10/09/2025
Time for our head coach!
✨ Gymnast to coach spotlight ✨
~Jo
'It all started in a primary school PE lesson—one moment I was just trying not to trip over my shoelaces, and the next I was hooked on rhythmic gymnastics. At around 7 years old, I joined a local club, and that was the beginning of what I now lovingly call a “hobby gone wrong—in the nicest possible way.”
Fast forward to 1999, aged 11, I joined Billings Rhythmic Gymnastics Club through a school community project. I was meant to be helping out with coaching... but somehow ended up training again. (Classic me—can’t resist a ribbon and a hoop!) I kept training into my teens, earned my first coaching qualification at 16, and became a Club Coach at 18. Later, I added Judging qualifications to the mix—because why not go all in?
Now, I’ll be honest: I make a far better coach and judge than I ever did a gymnast. But that’s exactly why I’m so passionate about creating a space where everyone can find their place in sport. Whether you’re a coach, judge, volunteer, welfare officer, or just someone who loves cheering from the sidelines—I believe there’s a role for you, and I make sure our gymnasts know that too.
In 2010, I officially took over running Billings RGC (founded in 1996), and it’s been a whirlwind ever since. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of being part of all six of our current coaches’ gymnastics journeys, and I’m bursting with pride as I support them in the next chapter of their careers. Watching them grow from tiny leotard-clad whirlwinds into confident leaders is one of my greatest joys.
I get a huge sense of achievement from seeing smiling gymnasts walk through our doors—knowing they’re entering a nurturing, friendly environment that welcomes children of all levels and abilities. We’re not just about medals and perfect routines (though those are nice too); we’re about belonging, laughter, and the occasional glitter explosion.
So yes, it may have started as a hobby... but it turned into a lifelong passion, a community, and a place where everyone can shine—even if they can’t quite master the cartwheel (yet).'
We love having Jo leading the way for the Billings team and very glad you continued with you hobby!