The National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs (NAIGC) seems to be the unsung hero of college gymnastics.   According to the mission statement on naigc.net, the purpose of the program is to build a community that encompasses “sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, and fun.”  NAIGC is the ideal way to continue gymnastics without the collegiate level obligation.


Pictured: 2013 Rutgers club gymnasts Photo by: Caity Britcher

The club team at Rutgers University shares the values of NAIGC in their mission statement:

We don't exist to win.
We exist:
For the love of building valuable relationships,
For the love of keeping a healthy body,
For the love of achieving more,
For the love of giving back,
For the love of the sport!

Caity Britcher, co-founder of the club gymnastics team, was able to start the program with help from the D1 team manager, Chrystal Chollet Norton.  The team practices three times a week in the Livingston Rec Center on the same equipment as the D1 team.

The Rutgers club girls enjoy the fun atmosphere and the team support. 

“We’re a team by every definition.  We support each other no matter what skill level of gymnastics anyone’s on.  We are always the loudest ones at a competition, and that makes practice fun and not an obligation,” Junior, Alexis Alba stated.

Graduated Senior, Laura Ng also discussed her time on the team by saying,  " the girls were so down to earth and fun to be around.  Everyone was so supportive of one another no matter if you were a first time gymnasts trying to learn a front handspring or a seasoned gymnast trying to get over the fear of flipping tsuks.  It was great to be around gymnasts who were a lot of fun but also knew how to work hard."

And for anyone thinking about joining, everyone who wants to be on the team is welcomed with open arms.  “We have former level 10’s and girls who have never touched a bar before.  It creates an awesome atmosphere because we just want to see everyone at their own best.” Britcher said. 

It is evident that there is no lack of team spirit or pride in the Rutgers club gymnasts.  They grow together and bond over gymnastics; a world that is not easily understood by outsiders.

Many gymnasts are forced to cut their gymnastics careers short because they choose not to compete in college.  But with the support of NAIGC programs like Rutgers club gymnastics, gymnasts can continue their journeys in a fun and exciting environment.