More Than Gymnastics: Rebecca’s Story of Coaching, Confidence and Connection 💛
Written by Juliette Lilla
When Rebecca Kettelhake first became involved with Metro Stars Gymnastics at 15 years old, she wasn’t searching for a career in gymnastics; in fact, she had never done gymnastics at all. She simply answered an ad to babysit for owners Liz and Erik, thinking it would be a fun part-time job. Little did she know that babysitting turned into a chance to work preschool classes and birthday parties, which naturally began opening more doors.
Looking back, it’s funny to think that a teenager with no gymnastics experience would one day build a career around coaching. For Rebecca, it was never really about gymnastics, but rather about the people. As the years went on, she realized the greatest part of her job wasn’t teaching cartwheels or celebrating new skills, though those are a fun bonus. It was instead watching children grow into confident, capable humans who believed in themselves.
“I really grew into the impact I got to make,” Rebecca shared. “The passion to make these kids become amazing people, and teaching them skills is what I love most.”
One student experience has stuck with her. After a young gymnast spent several months in the Xcel Program, her mom pulled Rebecca aside to share an update. The young girl, who had been having a hard time at school, was carrying herself differently. She had more confidence, stood up for herself, and wasn’t experiencing the same struggles anymore.
“It was hard not to think gymnastics played a role,” Rebecca said. “We get to teach them about trust and so many other things in life besides gymnastics.
The Impact Beyond the Gym ✨
Those moments remind Rebecca that coaches often become so much more than instructors. They become trusted mentors, encouraging kids through exciting milestones, tough days, and everything in between. Her goal is simple: she wants every child to leave Metro Stars confident in who they are, and knowing they always have someone cheering them on.
Rebecca says Metro Stars has had just as much of an impact on her as she hopes to have on every gymnast. Although she earned her nursing degree and originally planned to work in healthcare, coaching never stopped feeling like where she belonged.
“I thought nursing would be my career,” she said. “But I couldn’t picture myself walking away from coaching. I’m still helping people, just in a different way!”
Celebrating Everyday Moments 🥳
Ask Rebecca what she looks forward to most each day, and she doesn’t mention perfect skills or competition. It’s the people. It’s hearing a gymnast excitedly share that they learned a new skill, seeing a coach celebrate a small victory, or listening to a preschooler proudly announce they put on their own shoes without help.
Those everyday moments may seem small, but to Rebecca, they’re exactly what Metro Stars is all about: celebrating growth, building confidence, and creating a place that feels like family. When asked to describe Metro Stars, her answer came without a doubt: passionate about what they do, creating a family environment, and above all, a happy place to work. After hearing her story, it’s easy to see why.