McKenzie Figur: Blackjacks and Lady Luck Coach (level 2 and 1) Tumbling coach

Did you perform or compete?

I started gymnastics when I was 3 years old.  I joined the competitive team at age 9 until I graduated high school at age 18.  I practiced over 20 hours since age 9 and competed up to level 9.  I was the 2013 New Jersey Level 8 State Champion on Bars, 2nd place Floor, and 2nd place All Around, earning me a qualification to Level 8 Regionals.  When I went to college I decided to get out of my comfort zone and try something new, so I joined the University of Maryland Cheerleading Team.  In my first year (ever) as a cheerleader, less than 6 months after first time I stepped onto the mat, I was competing at the 2016 UCA Nationals.  I won most improved athlete my first year on the team.  I cheered on the football and basketball squads all 4 years of Undergrad, and also competed at NCA Nationals.  One of my favorite things about cheerleading was the opportunity to travel all over the country cheering games.  I was able to cheer in several NFL stadiums, attend several basketball tournaments, and had a ton of fun doing it.  When I went back to University of Maryland to get my Master's Degree, I joined the cheer team again, and traveled to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and NCA Nationals.  

What motivates you as a coach to inspire your athletes ?

As a former athlete I have been in each athletes shoes before.  I know the frustrations, the mental blocks, the joys of getting a new skill, and everything in between.  I want to be able to provide my athletes that understanding and introspection I did not have as a little kid, and let them know that if they work hard, they will ALWAYS come out on top.  I have learned so many great life lessons such as dedication, committment, confidence, time management and many other skills as an athlete. I want my athletes to come out of the gym able to apply these life lessons to anything they set their minds to.   I also want to be the coach that provides a safe and enouraging space for athletes to be themsleves and grow their confidence and skills.

Do you have a favorite quote or coaching philosophy that you would like to share?

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." —Robert Collier

My coaching philosophy is hard work and effort.  Keep pushing and you will achieve whatever you set your mind to, even if it takes a long time.

How long have you been coaching?

I started coaching at Cheer Prodigy All Stars in 2019 as a tumbling coach.  After 2 years of coaching only tumbling, I started coaching teams in addition to coaching tumbling.  I have coached Mini Prep 1.1 and Youth Prep 1.1.  I'm so excited for my 5th year of helping athletes gain skills and confidence!