Gymnastics is brutal. It’s early mornings, ripped callouses, and the kind of mental grit that most adults don't even possess. If you’re looking into first state gymnastics delaware, you probably already know that this isn't just a neighborhood play place with some dusty mats and a trampoline. It’s a powerhouse. Located in Newark, this facility has basically become the epicenter for competitive gymnastics in the Mid-Atlantic.
You’ve likely seen the names. Morgan Hurd. Does that ring a bell? The 2017 World All-Around Champion didn't just appear out of thin air. She was forged right there in that gym under the watchful eye of Slava Glazounov and Cleo Washington. That’s the thing about First State; it’s got this weird, almost magical mix of high-intensity elite training and a community vibe that keeps kids from burning out by age twelve.
It’s intense.
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But it’s also home for a lot of these athletes. When you walk into the building on Red Mill Road, you aren't just entering a business. You’re entering a legacy. For parents in the tri-state area, the big question is usually whether the commute to Newark is worth it. Honestly, if your kid is serious about NCAA scholarships or elite-level competition, the answer is almost always yes.
The Slava Factor and the Coaching Philosophy
What really sets first state gymnastics delaware apart from the dozens of other clubs in the region? It’s the coaching pedigree. Slava Glazounov isn't just some guy who knows how to spot a back handspring. He’s a world-class technician. He focuses on the "clean" look—the pointed toes, the locked knees, the exact finger positioning—that separates a 9.2 from a 9.9.
A lot of gyms focus on "chucking" skills. They want the big double-backs and the flashy releases before the athlete is actually ready. First State doesn't do that. They’re obsessive about the basics. If your handstand isn't perfect, you aren't moving on. It sounds harsh, but it’s actually safer. It’s why their injury rates among top-tier athletes often seem lower than the national average for high-impact programs.
Cleo Washington complements this with a style that emphasizes power and psychological resilience. You can’t survive elite gymnastics if you’re brittle, mentally or physically. They build kids who can fall off a beam in front of thousands of people, get back up, and nail the rest of the routine without a wobble. That’s the "First State Way." It’s a culture of accountability.
Success Beyond the World Championships
Everyone talks about Morgan Hurd because, well, she’s a world champion. But the true measure of first state gymnastics delaware is the "bread and butter" success of their Level 10 athletes. These are the girls and boys (though the women’s program is the primary headline-grabber) who are vying for full-ride scholarships to schools like Florida, LSU, or Utah.
Success is constant here.
- Over the last decade, they’ve sent dozens of athletes to Division I programs.
- Their compulsory programs (Levels 3-5) consistently sweep state championships.
- The gym maintains a low coach-to-student ratio even in the recreational classes, which is sort of a rarity for a gym this famous.
If you’re a parent, you have to realize that not every kid is going to the Olympics. In fact, statistically, almost none of them are. But at First State, the goal seems to be more about opening doors. Whether that’s a college education or just the discipline that comes from repeating a bar routine fifty times a day, the value is there.
Dealing with the "Elite" Pressure
Let’s be real for a second. The world of elite gymnastics has been under a microscope lately. We’ve seen the documentaries and the news reports about toxic environments. People wonder if a place as successful as first state gymnastics delaware falls into those old-school, harsh patterns.
From what the community says, they’ve adapted better than most. They’ve leaned into the modern understanding of athlete wellness. It’s not the 1980s Soviet style of training anymore. There’s a much heavier emphasis on communication and listening to the athlete’s body. You see it in the way the coaches interact with the girls during meets—it’s supportive. Intense? Yes. Demeaning? No.
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That distinction matters.
The gym offers everything from "Mommy and Me" classes to the high-performance elite track. This spectrum is actually healthy for the gym's ecosystem. It keeps the "big" girls grounded when they see toddlers struggling to do a forward roll, and it gives the little ones heroes to look up to during their afternoon sessions.
What to Expect If You Enroll
If you’re thinking about signing up, don't expect a pristine, quiet country club atmosphere. It’s loud. It smells like chalk and sweat. It’s a working gym.
- Evaluation: Your child will likely need an evaluation if they’re moving from another program. Don't be offended if they get placed a level lower than you expected. First State’s standards for "Level 4" are often higher than other gyms' standards for "Level 6."
- Commitment: Once you hit the competitive team levels, your life belongs to the gym. We’re talking 15 to 25 hours a week. It’s a lifestyle choice for the whole family.
- Cost: It’s expensive. Between monthly tuition, meet fees, leotards (which are surprisingly pricey), and travel, you’re looking at a significant investment.
But you’re paying for the best equipment in the state. They have the pits, the Tumble Tracks, the multiple sets of uneven bars, and the specialized flooring that minimizes impact on growing joints. You’re also paying for the network. When college recruiters see "First State Gymnastics" on a recruiting profile, they actually open the email. That brand name carries weight in the NCAA world.
The Facility and Location Logistics
Newark, Delaware, isn't exactly a bustling metropolis, which is actually a benefit. The gym is located in a spot that’s easy to get to from I-95. For families driving in from Maryland, Pennsylvania, or even New Jersey, the location is pretty convenient.
The facility itself is massive. It’s around 20,000 square feet of gymnastics heaven. They’ve got dedicated areas for each event, and unlike smaller gyms where athletes have to wait in long lines for their turn on the vault, the flow at First State is surprisingly efficient. They know how to move bodies through a workout.
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Moving Forward With Competitive Training
If your child is constantly doing cartwheels in the grocery store or hanging off the monkey bars until their hands bleed, you’re probably looking for a place like first state gymnastics delaware.
Start with a trial class.
Even if you have dreams of the Olympics, start in the recreational program or the "Pre-Team" track. Let them fall in love with the sport before you ramp up the pressure. Gymnastics is a marathon, not a sprint. The kids who stay in it the longest are the ones who find the fun in the grind.
If you want to see what top-tier training looks like, go watch one of their home meets or check out their social media. You’ll see a level of precision that is honestly pretty rare to find in a small state like Delaware. It’s a testament to what happens when you combine world-class coaching with a dedicated group of athletes.
Next Steps for Parents:
- Schedule an evaluation: Contact the front desk to see where your child fits in their leveling system.
- Audit a team practice: If your child is already competitive, ask to sit in on a session. Watch how the coaches talk to the athletes after a mistake. That tells you everything you need to know.
- Review the handbook: Look closely at their travel requirements and tuition breaks. Most high-level gyms have very specific rules about missing practice.
- Check the schedule: Ensure the "Newark commute" is sustainable for your family's daily routine before committing to a full season.