Bowling Green, Yale, Stanford and Berkley, Oh My!

Congratulations are in order!

Texas Dreams is proud to celebrate four of our high school seniors who have earned spots on college gymnastics teams, one of the greatest achievements for gymnasts at their level.

Jade Buford of Coppell, Kaylee Cole of Flower Mound, Cassidy Keelen of Lucas, and Randi Morris of Arlington signed their National Letters of Intent last month, officially committing to some of the top collegiate programs in the country. Jade is off to Yale University, Kaylee to Stanford University, Cassidy to the University of California at Berkeley, and Randi to Bowling Green State University, where they’ll each begin as freshmen in the 2016-2017 school year.

All four of these young ladies have had incredible careers so far, reaching the highest level of Junior Olympic competition in the United States and earning spots at multiple J.O. national championships in addition to getting fantastic results at dozens of other meets over the years.

With one final season to go at Texas Dreams, we wish Jade, Kaylee, Cassidy, and Randi the best of luck as they finish up their level 10 careers and graduate from high school, and can’t wait to see them continue their greatness in college!

"Cheers" to Bailie

14 months… 8 for 8 all-around golds for Bailie Key!

Not bad. (-:  Now what?  Applaud this stellar junior international elite career.  As of January 1st, Bailie will officially be eligible to compete in the senior ranks of this small company of amazing gymnasts.  Throughout the past couple weeks, it has been challenging to settle on our decision.  But in the end, with the 100% undeviating advice and support of those we trust and respect the most, together with Bailie, we decided it best that she forego this year’s Championships.  Letting her safety along with "big picture" goals guide us, it became an obvious decision, although not an easy one.  

After another successful camp in July, Bailie was preparing well once again. However at first complaint, Bailie had her elbow examined by the best and reevaluated by our most-trusted.  Luckily, without structural damage, a quick surgery with a short recovery was the best option.  In one way, it can be looked at as poor timing.  But I wouldn’t trade any of the opportunities Bailie has stepped up to for this one.  Each has allowed her to overcome different challenges and showcase new strengths, seven of which were on an international stage.   So, instead of fretting over this missed Championships, we choose to quickly turn the page, redirect to the next goals, and allow her to take a much-deserved breath before starting this next chapter of her career.  

Our hope right now is that those with voices in the gymnastics community will choose to “cheers” Bailie with us and realize that it is never easy to stand back and watch a competition of which you have worked to shine.  We are so proud of Bailie and her ownership of her path!  While, selfishly, we are not thrilled to travel to Pittsburgh without her, we are confident with this decision being best for the future dreams she’s working to make her reality.

Beyond The Routine Web-Series

Via Gymnastike.org: 

The full Texas Dreams Beyond the Routine series is now available for all Gymnastike Gold members. This epic four part series shows Texas Dreams from when is was a tiny idea in the back of Kim Zmeskal and Chris Burdette’s heads to now, years later, where they have the largest elite team in the country. Their four current national team members, Bailie Key, Peyton Ernst, Nica Hults, and Ragan Smith, are all featured in depth and we also show the other dream team members including Grace Quinn and Macy Toronjo. 

Episode one is centered around Kim and Chris and they tell the story of how Texas Dreams began. Kim goes through her career and what lead her to coaching and tells us how her passion for gymnastics still burns brightly. The gymnasts tell us the advantages to having a big elite team and how they are able to push each other daily.

Episode two features Bailie Key and goes through her story including when she began gymnastics, when she moved to Texas Dreams with Macy, and when she became the US Junior National Champion. Bailie has incredible natural talent and Kim described her as eye catching. The sky is the limit for Bailie and we are looking forward to watching her grow the next few years.

Peyton Ernst is featured in episode three and as we tell Peyton’s story, it is clear that while her talent is important, her drive and determination have gotten her to where she is today. Peyton had a breakout year last season and is looking to continue that this fall with the goal of World Championships.

The final episode features Ragan Smith and Nica Hults and looks toward the future of Texas Dreams. Ragan and her mother tell us about their move to Texas and how Ragan has fit in. Nica tells her emotional story about her proudest gymnastics accomplishment- accepting a scholarship to UCLA. We also look at how social media plays a role in the fame of these young gymnasts. Finally, Kim and Chris explain that Martha Karolyi and Bela Karolyi  have always stressed the importance of bringing up the next generation. While you want to give every gymnast their best shot, you never know how the cards will end up and it’s crucial to have your next group of gymnasts prepared. Kim and Chris have done this and their up and coming elites have a bright future.

Don't miss out on this impressive and exciting series! Watch the inspiring trailer here.

Colbi Flory is gymnast of the year

The amount of work that goes into a gymnasts journey continues to amaze me.  It's that day-to-day grit combined with the ability to perform that inspires others... that makes them feel a connection to a particular athlete.  It's an honor to know that one of our gymnasts were rewarded for just that... it's well deserved, much appreciated, and a testament to the work that she, her teammates, and all of the Dreamers accomplish every day.  Meetscoresonline.com and International Gymnast magazine have announced Colbi as the "Gymnast of the Year".  Please click to read details.  

Congratulations Colbi.  It couldn't have happened to a shorter, harder working, shorter, more talented, shorter (did I already say that) girl.  

-Chris

Prime in every sense of the word

The Texas Prime Meet 2014 was chocked full of talented gymnasts, passionate coaches, and gymnastics that rocked the Irving Convention Center for 3-days.  I am continuously inspired by the commitment that so many athletes, coaches, and parents make to see their gymnastics dreams through to glory.  I was so fulfilled watching so many gymnasts dial into their competitive spirit, but embrace the fun, exciting part of the sport as well.  It was one of our best competitions ever.  

The Legendz Classic on Saturday night was no exception to that fulfillment and excitement.  With DJ Jenn Miller pumping music that we could feel in every seat, Chris Koehl's incredible dance numbers, rock solid gymnastics from uber-competitive all-stars, and the four Legendz Captains that were as entertaining to listen to as to watch in their element... it was a grand show.  Special thanks to Mary Lou Retton, Anna Li, Kristie Phillips, and Brandy Johnson for making the commitment to be part of our show and for continuing to be such terrific ambassadors to our sport and our athletes.  You were all terrific.  

2015 will be the cliche'... "bigger and better", but it will also bring more new Legendz, more cutting edge entertainment, and new champions.  I hope you're a part of it.  We sold out on Saturday night and the Prime filled early, so please be sure to reserve your spot and your tickets early.  I'll see you then.

Kim Zmeskal-Burdette