🔥 Extremely Passionate Head Coach of 3-Time Division 3 Gymnastics Powerhouse, Lauren Karnitz, Joins the Podcast! 🔥

We were thrilled to welcome Lauren Karnitz, Head Coach of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Gymnastics Team, to the podcast in January 2024! 🏅

In this inspiring episode, Lauren shares her incredible journey from athlete to head coach, culminating in her leading UWO to become a 3-time Division 3 Gymnastics National Champion. 🏆✨ She dives deep into the lessons she's learned, her philosophy on coaching, and the challenges and rewards of building a championship-caliber program—all at the same school where she once competed as an athlete.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation packed with passion, perseverance, and insights from one of the top coaches in D3 gymnastics!

Whitney Snowden’s journey in gymnastics began in Ohio, where she was mentored by one of the most respected coaches in the sport, Mary Lee Tracy.

Under her guidance, Whitney honed a deep understanding of the technical aspects of gymnastics, which laid the foundation for her own coaching philosophy.

Now, as a coach herself, Whitney is committed to more than just teaching skills—she is a life changer. With a heart for each athlete’s unique journey, she approaches coaching with care and compassion, offering personalized guidance to help them reach their full potential. By blending technical precision with unwavering support, Whitney walks alongside her athletes every step of the way, empowering them to not only achieve their gymnastics goals but also build resilience and confidence that extends far beyond the gym.Her commitment to the holistic development of each gymnast makes Whitney a coach who truly makes a difference.

Whitney Snowden brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Associate Head Coach for the Mizzou Women’s Gymnastics team, having joined Head Coach Shannon Welker in 2022. Prior to her time at Mizzou, Whitney made a significant impact as a coach at Michigan State, where she helped guide athletes to new heights in their gymnastics careers.

Now, as part of a dynamic coaching staff that includes Jackie Terpak and Lacey Rubin, Whitney continues to foster excellence in every aspect of the program—technical skill, mental toughness, and team cohesion.

Together, this talented coaching trio is committed to shaping the next generation of gymnasts, driving the Tigers to compete at the highest level.

Check out Mizzou’s 2025 schedule for an exciting season ahead: 2025 Mizzou Gymnastics Schedule.https://mutigers.com/sports/womens-gymnastics/schedule

#MizzouGymnastics #TigerPride #GymnasticsExcellence

Mental Blocks Are Real—Especially This Time of Year As the season intensifies and the holidays approach, mental blocks can become more prevalent for both athletes and coaches. The anticipation of performance goals and the pressure to achieve can trigger stress and hinder progress. It's common for athletes to experience mental and emotional challenges, especially when juggling the demands of training and competition. Stacey (Goodrich) Herman, Founder of So Connected, understands these struggles deeply. So Connected is a unique space dedicated to supporting athletes and coaches in navigating the mental and emotional aspects of gymnastics that often aren't addressed during regular practice. Stacey and her team provide valuable tools to help athletes work through mental blocks, develop resilience, and maintain a healthy mindset. Whether at the gym or at home, the resources shared by So Connected empower athletes to continue their journey toward holistic success—both physically and emotionally. By fostering a positive and supportive culture, Stacey is helping shape a healthier, more connected experience for athletes and coaches alike. 💡 Want to learn more? Follow Stacey on Facebook to join her community, where she shares free tips, strategies, and resources to help athletes thrive. Let's work together to create a mentally strong, balanced, and successful environment—both in the gym and beyond! 💪 https://www.facebook.com/groups/Socostacey/ You email her at: Stacey@so-connected.com

As the 2024 college gymnastics season was kicking off, I had the unique opportunity to sit down with long-time coach Byron Knox. With decades of experience, Coach Knox has not only witnessed but has been an integral part of the evolution of college gymnastics. His legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the sport, and his contributions have helped shape the history of collegiate gymnastics in ways few others can claim. A true pioneer, his insights into the sport, the challenges faced, and the moments that define its legacy make him an invaluable figure in the gymnastics community—one whose impact stretches far beyond the competition floor.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Co-Head Coach Ryan Roberts to discuss all things Gymdogs and the University of Georgia. Ryan and his coaching staff boast impressive accolades across the sport of gymnastics, spanning the developmental, NCAA, and Olympic levels. Ryan serves as Co-Head Coach alongside Cécile Canqueteau-Landi, who is not only a former developmental coach but is also renowned as Simone Biles’ coach and an Olympian herself. With such an experienced staff, UGA is certainly in good hands!

* I DO NOT OWN THE IMAGE IN THE COVER OF THIS EPISODE

Gustavus Head Gymnastics coach, Aryn DeGrood and I had a great conversation at the beginning of the 2024 season, where we discussed the vision she has for the team. I know it has been a while since I last posted and this episode was during the 2024 season but the insights can still relate today. Please enjoy!

I had a chance to sit down with All American recent Alabama graduate student athlete Lusia Blanco, where we discussed her journey leading her to the 2024 Paris Olympics. It was great to hear the authenticity she has for the sport, her support system and her opportunity to grow within the sport.