Coaches' Corner: Meg Crowley at Centenary

The college recruiting process can feel overwhelming for young gymnasts and their families. From understanding what coaches look for to finding the right program fit, there are countless factors that go into making one of the biggest decisions of an athlete's career. In this edition of Coaches' Corner, we spoke with Meg Crowley about her recruiting philosophy, what stands out when evaluating potential recruits, the transition to college gymnastics, and the qualities that help athletes thrive at the next level.   Know the Athlete Beyond the Gymnast   For Crowley, recruiting starts with building a genuine connection and learning who the athlete is beyond their gymnastics.   “My goal is to learn about the athlete both inside and outside of the gym. What are their hobbies, family life, how do they handle a tough practice or meet, what are their goals, and what does their dream school look like and feel like,” Crowley shared.   While she is evaluating how an athlete could fit into the Centenary program, she is also focused on making sure the athlete understands what the school and team have to offer. A major part of that process is the campus visit.   “I think it's so important to visit campus, meet the team, and watch a practice to help the recruit see if this is a place they can see themselves growing and thriving at,” she said.   What Stands Out   When identifying potential recruits, Crowley looks beyond just skills and scores. One of the biggest qualities she values is a growth mindset.   “I am looking for athletes with a growth mindset. They want to continue to learn, grow, and work hard while they are here,” she explained. “I also look for athletes with a positive outlook. Energy is contagious, so making sure we bring on athletes with positive attitude and energy is key.”   When evaluating gymnasts, Crowley starts by watching full routines to see how athletes could fit into the collegiate level.   “I look for posted full routines, so that I can assess if they are meeting all of the special requirements for college,” she said. “If they are missing some, then the next thing I am looking for is if they are training the necessary upgrades to get there.”   While all-around ability is valuable, Crowley also recognizes the importance of specialists.   “I am typically looking for athletes who can contribute on at least two events,” she said.   The Transition from Club to College Gymnastics   The jump from club gymnastics to NCAA competition is a major adjustment, and Crowley believes first-year athletes often experience more change than people realize.   “We don't give first-year athletes enough credit for the amount of change they are experiencing at one time,” she said.   Athletes are not only adjusting to a new level of gymnastics, but also moving away from home, living with roommates, meeting new teammates, adapting to new coaches, and learning how to balance academics and athletics.   “It is both exciting and overwhelming, new freedoms and new responsibilities,” Crowley said.   The athletes who thrive are often the ones who embrace their new environment and build connections quickly.   “The athletes who seek out and build community quickly and who aren't afraid to ask for help or guidance if they are struggling” are the ones who adjust best, according to Crowley.   Advice for Future College Gymnasts   For athletes hoping to compete in college, Crowley emphasizes consistency and intentional communication.   “Keep that goal top of mind. Work hard and be consistent in your communication with college coaches,” she advised.   One common mistake she sees during recruiting is athletes focusing only on getting an opportunity rather than finding the right opportunity.   “Go where you can contribute from the start,” Crowley said. “No one wants to sit on the sidelines for four years.”   Inside Centenary Gymnastics   Centenary's program is built around three core values: passion, loyalty, and perseverance.   “We are looking to continue to grow and get better each year both in the gym and academically,” Crowley said.   The program looks for athletes who bring positivity, kindness, and a desire to keep improving.   “We are looking for athletes who are kind, positive, and looking to continue to learn and grow,” she shared.   One thing that makes Centenary unique is its location and competitive opportunities. As the only Division III gymnastics program currently located in the South, Centenary offers athletes a distinctive experience competing throughout the country and across divisions.   “We compete in a mixed-division conference and national championship,” Crowley explained. “Due to our location, we compete all over the country and across divisions throughout our season.”   Final Thoughts   When it comes to navigating the recruiting journey, Crowley encourages athletes and families to stay open-minded and proactive.   “Be open-minded to the process, and consistent in your outreach,” she said.   The best college fit allows athletes to continue developing in the gym while also building meaningful experiences, relationships, and skills that will serve them long after gymnastics.

The college recruiting process can feel overwhelming for young gymnasts and their families. From understanding what coaches look for to finding the right program fit, there are countless factors that go into making one of the biggest decisions of an athlete's career. In this edition of Coaches' Corner, we spoke with Meg Crowley about her recruiting philosophy, what stands out when evaluating potential recruits, the transition to college gymnastics, and the qualities that help athletes thrive at the next level.

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Coaches’ Corner: Meg Crowley at Centenary

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