Kayla Kalinowski is heading into her second year as gymnastics head coach and after a first year of trials, tribulations and success, she is ready to take on the 2019-20 season with an inspired outlook.

“Last year went just as well as I had hoped, if not better,” she said.  “I was lucky enough that Jen Harmoning (former head coach) is amazingly organized and when she handed the program over, she handed over all the behind the scenes work too, so it wasn’t nearly as stressful as I have heard other people say taking over a program is.”  

She is sure her athletes are looking forward to a fresh, new season in 2019-20.

Kalinowski has 19 gymnasts on her JV/varsity program this year. 

“To be honest, it will be a fight this year as to who will be competing varsity,” she says.  “I love the healthy competition between the gymnasts as it keeps everyone on their toes and fighting for their spot every meet!”

Despite the obvious youth on the team (just four seniors) Kalinowski says it not just three or four girls who can take the team far, but several.

“Our strength this year will be our depth,” she says.  “We have so many kids who can step up at a moments notice and they are really starting to buy into the fact that we are stronger together.”

For several years under Harmoning’s leadership, a star or two has emerged who really stands above and beyond the others and carries the team through the season. Kalinowski sees an evenness in her girls’ talents and isn’t worried about the “star” syndrome.

“I wouldn’t say that we have a “star” on our team.  We have many gymnasts who have put in a lot of work this off-season and are looking to improve from last season,” she said.  

“Our sophomore class has really come together this off-season and have developed an amazing work ethic and positivity that has been refreshing to work with in the gym every day,” she says.  “We are looking for big things to come out of that group this season and in the future.”  

Kalinowski hopes seniors Amelia Kirchner, Fallon Peterson, Keeley Holm and Mackensie Cota just naturally take on the roles of leaders.

“Our seniors have stepped up and are leading the rest of the team with their experience and leadership.  We have a very young team with over half of our team being seventh and eighth graders.  They have handled this very well and have been able to create an environment where everyone is included and it is hard to tell that we have so many young gymnasts on the team.”

Not only does Coach Kalinowski have to deal with teaching and leading the girls in the art of gymnastics, but she also has to teach the kids about the mental aspects of the sport. Staying focused, striving to be better and overcoming adversity.

“So much of this sport is mental,” she says.  “That is the hardest part of the sport for us coaches to teach.  While one can help to build confidence and positivity, it is very much so an individual concept.”  

Sheena Meillier returns as Kalinowski’s assistant coach. They have the girls practicing every day to get prepared for the upcoming season.