With the buzz of anticipation still fresh in the air and chalk marks fresh on mats, the 2024 gymnastics season has burst into action with a whirlwind of triumphs, setbacks and an abundance of growth.
Head Coach Douglas Byrnes has dedicated an impressive 25 years to leading, inspiring and nurturing the talents of Hamline gymnasts. With a coaching philosophy deeply rooted in concepts of actualization and self-efficacy, Byrnes instills not only the technical skills required for success but also the belief in the athletes’ own abilities to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
“I believe you can engineer success,” Byrnes said. Guided by well-established rules, carefully crafted learning systems and relentless repetition, he ensures that success becomes not merely a goal but a natural outcome of dedicated effort.
Within this framework, Byrnes and his team have created an environment where gymnasts can embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth, creating resilience and self-confidence within the Hamline Gymnastics team. This safe space allows athletes to push their limits, learn from their mistakes, and ultimately, flourish both on and off the mat.
An exciting highlight was the recent meet against the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater where the team scored 185.050. Byrnes said it was “everyone’s best performance,” a meet where massive growth, new challenges, and inspiring outcomes were seen.
Sophomore Lizzie Green remarked on the solidity of the team’s beam and bar performance after struggles in past competitions.
“[This] is a great score for us at this point in the season,” she said.
To prepare for meets, other than working hard during their regular training sessions, the team meets with a mental health coach who was also a former Hamline gymnast to help lead breathing exercises and practice positive self-talk.
“Just like a family, we all have our quirks, but we show up for each other,” Byrnes said.
Despite individual differences, there exists a bond created through shared triumphs and challenges. This family-like atmosphere cultivates a sense of belonging, allowing each gymnast to not only thrive as individual athletes but also as essential members of a larger community.
“When one of us is having a hard time and is struggling, I genuinely feel as though the team does a great job of picking them back up,” first-year Riley Hintz said.
The Hamline gymnastics team adopts a refreshing perspective that goes beyond the typical win-or-lose mindset. Instead, their focus lies on the commitment to give their best effort for each practice and competition.
For them, success is not solely measured by the scoreboard but by dedication and determination poured into every routine and practice.
As the season picks up, the team hopes to continue to grow and be optimistic about new opportunities and routines. Byrnes emphasized the importance of creating a culture of continual growth and development within the team.
“A team goal of ours is to maintain the gym as a positive environment and a relatively safe space to be yourself in, which I think we do pretty well at,” Hintz said.
With each practice session and competition, he encourages athletes to perfect their skills but also to cultivate a deeper understanding of their own goals and aspirations.
By nurturing a sense of purpose within every member of the team, Byrnes empowers each individual to push their limits, overcome obstacles and ultimately realize their potential both on and off the mat.