Women’s gymnastics continues to inspire globally, with events like the Summer Olympics and exciting performances from athletes like Simone Biles. DeVeau’s School of Gymnastics in Fishers continues to provide a foundation and encouragement for athletes to pursue the sport.
Now in the 42nd year, the DeVeau’s team credits its longstanding success to an unwavering commitment to the athletes. From helping kids improve in gymnastics to boosting their self-confidence to instilling discipline and focus, the reputable training facility’s priority has always been the athletes.
“What truly sets DeVeau’s apart is our dedication to putting the needs of the children first, ensuring that every child who walks through our doors feels supported and encouraged to grow – not just as gymnasts, but as individuals,” says Lindsey Elliot, preschool gymnastics director at DeVeau’s. “It’s that focus on the whole child that has kept our gym thriving for over 40 years.”
DeVeau’s is family owned and has been a part of the central Indiana community for decades. While the gym started small, it has grown into a world-class, 57,000-square-foot facility with top-notch equipment and dedicated and experienced gymnastics coaches.
Amy Replogle, head coach of the compulsory girls program at DeVeau’s, has been with the training facility since 1984, first as an athlete until 1991 and then as a coach from 1995 until present.
“Gymnastics is a great foundation for whatever your child may want to do in the future,” she says. “Many of our athletes have transitioned from gymnastics to diving, pole vaulting, track and field, or soccer. We meet the athlete where they are and help them to where they want to go, whether that is the best cartwheel on the playground or a competitive gymnastics route.”
Taryn DeVeau Lautzenheiser, president, loves helping the athletes excel at all aspects of life. Attaining new skills can improve a child’s mind and body connection, focus, determination, self-esteem, and overall physical health and mental well-being.
“At DeVeau’s we focus on our athletes and what we can teach them each week,” she says. “We spend a great deal of time on our lesson plans, staff training, and ensuring our facility and equipment is the very best so we can provide the best experience for our athletes.”
DeVeau’s School of Gymnastics has seen an increase in the gymnastics program (preschool, recreational and competitive teams) as well as some of the other sports they offer (ninja and cheerleading teams).
“I can only imagine the growth comes from a change in culture; prominent athletes in the gymnastics community have really pushed for that cultural change, and it’s something DeVeau’s takes very seriously,” says Shannon Browning, general manager of the training facility.
One of the secrets to the gym’s longevity is that the team always does its best to put the athletes, and their families, first.
“We care deeply for our athletes and they are our top priority in every situation,” Browning says. “What goes hand in hand with that is making sure we keep their families involved along the way. Whether you are one of our competitive students or someone who enjoys taking our recreational classes, we have something for everyone.”
Although DeVeau’s continues to produce high-level competitive athletes every year, the biggest successes at the training facility are having kids come back to visit (or work) after they are done with the sport. The gym becomes their home away from home.
“Knowing that we were an integral part of their growth, watching them form lifelong friendships with their teammates and witnessing the amazing young adults they become, is the greatest success to us,” says Leigh Uhlik, director of girls artistic gymnastics.
