When I learned about Phoenix Elite, I was excited to find that this gym offers tumbling lessons that are open to athletes over 18. After brief correspondence with the owner, I soon signed up for the standing handspring class. As an athlete who had been self-taught for many years, I had little expectations of coaching styles that are best suited for me. Nevertheless, I attended each class eager to improve my technique.
I took the standing handspring class for about two months, until I realized that over time, I was receiving less and less attention from my coach, Isaac. He neither greeted me nor cared to learn my name. In addition, he was indifferent to my progress, and as a result, my wrists and elbows were at great risk for injury. Instead of correcting my technique, Isaac would glance over and see me land on my knees; yet, he would carry on without expressing any interest in helping me improve.
I soon dropped my enrollment in Coach Isaac's class and signed up for classes with Coach Jesse. I enjoyed taking Jesse's series class for a few weeks, as I was finally making progress with my standing handspring. But during one of my classes, Jesse offered athletes a few extra minutes of time past the hour class. But he quickly made it clear that I was not welcome to take this offer. Coach Jesse told me that the extra minutes were for the "others." Embarrassed, I asked if he minds. But he
proceeded to spot me and told me to do a handstand. Trusting him, I followed his instructions, and he continued to guide me as I was upside-down. But when I failed to follow further guidance, he expressed his frustration through physical contact. He drove his finger into my spine until I fell out of the handstand. And before I knew it, I was red in the face, and he was telling me to have a good night.
I came to Phoenix Elite with the hope of advancing my tumbling practice. But I left nearly every one of my classes feeling humiliated and ignored. I trusted the coaches to respect my body when they spotted me, but this trust was violated.
As a young adult, I hope that young females will work with coaches who respect their bodies, as well as their aspirations to achieve their goals.
Respectfully,
Naima