New Collaboration Positively Impacts Gymnastics Program
Dawn Collins (left) and Meghan Slay (right) (submitted photo)
Oskaloosa – May 23, 2012
Meghan Slay, YMCA Gymnastics Director and coach for over 20 years, has always dreamed of becoming a gym owner which offered programming that focused on the transformation of lives through gymnastics. That dream will soon become a reality thanks to the cooperative efforts of the Mahaska County YMCA and Slay’s new business endeavor.
On May 25, the Mahaska County YMCA will close its gymnastics program and support Slay so she can pursue her dream of becoming a gym owner allowing the gymnastics program to continue and flourish. Slay’s new gym, scheduled to open mid-June, will be called Transform Academy. As part of the collaboration, YMCA members will receive a 15% discount in all non-competitive activities offered at Transform Academy and they will continue to offer scholarships to students according to the YMCA guidelines.
“Our mission,” said Slay, “is to transform lives through the sports of gymnastics, dance, and cheer by encouraging participation and the pursuit of personal excellence for all.”
Dawn Collins, YMCA Executive Director said Slay has been working with the YMCA to maintain a collaborative relationship. “Our discussions have been very positive,” said Collins. “We all want gymnastics to succeed in our community. I wish Meghan the best and am glad we are still able to work together.”
Slay said, “I am excited about opening Transform Academy, and I am really looking forward to expanding programming. But at the same time, I grew up in the Y and it is very much a part of me. I am still a ‘Y kid’ at heart, and I am glad we have found a way to continue to work together to best serve the Mahaska Community.”
Slay is an Oskaloosa native and former competitive gymnast with over 20 years of gymnastics coaching experience. She began her gymnastics career at the age of 3 in a Gym & Swim class at the Mahaska Co YMCA. She joined the team in 4th grade and competed through her sophomore year. Slay began coaching at the Y in 1990 and accepted the Gymnastics Director position in 2004. During her time at the Y, Slay coached many champion gymnasts, girls and boys, at the local, state, and national level through USA Gymnastics, AAU, and AmeriKids. Slay is also a certified women’s gymnastics judge through NAWGJ and USAG and has been judging meets since 2004. She was recently reelected to a second term as a board member on the Iowa USAG State Committee.
For more information on registration, schedules, and prices, please send an email to transform.gymnastics@gmail.com or call Slay at 641-295-1434.
