In the sport of gymnastics Mary Lee Tracy has done it all! Mary Lee, who has been a mainstay on the Elite scene for over 2 decades, has coached TOPs athletes, JO National Champions, Elite National Champions, World Champions and Olympic Champions. However, her greatest joy in life is staying home with her grandbabies. In the sport of gymnastics Mary Lee is an absolute legend! For me she has been one of my greatest role models. As a kid I looked up to her athletes Amanda Borden and Jaycie Phelps, but as a coach I have always found Mary Lee to be a great mentor an inspiration, implementing many of her training techniques into my own lesson plans. One of the most wonderful things about Mary Lee is her approachability and her willingness to help others. As a graduate student Mary Lee helped me with my thesis paper, immediately responding to my numerous emails and questions, she is very good about getting back to you when you send out an email, this is something that I admire about her.  There are so many good things I can say about this wonderful human being, but I will let you get to know her a little better as she prepares her Elites for the next step in the Elite Season, the P&G Championships. CGA will have 2 athletes competing representing not only CGA, but Region 5 as well.

Where are you from? Where did you attend college? Cincinnati / University of Cincinnati

How and when did you first get involved in the sport of gymnastics? My first part time job in high school

Greatest achievement as coach? 96 Gold Medal Olympic Team

What made you want to become a gymnastics coach? How did you get started in coaching?   I was a cheerleader who needed to tumble and that is when I started working at the gym I now own.

What is your favorite part of gymnastics? Inspiring belief in athletes to reach beyond the possible. Helping prepare young women for life!

What was your favorite meet to coach at? Competing is not my favorite part of coaching but my favorite memories were at JO Nationals being a part of Region 5!

Most memorable gymnastics moments in coaching career?  The 96 Olympics with Amanda and Jaycie / American Cup with Jennie Thompson / Pan Am Games with Morgan White / Olympic Trials Amelia Hundley

Most embarrassing gymnastics coaching moment?  My first Jo Nationals not knowing you needed 2 vaults (many years ago)

Funniest thing one of your gymnasts has said to you? I don’t know how to use a planner

Favorite Skill to teach? Root skills that lead to “The Big Skills”

Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics? As an athlete and now as a coach? Shannon Miller’s Work Ethic / Simone’s talent / The Strauss’ longevity

What is it like being part of Region 5? Proud to be a
part of a region that shares information, works together and aspires greatness and excellence!

What is the hardest part of being a coach? Injuries

What is the most rewarding part of coaching? When your athletes come back and coach for you or just visit! Also when former athletes start their own gyms!

What is your favorite Region 5 Gym Insider Feature? The coverage of the personal stories leading up to Nationals.

What do you like to do outside of gymnastics, when you get a day off or are not at the gym? Play with my daughter and grandbabies

What is your favorite place to travel? Staycations!!! Anguilla

What made you decide to open your own facility?  An opportunity to take over a gym that was offered to me at 21 yrs old so I took it!

What is on your gymnastics bucket list? Retire with contentment before I am 80!

Favorite quote or words of wisdom: Work Pays Off / The mind is the strongest muscle in the body

Tell me something special or interesting about yourself………… I love training more than competing / I would rather stay home than travel