Heart of a Coach
Jan/Feb 2012
Q&A with Grace Johnson
Gymnastics Coach
Oconee Gymnastics Center
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” – Matthew 6:33
Although Grace Johnson isn’t balancing on the beam anymore, the former All-American gymnast from the University of Georgia is as close to the sport as she’s ever been. Only now, instead of doing handsprings herself, she’s teaching others. The athletes she now coaches at the Oconee Gymnastics Center in Watkinsville, Georgia, are reaping the benefits of not only high-quality gymnastics training, but also many of the spiritual and life lessons that Johnson learned during her own time on the floor.
STV: When did you start competing in gymnastics?
GJ: I was 4 years old when I started gymnastics, and I competed for the first time at age 6. I had way too much energy and was borderline destructive, so my mom took me to a pediatrician who recommended gymnastics as a way of helping me to safely burn off excess energy.
STV: Your career at the University of Georgia was highly successful. What did your time as a Gym Dog mean to you?
GJ: Winning national titles was great, and they provided lasting lessons about the rewards of hard work and teamwork, but the challenges along the way shaped who I am. My time at Georgia was harder than any other time in my life, but it was the most rewarding. I was pushed to the edge, and, through that, I discovered who I truly was.
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“…no amount of earthly accomplishments would make me more than who I am in Christ.” |
STV: How did your time in college and in FCA impact your faith?
GJ: I never really experienced Christian community and fellowship before being a part of FCA. Our campus Huddle provided me with friends who encouraged me, prayed for me and built me up. Our chaplain and FCA Campus Director, Jill Perry, was there pouring into us, and she really helped me develop my relationship with Christ.
At Georgia, I grew to understand that Jesus died for me and that no amount of earthly accomplishments would make me more than who I am in Christ. My relationship with the Lord wouldn’t have been as strong if I’d not left my parents’ nest and discovered for myself what I believed.
STV: What lessons from your time as an athlete are you incorporating into your role as a coach?
GJ: There are so many things to teach in gymnastics, like presentation, enthusiasm and hard work. But there are also spiritual lessons like competing for an audience of One. I try to teach these 6- to 11-year-old girls that results and awards don’t matter as much as the true purpose of competing.
STV: Do you see coaching as a ministry opportunity?
GJ: Definitely! I love children, and I love Jesus, and coaching these girls pulls those two together. It’s kids, Jesus and gymnastics, and it’s a program in which I’m allowed to use the sport as a way of developing character and teaching life lessons.
Based on my own experience in their position, I know that these girls may not be bold enough to share the gospel with each other, so I think one of my most important jobs as a coach is to empower them to do be confident in themselves and in their faith. 
 ABOUT THE COACH
Coaching Career:
• Oconee Gymnastics Center (Ga.)(2011-Present)
Athletic Career:
• University of Georgia (2007-10)
– Member of three NCAA National Championship teams
– NCAA Individual Beam National Champion (2008)
– Five-time NCAA All-American
FCA Staff Quote:
“Grace came to Georgia as an extremely grounded young woman in her faith. Through FCA and our Team United, she had a strong community of believers around her, and the challenges that came with being a college athlete and other life experiences gave her the opportunity to display her sincere devotion to the Lord.”
– Jill Perry, FCA Campus Director University of Georgia |
