Our family has been part of the North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids community for nearly 13 years, and it is hard to put into words just how much this place has meant to us. What started as a simple introduction to movement and play for a young child has grown into a foundation of discipline, resilience, confidence, leadership, and character that continues to shape our children every single day.

My son Brandon first walked into the gym before he was four years old, joining the younger children's classes when everything was still about curiosity, energy, and learning how to move his body in space. From those early days, gymnastics became more than just an activity. It became a second home. Over the years, that small child grew into a dedicated athlete, and now Brandon has been a member of the Boys' Team for a number of years. Watching that progression has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life as a parent.

Both Brandon and my daughter, Alexandra, have been fortunate enough to be part of this gymnastics family when the gym was still at the original 4S location, and Daniel Gundert was coaching. Those early years were formative not just for their athletic development, but for their sense of belonging. The coaches knew their names, understood their personalities, and held them to standards that balanced encouragement with accountability.

That combination made all the difference. For Brandon in particular, the strength, discipline, and work ethic he developed through gymnastics have translated seamlessly into other areas of his life. Over the years, hehas participated in multiple sports, including baseball and wrestling, and most recently earned his spot as a sophomore on the Rancho Bernardo Varsity Football Team.

He plays outside linebacker and contributes on special teams, roles that demand toughness, awareness, and trust from teammates and coaches alike. The body control, explosiveness, balance, and mental toughness he gained through gymnastics gave him a clear advantage, even when stepping into completely different athletic environments.

What people often overlook about gymnastics is how mentally demanding it is. It requires focus under pressure, the ability to learn from mistakes, and the discipline to repeat fundamentals thousands of times until they are second nature. Those lessons do not stay on the mat. Brandon carries them into the weight room, the classroom, and life in general. On his own initiative, he spends extra time weightlifting at our local gyms, always looking for ways to improve himself and push his limits responsibly. I admit I proudly joke with friends and family about how absolutely ripped he has become, but what I am really proud of is the discipline and motivation behind it.

Beyond the physical development, gymnastics has played an even bigger role in shaping Brandon's character. Over the past few years, he has had the opportunity to coach younger students during the summer and on days off from school, helping out with various camps. Watching him step into that role has been incredibly meaningful. When I was his age, I was flipping burgers and counting the minutes until my shift ended. Brandon is teaching, mentoring, and encouraging younger athletes while learning to lead with patience and responsibility.

That experience is laying the groundwork for a lifetime of leadership and service. Coaching requires communication, empathy, and accountability. It teaches you how to support others while holding them to standards, and how to be a role model, whether you intend to be or not. Brandon takes that responsibility seriously, and it shows in how he carries himself both inside and outside the gym. What makes this even more special is that his leadership does not stop when camp hours end. He constantly mentors and supports his younger teammates on the Boys' Team, offering encouragement, advice, and reassurance. He also supports his peers, understanding that success in gymnastics and in life is not a solo pursuit. That culture of teamwork and mutual respect is something North County Gymnastics fosters exceptionally well, and it is reflected in the athletes it produces.

Thirteen years is a long time, especially in a child's life. Over those years, we have watched coaches invest countless hours into their athletes, celebrate their successes, and stand beside them through challenges. We have seen friendships formed, confidence built, and young kids grow into young adults who carry these lessons forward. Gyminy Kids and North County Gymnastics have been far more than a gym for our family. They have been a community, a support system, and a place where our children learned what it means to work hard, support others, and believe in themselves. As a parent, there is no greater gift than knowing your children are surrounded by people who care deeply about who they are becoming, not just how they perform.

We are incredibly grateful for every coach, teammate, and family who has been part of this journey with us. The impact of these past 13 years will last a lifetime, and we cannot thank this gymnastics family enough for helping shape our children into the strong, confident, and compassionate individuals they are today.

Phil Kendro

Long-time Gyminny Kids Client and team parent

More about Phil

Phil Kendro is a 20-year Marine Corps veteran, airline pilot, and dedicated community leader whose life's work centers on service, connection, and helping others thrive after transition. Shaped early by summers spent with his grandparents, where he learned kindness, patriotism, and the importance of community, Phil carried those values through his military career and into civilian life. After facing firsthand challenges during his own transition, he committed himself to supporting fellow veterans by co-founding the Veterans Beer Club, an organization focused on easing the transition through networking, camaraderie, and community service. Phil also serves as CEO and President of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association, honoring more than 6,300 veterans, and is actively involved with numerous civic and military organizations across San Diego County. Known as a connector with boundless energy, Phil continues to bring people together to collaborate, serve, and make a lasting positive impact.