“One of the things that sets Gulf Coast Elite apart is that we truly offer something for almost everyone,” Barchie said. “A child can come into our gym for one recreational class a week, while another athlete may choose to train many hours each week in pursuit of high-level competitive gymnastics.”
That variety has helped Gulf Coast Elite grow to three locations, each providing opportunities for local families to get involved.
Recreational offerings include girls and boys gymnastics, tumbling, Ninja, Baby Ninja, cheer basics and preschool programs. Adults can get in on the action, too, with adult tumbling and Ninja classes. Families looking for a unique way to celebrate can also take advantage of Ninja birthday parties.
For athletes ready to take their skills to the competitive level, Gulf Coast Elite offers USA Gymnastics programs for both girls and boys. Girls can participate in the Xcel or Development programs, while boys have the opportunity to compete through the USAG men’s gymnastics program.
Young gymnasts with even bigger aspirations can explore Gulf Coast Elite’s Elite Development pathway, designed for athletes interested in TOPS and potentially progressing toward HOPES and elite gymnastics.
But Barchie believes programs are only as strong as the people leading them.
“Our coaching staff is another thing that truly sets Gulf Coast Elite apart,” Barchie said. “We take tremendous pride not only in the experience of our coaches, but also in the standard of training we require before someone becomes a coach in our program.”
The coaching staff includes Bridget Sloan, a 2008 Olympic silver medalist who went on to compete for the University of Florida and become part of three national championship teams.
For Sloan, coaching is about much more than teaching skills. It is also about helping athletes discover what they are capable of doing.
“We all have our own style, but the end goal is always the same,” Sloan said. “To make every single kid their maximum potential, whatever that is.”
That could mean helping an athlete push through a mental block, gain confidence or experience the excitement of finally landing a skill they have worked hard to achieve.
Gulf Coast Elite’s experienced staff also includes former Clemson coach and college recruiting resource Eric Lewis and Rick Tybor, who has decades of high-level experience and has taught at gymnastics clinics internationally. The gym’s competitive, recreational and Ninja programs are supported by a team of coaches Barchie says were carefully selected and trained not only for their knowledge, but also for their ability to work with children.
The growing Ninja program is another exciting addition. Along with recreational Ninja classes, Gulf Coast Elite recently launched a competitive Ninja team, with Coach Lindsey as the Ninja Director. Coach Braidon brings his own experience as an American Ninja Warrior competitor to the program.
From preschoolers stepping into the gym for the first time to competitive athletes working toward ambitious goals, Barchie’s vision remains the same: create a family-friendly environment where children can challenge themselves and enjoy the journey.
“Whether someone wants to learn a cartwheel, build confidence, try Ninja, celebrate a birthday, compete in gymnastics, or pursue the highest levels of the sport,” Barchie said, “our goal is to provide a place where they can grow.”
Gulf Coast Elite Gymnastics
850.934.3990
Midway Location: 1844 Cowen Rd. Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 (across from the Zoo)
GCE Flips Location: 5674 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Suite C4-8, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 (across from the Zoo)
Oriole Beach Location: 3123 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 (inside the Funplex)