Backflips and friendship: Inside Utah State’s student-run gymnastics club

Utah State University’s Club Gymnastics team gathers several nights a week to train, splitting time between the HPER building on campus and Altius Gymnastics, a local facility in Logan. The practices are structured but relaxed. Without a formal coach, students rely on one another to spot skills, offer feedback and cheer when someone lands a routine. 

The team was founded in 2012 as a men’s program before expanding to include women a few years later. Since then, it has grown into a coed club that welcomes members of all backgrounds and ability levels.  

Unlike the university’s NCAA gymnastics team, which competes in the Mountain West Conference, the club is affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs, or NAIGC, a nationwide organization that emphasizes accessibility and inclusion. 

Through the NAIGC, gymnasts can compete in traditional men’s and women’s events as well as in developmental or open divisions. That flexibility allows members to choose how much they want to participate. 

“It’s super fun, super chill, super low key,” said co-president Nicky Meyers. “You can be as into it as you want to be and put as much effort into the practices as you would like to.” 

That approach has attracted students with a wide range of experiences. Some competed in gymnastics throughout high school while others are trying the sport for the first time. Team member Haley Kemeny always wanted to join gymnastics but couldn’t afford the cost of lessons as a child. 

“It was really expensive,” Kemeny said. “But here, it’s such a cheap option. It’s the perfect way to finally do it.” 

Grant Joslyn, in charge of the club’s marketing and social media, said he had done flips on a trampoline in middle school and joined his high school cheer team, but it wasn’t until being challenged by former club presidents he joined USU’s club.  

“I got challenged to a handstand competition,” he said. “That’s what brought me in, and I’ve loved it ever since.” 

Competitions are among the most memorable experiences for members. The team regularly travels to meets in Boulder, Colorado and sends representatives to NAIGC Nationals each spring. Last year’s nationals were held in Philadelphia, and this year, the event will take place in Alabama. 

Emma Koehler hangs from the bars during a USU Club Gymnastics practice on Sept. 2.

Meyers hadn’t planned on competing until midway through the season but decided to enter men’s developmental, placing third overall. 

“I showed up for the spring semester, and I was like, ‘Why not put me in men’s developmental?’” Meyers said. “I got third all-around, and I was like, ‘Dang, I didn’t even think I was competing this year,’ but that was a lot of fun.” 

For Grace Madsen, the club’s treasurer, nationals marked her first competition.  

“It was just so fun to have the whole team there and experience that together,” Madsen said. 

At practices, attendance is flexible, and gymnasts choose which events to work on. Lydia Peck, who serves as co-president with Meyers, said optionality is part of the draw.  

“For me, the freedom is a big aspect of it,” Peck said. “We’re not tied to a specific warmup. If I want to do floor the entire practice, I get to.” 

Members described the team as supportive and encouraging. Beginners often receive as much attention as advanced gymnasts, and small achievements are celebrated. 

“Everyone is excited when you learn a new skill, even if it’s really basic,” Kemeny said. 

The club also provides leadership opportunities. Officers handle fundraising, coordinate travel to meets, manage safety and logistics and complete university paperwork. Meyers said the role has pushed him to develop new skills. 

“I didn’t have any organizational skills before I became co-president,” Meyers said. “I had to sit down and really learn how to plan and organize.” 

For some, the impact goes beyond gymnastics. Joslyn said the club has allowed him to continue pursuing a sport he loves while building friendships. 

Isaac Patterson performs a flip during a practice on Sept. 2.

“It’s cool to be part of a team and also just hang out with everyone,” Joslyn said. “You can learn a lot, but it’s still low pressure and fun.” 

This fall, the team plans to host a back handspring and back tuck clinic for students interested in learning new skills. In the spring, they will stage an intrasquad meet in Logan before traveling again to Boulder and then to nationals. 

For current members, the invitation is simple. 

“You’ll have an adventure,” Meyers said. “You’ll make friends, learn some skills and have a good time. Even if you only come once, it’s worth it.” 

Joslyn highlighted the mix of competition and lightheartedness. 

“It’s a great way to see what it feels like to be on a team without any of the pressure. You get to travel, compete a little and just have fun,” Joslyn said.