In the often negative culture of women’s gymnastics, there are some standouts on a mission to change this narrative. Head coach Nadalie Walsh is an expert in the field, both as an athlete and a team leader. For her, “enough” is simply what it means. Being who you are is enough, as a person and an athlete.
Enough is enough
Walsh elaborated further, stating that her message to the gymnastics community and any aspiring young athlete is simply that they are enough. She emphasized that we must say “that’s enough” to the coaches trying to change athletes. In her book, she touches on outdated coaching methods and suggests there is a better way to coach. Walsh highlights the importance of saying “enough” to athletes who doubt themselves so they know “they are enough.”
Walsh actively tries to improve her gymnasts’ lives. She noted it’s often the “lies” told to athletes that leave a negative impact. A big step, she said, is identifying the lies planted within them and rerouting them to the truth.
Ideas of moving on from stubborn wounds of the past and progressing toward the athletes’ best selves are other focuses of her book, “Enough: A Coaches Guide to Creating the Culture Every Athlete Deserves.”
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
Pieces of positivity
A small tradition Walsh does at every meet is to have a private moment with each of her athletes before they compete on the beam.
“I never say something to critique them right before,” Walsh said. “It’s as simple as ‘You look beautiful’ or ‘Your lipstick is rocking.’”
Going a step further in a similar mentality, Walsh said during the meets, it’s not her job to try and change what the athletes will do. Instead, it’s her job to showcase their talents. Furthermore, she emphasized that they have a spot in the lineup because they proved themselves. She consistently provides reassurance and motivation, something that other coaches may neglect.
Saturday Senior Day
With the season winding down to its latter half, Saturday’s meet will honor the soon-to-be graduates. Whether they have been on the team for one year or five, Walsh mentioned how all these athletes will always have a part of Illinois gymnastics.
“Gymnastics is a part of their life, they are not gymnastics,” Walsh said.
For six Illini athletes, Saturday will celebrate a part of their life as a collegiate gymnast. The program will honor junior Emma White, seniors Micheala Gentry, Makayla Green, Ruthuja Nataraj, Emmalise Nock and fifth-year Amelia Knight.
All these No.21 Illinois (5-7, 2-3) athletes will be honored following the conclusion of the meet against Washington (2-8, 0-5) and Illinois State (12-4).
@lauram0131
