WHO WE ARE

OUR STORY

United by fate, bonded by love, and driven by passion, Mihael-Catalin & Ashley Anton live each day to brighten the lives and enhance the futures of the young girls they work with through the sport of gymnastics.  On opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean, in two very different cultures, both Ashley and Mihael grew up immersed in the sport of gymnastics, both holding an Olympic Dream which remains untouched but brought so much more than they ever expected to their lives.

Growing up in Romania under a rigorous communist regime, Mihael did not enroll in gymnastics for his love of the sport; he was sent to the gym as a form of recovery after narrowly fighting death due to illness as a young child. Despite all odds he became Junior National Champion and one of the strongest competitors on the Romanian National Team.

Growing up in America, born prematurely at only 1lb 3oz, Ashley began gymnastics inspired by USA's historic win at the 1996 Olympics. Going on to win multiple state and regional titles, but failing to reach full potential due to injuries and beginning a coaching career at the age of 15.

In differing ways Ashley & Mihael both faced hardships and abuses within the sport.  Motivated from the heart, they each held the same goal of coaching gymnastics "beyond the skills", touching the hearts and minds of the children they work with.

WHY DO WE TEACH?

We teach because we dream....

Meeting in America, fighting adversity, blackmail, and even homelessness, Ashley & Mihael dreamt to open their own facility to live out their dream of changing the culture of gymnastics, and providing young girls a unique chance to capture their athletic dreams, while empowering their spirits, allowing them to grow into "champion" women.

Since opening we realized we can further our transformative mission by sharing our stories, and our insight; offering advice to each member of the "trinity" of athletic success, the parent, the coach, and the athlete.  

We are here to create a transformative community which embraces athlete well-being, humanizes sport conduct, and illuminates the champion within. Building character which carries an athlete to the top of podium and beyond.

HOW WE VIEW WHAT WE DO 

It is hard to describe what we do as a "business" because truly it is a passion and a blessing. We are lucky to live each day sharing our love of our sport while teaching young girls to value themselves in a world which can be so harsh. 

What we do each day is so much more than pointed toes; it's teaching girls to strive, to define themselves by their principals and efforts rather than the titles they win, to appreciate others even those who surpass them, to trust themselves in moments they are scared, to remain driven in the face of adversity, to stand back up after a fall, & to give 100% of their heart towards their dream. 

Through actively coaching gymnastics and speaking about coaching gymnastics, we have the ability to empower girls to become strong, fierce, driven, confident, passionate, and gracious women.