d love to hear from you! Email us: discovercollegegymnastics@gmail.com
30 Dec 2024
West Liberty University Acrobatics & Tumbling Head Coach | Kelsey Kyle
In this episode, you'll hear:
How DII recruiting rules are different and how she plans to contact athletes earlier.
Why there is so much room for development and growth once an athlete is on an A&T team.
How athletics are highly supported at West Liberty.
How an athlete's willingness to try new things is absolutely KEY in A&T.
That is possible to get a full ride combining athletic and academic scholarships.
Helpful Links
West Liberty Acrobatics and Tumbling: https://hilltoppersports.com/sports/acrobatics-tumbling
West Liberty A&T Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wlu_acrotumb/
See all of our interviews and get free college recruiting resources at: https://discovercollegegymnastics.com/
We’d love to hear from you! Email us: discovercollegegymnastics@gmail.com
16 Dec 2024
Simpson College Gymnastics Head Coach | Emily Barrett Payne
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Her preferred method of contact if you want to get recruited and how she likes communication “early and often.”
Why vault and bars are the most recruited events at Simpson.
Why on-the-mat skills are important, but what she thinks are the most important skills OFF the mat.
What might be surprising about the Simpson College campus.
The amazing financial aid you can get at Simpson and why you shouldn’t let the cost hold you back.
Her coaching style and how she’s a self-described “quieter coach.”
Helpful Links
Simpson College Gymnastics: https://www.simpsonathletics.com/sports/wgym/index
Recruiting Questionnaire: https://www.simpsonathletics.com/sports/wgym/recruitquestionnaire
Simpson College Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simpsoncollege/
See all of our interviews and get free college recruiting resources at: https://discovercollegegymnastics.com/
We’d love to hear from you! Email us: discovercollegegymnastics@gmail.com
2 Dec 2024
West Chester University Pennsylvania Gymnastics Head Coach | Barbara Cordova
In this episode, Casey chats with Barbara Cordova, head gymnastics coach at West Chester University in West Chester, PA.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
The difference between DII vs. DI & DIII-how DII can now talk to athletes of all ages.
How West Chester balances being a competitive athlete and being a student.
How West Chester prides itself on academics
How West Chester’s mentoring program helps with the smooth transition to being a college athlete.
The beauty of the West Chester community.
Her passion for creating a positive team environment for her athletes.
Helpful Links:
West Chester University Gymnastics: https://wcupagoldenrams.com/sports/womens-gymnastics
Recruiting Questionnaire: https://questionnaires.armssoftware.com/e9f17336cab6
West Chester University Camps: https://wcusummerwomensgymnasticscamps.totalcamps.com
West Chester University Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westchesterunirams/
See all of our interviews and get free college recruiting resources at: https://discovercollegegymnastics.com/
We’d love to hear from you! Email us: discovercollegegymnastics@gmail.com
18 Nov 2024
Hamline University Gymnastics Head Coach | Doug Byrnes
In this episode, Casey chats with Doug Byrnes, head gymnastics coach at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. Coach Bynes is entering his 26th year as head gymnastics coach at Hamline!
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How the Division III recruiting timeline differs a bit from other divisions.
How there are always exceptions to the recruiting timeline.
How he likes both YouTube and Instagram to view athlete highlights.
Why he says he only “actively recruits Level 10s”...but how there are always exceptions to this!
The general practice schedule and how each practice is structured.
Why self-efficacy/self-confidence, composure, self-motivation, and being adaptable are some of the most important skills a gymnast can have…on and off the mat.
Helpful Links:
Hamline University Gymnastics:
https://hamlineathletics.com/sports/womens-gymnastics
Hamline Gymnastics Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugymnastics/
Luan Peszek (Jill Hicks Consulting/Recruiting): https://www.instagram.com/luanpeszek.jhconsulting/
See all of our interviews and get free college recruiting resources at: https://discovercollegegymnastics.com/
We’d love to hear from you! Email us: discovercollegegymnastics@gmail.com
8 Nov 2024
Calvin University Acrobatics and Tumbling Head Coach | Ellen Barker
In this episode, Casey chats with Ellen Barker, head acrobatics and tumbling coach at Calvin Univeristy in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Coach Barker is Calvin's first A&T coach as they enter their inaugural season in 2025!
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Coach Barker's sheer EXCITEMENT for the upcoming inaugural season.
Why you don’t have to be a high-level, elite tumbler or gymnast to be successful on an college acrobatics and tumbling team.
How faith, desire, passion, self-motivation, and hard work are some of the most important recruiting factors for Coach Barker.
The importance of going to camps and clinics as a prospective recruit.
How Calvin emphasizes community, diversity, and counseling services for all of their students.
Helpful Links:
Calvin University Arcobatics & Tumbling: https://calvinknights.com/sports/acrobatics-tumbling
Recruiting Questionnaire: https://tinyurl.com/y7vxb7zf
Calvin Acrobatics and Tumbling Clinics: https://acroandtumbling.calvinsportscamps.com/
Acrobatics and Tumbling FAQs: https://thencata.org/sports/2019/8/26/this-is-FAQ.aspx
Calvin A&T Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvinacrotumb/
See all of our interviews and get free college recruiting resources at: https://discovercollegegymnastics.com/
We’d love to hear from you! Email us: discovercollegegymnastics@gmail.com
8 Nov 2024
Gustavus Adolphus Gymnastics Head Coach | Aryn DeGrood
In this episode, Casey chats with Aryn DeGrood, head gymnastics coach at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. Coach DeGrood is entering her 11th year as head coach and she is also an alumnus at Gustavus where she competed as both a gymnast AND a track and field athlete.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Coach DeGrood talk about how it’s never too early to start reaching out to coaches and and why Instagram is one of her favorite ways to watch prospective athletes.
Why she doesn’t rely just on scores, but rather on the whole athlete in her recruiting process.
Why you don’t necessarily have to be a Level 10 to be a successful college gymnast.
Why academics are a key part of her recruiting process.
How she focuses on her athletes being “well-rounded humans” - both as a gymnast and as a future successful adult.
How Coach DeGrood and Gustavus Adolphus support their athletes academically and with mental health.
What a typical week looks like as a student-athlete as Gustavus.
Helpful Links:
Gustavus Adolphus Gymnastics: https://gogusties.com/sports/womens-gymnastics
School Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gustavusadolphuscollege/
Coach DeGrood’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coacharyndegrood/
See all of our interviews and get free college recruiting resources at: https://discovercollegegymnastics.com/
We’d love to hear from you! Email us: discovercollegegymnastics@gmail.com
25 Oct 2024
Podcast Trailer | Discover College Gymnastics
Choosing a college is a big decision, especially when you're a gymnast. With over 150 colleges offering gymnastics and acro/tumbling programs, it can feel overwhelming to find the right fit. Websites and brochures only tell you so much, and visiting every campus just isn't possible.
That's where the Discover College Gymnastics podcast comes in! Each episode features in-depth interviews with college coaches from across the country. They'll share insider tips and insights, including:
What they look for in recruits: Beyond your skills, what qualities make a gymnast stand out?
The recruiting process: From making contact to campus visits, get the inside scoop on how it all works, straight from the coaches themselves.
Program highlights: Discover the unique aspects of each program, from training schedules to academic support.
All of this is presented in short, easy-to-consume episodes because believe me, I know you’re busy!
Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're deep into the recruiting process, this podcast will help you navigate this exciting journey with confidence.
Podcast Authority Score: 20 / 100
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