A Lifetime on the Mat: Lauren Hall’s 40-Year Journey Coaching Gymnastics and Character
We are over the moon to welcome Coach Lauren as our guest blogger, and even more excited to have her as part of the Gyminny Kids family! Lauren is a compassionate, genuine coach with over 40 years of gymnastics experience, having jumped into the sport at just six years old when climbing and tumbling came as naturally as breathing. She discovered her love for coaching at 15 and has spent decades inspiring, motivating, and encouraging her athletes to grow not only in gymnastics but in life. What makes her presence at Gyminny Kids especially meaningful is the full-circle journey that brought her here: Lauren once coached Gyminny Kids co-owner Melanie Gundert when she was a young gymnast. Lauren also attended and coached at Aztecs, the very gym where co-owner Daniel Gundert began his gymnastics career over 30 years ago. Their paths intersected decades ago, and to have Coach Lauren on our Gyminny Kids coaching staff today is truly a beautiful, full-circle moment. We couldn’t be more grateful to have her wisdom, heart, and humor at Gyminny Kids. - Daniel Gundert
A. How long have you been coaching? B. Coaching at North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids, and what originally brought you here?
I’ve been coaching for 40-plus years. What brought me to Gyminny Kids is the values and philosophy of owner and CEO Daniel Gundert. Our values strongly align, bringing life lessons through the sport of gymnastics in a safe and positive environment, teaching the importance of building character and self-esteem while employing integrity and the self-discipline it takes to be an athlete.
I’ve been with Gyminny Kids for 2 ½ years.
My journey here involved a unique set of circumstances. I previously worked at the Poway location before Gyminny Kids acquired it. During the transition, I was on leave due to an injury. Once the gym was sold, I interviewed with Daniel and the Gyminny Kids team, and the rest—as they say—is history.
A. How long have you been coaching?
I’ve been coaching for over 40 years.
B. How did you come to coach at Gyminny Kids, and what originally brought you here?
I was drawn to Gyminny Kids because of the values and philosophy of the owner and CEO, Daniel Gundert. Our values strongly align, using the sport of gymnastics to teach life lessons in a positive environment while emphasizing character development.
What was your first impression of Gyminny Kids when you started?
My first impression of Gyminny Kids was shaped by kindness and support. I truly appreciated how welcoming and helpful the management team was as they guided me through learning the ropes as a new employee.
Interestingly, my impression of Gyminny Kids actually began long before I officially started working here. Years ago, I was sitting at a table, grabbing a quick lunch between sessions at a gymnastics competition, when Daniel happened to be seated at the next table. He was talking with a coworker about his coaching philosophy, and with nothing else to do, I couldn’t help but listen. What I heard resonated deeply with me; his approach to gymnastics closely aligned with my own beliefs. I remember thinking he was someone I could truly coach alongside.
Since joining Gyminny Kids, I’ve seen that those values still hold true to what I heard in that stuffy little room so many years ago.
What made you decide to stay—and keep building your career here over the years?
The people I work with are amazing, and the children I coach are the reason I do what I do. I want to make a positive impression on them by balancing discipline and work ethic with focus and a bit of goofiness along the way.
I’ve stayed because Gyminny Kids is truly dedicated to building lasting relationships with its employees, creating an environment where coaches feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow.
Why do you coach gymnastics?
Coaching blends my two passions beautifully. My love of gymnastics has been with me for as long as I can remember. Every tree branch or railing became a bar to pull myself up on and hang upside down, brick walls turned into balance beams, puddles were meant to be leapt over, hills were made for rolling down, and I even climbed the walls at home. My parents enrolled me in gymnastics classes at the age of six in hopes of channeling some of that endless energy that never quite seemed to run out.
I began coaching and teaching at the age of fifteen, and I’ve been sharing that passion ever since. I love getting children excited about learning and movement. It is my greatest honor to know that I’ve helped a child not only learn gymnastics skills, but also build self-confidence and perseverance to follow through with a challenge that will stay with them for life.
What keeps you excited to come to the gym, even after all these years?
Every day brings a new experience. From helping a seasoned athlete prepare for her next competition to watching a child complete their very first cartwheel, there is nothing like seeing the joy on their face when they accomplish something new.
Is there a moment with a gymnast that reminded you why you do this job?
There are honestly so many moments from my years of coaching that it’s difficult to choose just one. Each gymnast’s journey is unique, but there are a few moments I hold very dearly in my heart, moments that truly remind me why I do what I do.
How has your “why” evolved since you first started coaching?
My reason for coaching has evolved over the years. It was my first job, and it’s the last job I could ever imagine wanting. I began coaching simply to earn extra money to buy clothes, but I was fortunate to have the Academy Director role at Aztec Gymnastics, where I also trained as a gymnast, and they took a chance on me as a teenager.
There, I learned the fundamentals of coaching, how to teach skills, spot safely, and manage a class. What began as a job gradually became a calling. Today, I coach because I know I can make a positive impact on a child’s life, helping shape not just athletes, but confident, resilient individuals.
What life skills do you see kids develop in the gym that go far beyond gymnastics?
Gymnastics teaches so much more than physical skills. In the gym, kids learn perseverance, patience, grit, and determination as they work through challenges. They develop problem-solving skills, discipline, focus, and a strong work ethic.
Just as importantly, they learn how to work as part of a team, supporting one another, celebrating successes, and learning from setbacks. These are life skills that stay with them long after they leave the gym.
What life skills do you see kids develop in the gym that go far beyond gymnastics?
Gymnastics teaches so much more than physical skills. In the gym, kids learn perseverance, patience, grit, and determination as they work through challenges. They also develop problem-solving skills, discipline, focus, and a strong work ethic.
Just as importantly, they learn how to work as part of a team, supporting one another, celebrating successes, and learning from setbacks. These are life skills that stay with them long after they leave the gym.
What makes Gyminny Kids different from other gyms you’ve coached at or seen?
Gyminny Kids stands out for its genuine care and dedication to its coaches. There is a strong commitment to ongoing education and development, ensuring coaches continually learn and grow so they can better serve the young athletes who walk into the gym each day, excited to be there.
What values matter most to you as a coach, and how does Gyminny Kids support those values?
For me, it’s about putting in the work, staying dedicated, and trusting that personal growth will follow. Gyminny Kids supports these values by emphasizing effort, consistency, and development, creating an environment where athletes are encouraged to grow both in the gym and in life.
How do teamwork and support show up among the coaches here?
Everyone is willing to help each other out, share ideas, and support one another. It creates a positive, collaborative environment that ultimately benefits both the coaches and the athletes.
What has allowed you to grow and stay in this profession long-term?
Continuing to invest in my learning and adapting to how the sport of gymnastics has evolved since I was a child has been key. Having a supportive family has also made a huge difference, allowing me to stay passionate and committed to this profession over the years.
How has Gyminny Kids supported you as a professional, not just as a coach?
Gyminny Kids has supported me by providing opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. Beyond teaching gymnastics, they value their coaches, fostering an environment where I feel respected, challenged, and empowered to grow.
What does it mean to work at a gym that invests in career coaches?
It means I’ve found my forever gym, and it makes me proud to be part of the Gyminny Kids team.
What’s one of your favorite memories at Gyminny Kids?
One of my favorite memories is participating in the Winter Wonderland event in December, complete with ice skating and a snowball fight. It’s a fun, festive way to connect with the kids, having them throw fake snowballs at you while they wear huge smiles.
What’s something special about seeing kids progress year after year?
Knowing I had an integral part of that development.
What’s a small moment in the gym that never gets old for you?
Seeing the joy and excitement on a child’s face when they complete a skill for the first time, and ring the bell to announce what skill they just learned and celebrate while the whole gym cheers, never gets old. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do.
What advice would you give parents who are new to gymnastics?
Be patient with the learning process. Trust the coaches; they are teaching proper techniques and drills to help your child build skills safely and effectively.
What do you hope kids take with them when they leave Gyminny Kids, years from now?
I hope they leave with confidence in themselves and pride in what they’ve accomplished. Beyond gymnastics, I hope they carry a strong work ethic, perseverance, and the understanding that hard work and dedication can help them overcome challenges.
Most of all, I hope they leave knowing they are capable, valued, and prepared to take on whatever comes next, both in and out of the gym.
If a child is struggling or doubting themselves, what do you want them to hear?
It’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to fail while attempting a skill. Every attempt, even when it doesn’t work out, is a step closer to success. Keep trying, you’re learning and growing with every step.
In one sentence, what does Gyminny Kids mean to you?
Gyminny Kids is a great place to work, helping kids thrive.
If you had to describe your coaching “why” in a few words, what would they be?
Inspire growth, build confidence, and spark a lifelong love of learning.
“The best part of coaching is…”
…seeing the joy on a child’s face when they achieve something they didn’t think they could, and knowing I played a part in their success.
At Gyminny Kids, kids learn essential life lessons and build character through the sport of gymnastics.
“Coaching here has taught me…”
…to lead with patience, passion, and integrity.
Has a gymnast ever touched your life?
I worked a gymnast named Maddie who began experiencing frequent headaches. Soon, she started missing gymnastics classes. Her sister, Vivie, was also enrolled. Eventually, Maddie had to withdraw from classes after being diagnosed with cancer. No ten-year-old should ever have to hear that diagnosis.
Vivie continued coming to class, and Maddie would often come along to watch and hang out in the viewing area. I made a point to say hello and tell jokes to Vivie to make her laugh. Maddie wore cute hats to cover the hair loss from treatment. I would tell her, “That hat is really cute—can I borrow it sometime? I’ll call you,” pretending to make a phone call with my hand. She would giggle.
As time went on, her visits became less frequent as her diagnosis turned terminal. Eventually, the family stepped away for a while to make as many memories together as possible.
After a hiatus, Vivie returned to class. I asked her mom if there was anything I could do to help. She mentioned donations to the Make-A-Wish and Seany Foundations, which had supported the family through this unimaginably difficult time. I asked if we could host a fundraiser in Maddie’s name, and she said that would be lovely.
Around that same time, the movie Full Out: The Ariana Berlin Story had just been released. Ariana is a former gymnast I had the privilege of coaching when she was young. I reached out to her and shared Maddie’s story. Without hesitation, she agreed to donate her time and be part of the fundraiser.
What started as one family’s heartbreak became a community coming together—to honor Maddie, to support Vivie, and to Go Gold for a little girl who showed strength, joy, and grace far beyond her years.
