Olympic hopes in Huntley

HUNTLEY – Since opening the Huntley Gymnastics Academy last fall, Amy Krotser has been putting in long hours, juggling the ownership end of things with the coaching.

But that’s OK with her.

“I love what I do. I could be there 24/7,” Krotser said. “I have to actually force myself away from the gym sometimes. ... There’s no place I’d rather be on earth than with these kids.”

Krotser had been coaching gymnastics for about nine years at Huntley Unlimited Gymnastics School before deciding to venture out into her own business.

Construction began last summer on the new, 13,000-square-foot facility, and the gym opened Nov. 7. Today, about 500 students practice at the academy on a regular basis. Area residents also can rent out the facility for parties, and Krotser hosts a mom’s boot camp weekly.

“I think it’s a big deal around here,” Krotser said of the area’s interest in gymnastics. “Especially with the Olympics coming up. All these kids with these dreams.”

Krotser said kids can become strong in ways – physical and otherwise – that can translate to other sports. Krotser herself played college volleyball after getting into gymnastics in high school.

“I think gymnastics is one of the best sports,” she said. “It builds character not only but listening skills. You have to be a good listener to be a gymnast.”

Kelly Woodlock of Crystal Lake has seen the advantages of gymnastics firsthand in her 10-year-old daughter, Macey.

“I think it really benefits her in a lot of ways,” Woodlock said. “These girls have to work very hard and they learn things like self discipline, learn to balance their time, to be good teammates. Those are life skills, not just gymnastics skills.”

Macey has been in gymnastics since she was 2. Before coming to the new academy, she was coached by Krotser at Huntley Unlimited. Woodlock said Krotser’s coaching style was a big factor in moving Macey to the new facility.

“She expects them to work hard and to do their best,” Woodlock said. “That’s in alignment with many of our parenting expectations, as well, so that’s nice. And she always nurtures them and helps them when they need it.”

That style paid off earlier this year when 60 of Krotser’s students qualified for state competition. More than 30 of them came home state champions, Krotser said.

“The thing that’s unique about my club ... we don’t hold kids back,” Krotser said. “Most of our children, I’d say 99 percent of our kids are first-year, and we’re winning state.”

That comes from getting the most out of the kids, Krotser said, by letting them progress within the program as quickly as their abilities will allow.

“I think she has a huge influence on them,” said Cathy Lazzaro, of Algonquin, the mother of 10-year-old gymnast Mary. “She does a lot of the fine-tuning with the gymnasts you don’t see at the other gyms.”

For Krotser, it’s more about preparing the kids for life than for competition.

“I have a passion for the kids,” she said. “I truly care for each kid that comes in here. It fulfills me to know I’m a part of the kids’ life and know that I can make a difference. And help them be better people.”