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Interview with Danielle Walker
Marblehead/Swampscott YMCA Gymnastics Director Danielle Walker is
most excited about finally having the gymnastics program under the
same roof as all other programs in the new YMCA at Leggs Hill.
“I’m excited
about being a part of the new YMCA. It’s a beautiful facility, we’ll
have brand new equipment, and we’ll be able to teach more kids,”
says Walker.
The current
gymnastics program has always been off-site, starting back at Salem
State College and has been at the old Warwick Theater on Pleasant
Street for the last seven years.
Plans for the
new facility include all new preschool equipment including an 8-foot
blow-up climbing tower and mazes to enhance the program. There will
be all new equipment including a new in-ground trampoline for
practicing acrobatic skills and four high beams as opposed to the
current two. The new tumble track will be ten feet longer and the
pit area will be larger.
“Skill levels
will stay the same and the core staff will be moving with us to the
new Y,” says Walker.
As far as new
programs, there will be more 4 p.m. and Saturday classes. Walker
will focus on expanding tumbling classes and adding a cheerleading
team at a young level and expanding preschool boy’s classes. Walker
expects to increase preschool and youth classes by 50%.
“The kids are
extremely excited—already asking what we will have at the new
building,” says Walker.
Walker has
been the gymnastics coach and director for 21 years. Of her tenure
she says, “I enjoy working at the YMCA because it enables me to
coach kids in a positive manner.”
Walker
believes the YMCA philosophy of a commitment to the values or
caring, honesty, respect and responsibility have brought success to
their programs. One gymnast, Morgan Pickett, qualified for the
Senior National Team and was ranked third at the state competition
for all-around. She’s been on the YMCA for 11 years. Walkers says
it’s not just about winning; it’s about a positive environment that
keeps kids coming back.
“In the new
facility we’ll even have former gymnasts come back and coach, which
is great because they know all our drills by heart, love to coach
and really care about our program. We have so many kids who have
been on the team 6-8 years already; we make it positive and fun so
they don’t burn out at a young age,” says Walker.
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