Chelsea Piers Girls Gymnastics Team

Desiree Sanchez /// Preteam-Optionals and Dance Coach

Desiree Sanchez was born and raised in the land of enchantment – Albuquerque, New Mexico – where after 12 years as a competitor she defied all the odds of a severe injury to retire in 1997 as an accomplished level 10 gymnast. Desiree immediately began coaching, working in her home town at Gold Cup Gymnastics and, later, Sandia Acrobatic Gymnastics Academy. Desiree holds a BA in Communications and Performing Arts from the University of New Mexico. She joined Chelsea Piers in September of 2004.

What brings you to Chelsea Piers?
I was lucky to find Chelsea piers as I planned my big move to NYC. With 27 years of Dance, and a decade and a half of musical theater performance, it was my passion for the performing arts that brought me to the City. However, it is my undying love for coaching and the sport of gymnastics that brought me to good old Pier 62, and I consider myself very lucky to have found Chelsea Piers. Everything fell into place upon my arrival in the City. Four and a half years later I am still here, very happily a part of this thriving program.

Please share with us some of your coaching highlights:
I have had the honor and privilege of creating floor and beam choreography for Olympic Gold medalist, Shannon Miller. In 2007 I ran a dance program geared towards competitive gymnasts and worked side by side with Olympian Dominique Moceanu.

Tell us the perspective you bring to the gym. What shapes your thinking as you go about working with the athletes?
I feel it so important to give all of myself when I am coaching. I truly believe that our past experiences, both good and bad, help shape our present and inspire the futures of those we teach. Every child is a unique, individual athlete. I feel strongly it is so important for a young gymnast to grow up in the gym and in all aspects of life embracing her distinctive strengths and weaknesses. I don’t believe in “cookie cutter” gymnastics; discipline and technique are critical in our sport, but at the end of the day I feel every child deserves to succeed and shine in her own way. Whether it is her particular style of competition or her expressive execution, a gymnast’s unique display of personality is what makes this sport artistic. I guess the performer in me loves to see the creative side of teaching/learning take effect and blossom within each athlete. Coaching is such a privilege for me – not only do I get to share and teach what I love with these young ladies, but I get to learn from them as well.

Was there a signature moment when you knew you wanted to stay in this sport as a coach?>

I don’t think I can pin down an exact moment. At a young age I was a determined little athlete, but always the smiley cuddlier of the group. I loved encouraging and supporting my peers and took great pride in my team. As I grew into a more mature athlete I soon took on the role as the leader and protector of my teammates, still encouraging and offering a gentle hug when needed, and also setting an example for the younger girls. As I competed in my last level 10 meet my heart broke at the thought of closing that chapter in my life. But, like the saying goes: “God does not close one door without opening another.” By the following Monday, the director of the program asked me if would be interested in coaching and doing choreography. I didn’t have to think twice. Once again I was home.

What makes you happy when working with your gymnasts that is cause for celebration?

Nothing makes me happier than helping a child discover something special and new about herself. To help a gymnast overcome an obstacle or accomplish a goal is the greatest gift. I especially enjoy coaching the beginning competitive levels; I find there is nothing more precious and influential than that first year of competition. This is when a young athlete learns her “gymnastics manners” in competition and the true joy of being part of a team. From the excitement of new leos to butterfly filled tummies, those first years are priceless and help in so many ways to pave the way to a gymnast’s future.

What advice do you have for your gymnasts?
Remember that everything happens for a reason! Some days in this sport will be hard, both hands and heart aching, but at the end of it all is the greatest feeling of accomplishment. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and never compare yourself to others. Embrace what makes you special both in and outside of the gym. Hold tight to the friendships and bonds you make with teammates family. You never know, the girl standing next to you in practice may one day be standing beside you at your wedding.

Is there an inspirational quote for the girls that you would like to share?

There are two quotes close to my heart.
“Only one thing makes a dream impossible: The fear of failure.
(Paulo Coelho)
“To appreciate the rainbow, you must first make it through the storm” (unknown)