MGA Gymnastics - Our Story
MGA Gymnastics has a rich family history centered on the Tichenor family and their dedication to the sport and the kids they serve.
Where It All Began
The story builds from a deep passion for gymnastics and acrobatics that led to the establishment of what would become a long-running gymnastics center in Maryland. This foundation emphasized teaching children with care, building skills, and fostering personal growth through the sport.
Maryland State Gymnastics Center
The gym evolved and was renamed Maryland State Gymnastics Center, becoming a staple in the Maryland gymnastics community. It continued to focus on high-quality coaching, competitive programs, and creating a supportive environment for athletes of all levels.
Barb played a key role alongside the family, coaching athletes including her daughters through advanced levels. Together with Kellen Tichenor and others, they built strong programs that produced competitive success while prioritizing the well-being of every child.
Kellen developed a deep love for the sport through years of training and competition. He traveled extensively, won numerous titles, and gained valuable experience that fueled his passion for coaching. Kellen learned comprehensive coaching techniques, spotting skills, and the importance of values like goal-setting, resilience, kindness, respect, and hard work — always putting kids first.
Gym Adventure
In 2012, the family took a leap of faith and opened a second location in Apopka, Florida, initially named Gym Adventure. It started as a recreational program focused on small children, emphasizing fun and foundational gymnastics skills. Barb, Kellen, and the team took turns developing the facility, staffing classes, and building the program from the ground up. It quickly grew thanks to its reputation as a caring, family-oriented gym.
As demand increased, they added a competitive team despite limited space, responding to families seeking higher-level opportunities.
Becoming MGA
As the competitive program expanded, the name "Gym Adventure" no longer fully fit. They chose "MGA" (My Gym Adventure) to unify the Maryland and Florida locations while honoring the original spirit. The branding incorporated Maryland elements to tie the gyms together.
Moving to the Sportsplex
The Florida location outgrew its initial space. A great opportunity arose with the construction of a nearby sports complex, where MGA became the first tenant. The team worked diligently to prepare the new facility while continuing operations at both locations.
MGA Gymnastics Today
In 2015, the Florida gym moved into its current home at what is now The Well Activity Center. Since then, MGA has expanded its offerings to include boys and girls gymnastics, Ninja, and T&T (Tumbling and Trampoline), with ongoing upgrades and evolution.
Today, the Florida gym is run by Kellen Tichenor and his wife Jasmine (parents to their own children), along with Barb and a dedicated staff. Kellen’s sister-in-law support and other family members contribute as well, with Kellen and Drake involved in coaching the boys’ team. The gym maintains its core tradition: prioritizing children’s well-being, teaching life skills beyond gymnastics, and providing a place of belonging, acceptance, and positivity.
Many early team members have become coaches themselves, continuing the cycle of positive impact. The Maryland location remains strong, serving generations of families who return with their own children and grandchildren.
MGA Gymnastics continues as a family-driven operation focused on the Tichenor legacy of excellence, community, and making a lasting difference in the lives of kids through gymnastics.