University of Gymnastics was established in 1979 by David and Lynda Rose in a 6000 square foot facility. In just 3 short years the school and gym were bursting at the seams and were relocated to a 20,000 square foot, state-of the-art facility. Nearly 30 years later, University of Gymnastics expanded again by opening its second location in Sherman, Texas.
In May of 2003 ownership was passed to Dayna DeProspero, the oldest daughter of the Roses. Dayna was a competitive gymnast at U of G, earning a full gymnastics scholarship to the University of Oklahoma where she was a 4 year letter winner and Big 8 Champion. Dayna has 2 daughters: Haley DeProspero Horton, currently in Medical School at the University of Texas, Houston. Haley earned a full athletic scholarship in gymnastics to the University of Oklahoma where she met her husband and former teammate Jonathan Horton. Jonathan won a silver metal at the most recent Beijing Olympics. Youngest daughter, Ashley Rose Barnhill, cheered for her high school and for a private competitive cheer program for years. Ashley is also a former cheerleader for the University of Oklahoma and teaches many workshops and cheer camps for the University of Gymnastics. Ashley is married to her high school sweetheart, Chance Barnhill.
The DeProspero family's dedication to balancing athletic and academic success has been instrumental in the success of their business. "If I had to choose between having a gymnastics program and a preschool, I don't think I could make a choice," says Dayna DeProspero. "All of the children here at U of G, from our smallest preschoolers to our competitive gymnasts, need to have balance between school and athletics. Our staff is dedicated to making sure each child achieves that balance."
And speaking of staff! While there are always new staff members bringing fresh ideas to the company, U of G also has staff members who have spent as many as 15+ years teaching at University of Gymnastics.
The gymnastics programs at U of G have also flourished. Over the years the staff has developed a recreational program that focuses on fun and fitness, but also encourages budding gymnasts to set goals and recognizes their accomplishments through a "Skills Challenge" program that rewards them with stars to sew on leotards and t-shirts. The U of G competitive team has also l earned the respect of the local and national gymnastics communities. Many U of G athletes have earned the privilege to compete at state, regional, and national competitions and many have gone on to compete at the college level.
"U of G is a great fit for today's busy family," says Dayna De Prospero. "We offer many options for both our education and fitness programs. There really is something here for everyone and we will continue to change with the needs of our students and their families."
In October of 2011, long-time Director, Em Sneed purchased the Sherman location and operates it there today. Em has been a athlete of all sorts throughout her life, focussing on gymnastics, cheerleading and tumbling. She trained for eight years at Paris School of Gymnastics and cheered scholastically. Em holds a B.A. in Communications and Health from Texas A&M University at Commerce and maintains various professional memberships in the gymnastics industry. She and her husband, Timothy, reside in Sherman with their "daughter" Zuzu.
