Everyone who knows me knows that gymnastics was a major part of my life up until the end of my freshman year of high school.

I spent about 13 years going into the gym six days a week for three and a half hours for each practice. This is A LOT of time to spend with people, not to mention traveling to compete. I had several coaches at the gym, but there are three coaches in particular that carried me from recreational classes through to the end of my gymnastics career. And this is the thank you that they deserve.

First, I want to say that without you guys, I would not be the person I am today.

You all taught me a lifetime worth of valuable lessons that I continue to carry and try to spread to others. You taught me to work hard for the things that I want, and to work harder when things start to get hard. I learned that good things take time. Not only that, but you taught me the equal values of being able to work with a team as well as be independent.

You guys became like my extra set of parents.

You looked out for my wellbeing, you got to know me as a person, and you made sure that I always knew that school comes first. You created a family-like atmosphere in the space we shared with countless other people who all came to do the same thing: learn and practice being a gymnast.

Not a day goes by that I don't miss you. I miss walking into the gym and being told to "walk with a purpose."

I miss yelling across the gym for the coach I trusted to spot a certain skill, and you would always come. I miss being told to do something over again and get it right, as much as it got on my nerves. I miss the celebrations after I FINALLY get over myself and land a new skill without a spot. I miss hearing my floor music and knowing the whole routine and everyone else's. But mostly, I miss the hugs after each practice, each routine at a meet, and the hugs when I'm just having an off day.

You guys will never fully understand how much I love and appreciate you.

Each day I miss you more and more, and I hate that so much time has passed since the last time I saw you. But nonetheless, you support me in all of my endeavors.

And these are things I can never thank you enough for.