About Us
Rooted in a rich family history that spans generations, MGA Gymnastics began as a humble dance studio in Bowie, MD. Today, it has grown into multiple thriving gymnastics centers across several states. This success is a testament to the unwavering passion and dedication of the Shrewsbury and Tichenor families, who have committed themselves to positively shaping the lives of countless children through gymnastics.
Our Story Begins with a Remarkable Child Prodigy
In the 1950s, a young Carolyn Shrewsbury (née Brown) amazed everyone with her extraordinary natural talent for acrobatics. Even as a child, it was evident that Carolyn possessed exceptional flexibility and balance, allowing her to perform feats that were truly unparalleled for her time.
One of her most astonishing acts involved carrying a stack of blocks—one by one—up a spiraling staircase, then stacking them back up while perfectly balanced in a handstand. Carolyn’s performances showcased extreme flexibility, one-arm handstands, and head balances on tiny platforms. Perhaps most breathtaking of all was her ability to balance on a small platform atop a pole, spinning gracefully on another platform below—defying gravity with poise and precision.Her early displays of skill and determination laid the foundation for a legacy that would inspire generations to come. |
|
A Star in the Spotlight and a Legacy Begins
Carolyn’s breathtaking acrobatic skills quickly caught public attention, earning her special invitations to perform on iconic shows such as The Howdy Doody Show, The Bozo the Clown Show, and even the Mickey Mouse Club. Her remarkable talents also led her to Atlantic City, where she graced the stage alongside the legendary Steel Pier Diving Horse—further cementing her reputation as a truly exceptional performer. Carolyn’s journey continued at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she met her future husband, Jerry Shrewsbury. Jerry was captivated—not just by Carolyn, but by the world of acrobatics. Together, they became standout members of the university’s innovative acrobatics troupe, GymKana, dazzling audiences with their dynamic routines. Following graduation, Carolyn and Jerry married and channeled their shared passion into teaching. In 1965, inspired by the arrival of their first child, Lora Jean, they launched Carolyn and Jerry’s School of Dance in Bowie, Maryland—offering a blend of dance and acrobatics to children in their community. Their family and legacy grew even more with the birth of their son, Brian, five years later. |
|
Royal T's Gymnastics
Fueled by their unwavering passion for acrobatics, Carolyn and Jerry expanded their vision in 1973 by founding Royal T’s Gymnastics in Crofton, MD. Though the center experienced several name and location changes over the years, it proudly holds the distinction of being Maryland’s longest-running gymnastics facility and one of the oldest in the nation.
Across the ensuing decades, Carolyn and Jerry dedicated themselves to training thousands of young athletes—including their own children, Lora Jean and Brian—as well as elite gymnasts like Racine Williams, who made history as the first African American gymnast at the University of Nebraska. Their enduring legacy has left an indelible mark on the sport and the lives of countless students.
.
Across the ensuing decades, Carolyn and Jerry dedicated themselves to training thousands of young athletes—including their own children, Lora Jean and Brian—as well as elite gymnasts like Racine Williams, who made history as the first African American gymnast at the University of Nebraska. Their enduring legacy has left an indelible mark on the sport and the lives of countless students.
.
As Royal T’s Gymnastics grew in popularity, attracting an ever-increasing number of students, it became clear that the facility needed more space to accommodate its expanding community. In 1989, the gym relocated to a spacious, newly renovated warehouse in Upper Marlboro, MD—where it proudly continues to serve families to this day.
Over the years, Jerry and Carolyn’s son, Brian, gradually took on greater responsibilities, both in coaching and managing the gym's daily operations. In 1996, Brian married Barbara Taylor, and with that union, Carolyn and Jerry officially entrusted the leadership of Royal T’s Gymnastics to the next generation. Barbara brought seven children into the marriage, and Brian embraced them wholeheartedly, becoming a devoted father figure and making their blended family the heart of the gym’s continued legacy.
Over the years, Jerry and Carolyn’s son, Brian, gradually took on greater responsibilities, both in coaching and managing the gym's daily operations. In 1996, Brian married Barbara Taylor, and with that union, Carolyn and Jerry officially entrusted the leadership of Royal T’s Gymnastics to the next generation. Barbara brought seven children into the marriage, and Brian embraced them wholeheartedly, becoming a devoted father figure and making their blended family the heart of the gym’s continued legacy.
Maryland State Gymnastics Center
After taking ownership of the center, Brian and Barbara Shrewsbury recognized the need to modernize both the facility and its offerings. They invested in updating equipment, expanding programs, and rebranding the gym to better reflect its significance in the community. Royal T’s Gymnastics became the Maryland State Gymnastics Center, a name that honors its role as a cornerstone of gymnastics throughout Maryland.
Carrying forward the Shrewsbury family legacy, Brian and Barbara remained deeply committed to the core mission that had driven the gym’s success for decades: to love, nurture, and positively impact children’s lives through the sport of gymnastics.
Over the following decades, Brian coached not only thousands of young athletes but also his sons, Kellen and Adam, guiding them to elite level competitions. Meanwhile, Barbara dedicated herself to coaching her daughters Abby, Hayley, and Laura through advanced levels. Together, Brian and Barbara expanded their family, adopting two more children, Drake and Jibril, embracing the gym as the heart of their family life.
Brian’s coaching journey with Kellen spanned 17 years—from novice beginnings all the way to elite gymnastics. Their journey took them across the country to hundreds of competitions, with Florida becoming one of their favorite competitive destinations. Together, they claimed numerous state, regional, and national titles. Towards the peak of Kellen’s career, he qualified for the prestigious National Qualifier held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs—a testament to his hard work and talent. Although injuries prevented him from competing internationally, the lessons and love for gymnastics Brian instilled in Kellen endured.
Inspired by these lessons, Kellen developed a profound passion for gymnastics and for teaching others. This passion took him beyond competition—he participated in mission trips to Guatemala where he performed gymnastics demonstrations and connected with children waiting in line to receive vital medications and vitamins, sharing joy and hope through his art.
Carrying forward the Shrewsbury family legacy, Brian and Barbara remained deeply committed to the core mission that had driven the gym’s success for decades: to love, nurture, and positively impact children’s lives through the sport of gymnastics.
Over the following decades, Brian coached not only thousands of young athletes but also his sons, Kellen and Adam, guiding them to elite level competitions. Meanwhile, Barbara dedicated herself to coaching her daughters Abby, Hayley, and Laura through advanced levels. Together, Brian and Barbara expanded their family, adopting two more children, Drake and Jibril, embracing the gym as the heart of their family life.
Brian’s coaching journey with Kellen spanned 17 years—from novice beginnings all the way to elite gymnastics. Their journey took them across the country to hundreds of competitions, with Florida becoming one of their favorite competitive destinations. Together, they claimed numerous state, regional, and national titles. Towards the peak of Kellen’s career, he qualified for the prestigious National Qualifier held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs—a testament to his hard work and talent. Although injuries prevented him from competing internationally, the lessons and love for gymnastics Brian instilled in Kellen endured.
Inspired by these lessons, Kellen developed a profound passion for gymnastics and for teaching others. This passion took him beyond competition—he participated in mission trips to Guatemala where he performed gymnastics demonstrations and connected with children waiting in line to receive vital medications and vitamins, sharing joy and hope through his art.
As Brian trained his children in gymnastics, he also began mentoring Adam and Kellen in the art of coaching. While Adam chose to pursue other paths later on, Kellen was inspired to carry forward the family legacy. Brian invested countless hours teaching Kellen how to instruct a full spectrum of skills—from beginner basics to advanced techniques—along with thousands of drills and the essential skill of spotting safely and effectively.
But beyond the technical training, Brian emphasized a deeper, more meaningful lesson: that every child’s well-being must always come first. He instilled in Kellen the importance of teaching values that extend far beyond gymnastics—goal-setting, resilience in the face of adversity, kindness, respect for others, and the dedication born from hard work.
Alongside coaching, Brian also shared insights into the family business, demonstrating the value of fairness, integrity, honoring commitments, and treating everyone with respect. By the time Kellen was concluding his competitive gymnastics journey, he was stepping confidently into his role as a business leader.
Now working side-by-side, Brian, Barbara, and Kellen were ready to embrace a new chapter—guiding the gym’s future and carrying forward the Shrewsbury family tradition of excellence, care, and community.
But beyond the technical training, Brian emphasized a deeper, more meaningful lesson: that every child’s well-being must always come first. He instilled in Kellen the importance of teaching values that extend far beyond gymnastics—goal-setting, resilience in the face of adversity, kindness, respect for others, and the dedication born from hard work.
Alongside coaching, Brian also shared insights into the family business, demonstrating the value of fairness, integrity, honoring commitments, and treating everyone with respect. By the time Kellen was concluding his competitive gymnastics journey, he was stepping confidently into his role as a business leader.
Now working side-by-side, Brian, Barbara, and Kellen were ready to embrace a new chapter—guiding the gym’s future and carrying forward the Shrewsbury family tradition of excellence, care, and community.
|
|
Gym Adventure
As Brian trained his children in gymnastics, he also began mentoring Adam and Kellen in the art of coaching. While Adam chose to pursue other paths later on, Kellen was inspired to carry forward the family legacy. Brian invested countless hours teaching Kellen how to instruct a full spectrum of skills—from beginner basics to advanced techniques—along with thousands of drills and the essential skill of spotting safely and effectively.
But beyond the technical training, Brian emphasized a deeper, more meaningful lesson: that every child’s well-being must always come first. He instilled in Kellen the importance of teaching values that extend far beyond gymnastics—goal-setting, resilience in the face of adversity, kindness, respect for others, and the dedication born from hard work.
Alongside coaching, Brian also shared insights into the family business, demonstrating the value of fairness, integrity, honoring commitments, and treating everyone with respect. By the time Kellen was concluding his competitive gymnastics journey, he was stepping confidently into his role as a business leader.
Now working side-by-side, Brian, Barbara, and Kellen were ready to embrace a new chapter—guiding the gym’s future and carrying forward the Shrewsbury family tradition of excellence, care, and community.
But beyond the technical training, Brian emphasized a deeper, more meaningful lesson: that every child’s well-being must always come first. He instilled in Kellen the importance of teaching values that extend far beyond gymnastics—goal-setting, resilience in the face of adversity, kindness, respect for others, and the dedication born from hard work.
Alongside coaching, Brian also shared insights into the family business, demonstrating the value of fairness, integrity, honoring commitments, and treating everyone with respect. By the time Kellen was concluding his competitive gymnastics journey, he was stepping confidently into his role as a business leader.
Now working side-by-side, Brian, Barbara, and Kellen were ready to embrace a new chapter—guiding the gym’s future and carrying forward the Shrewsbury family tradition of excellence, care, and community.
As Gym Adventure’s reputation spread throughout Apopka as a welcoming, family-oriented gym that truly cares about kids, the community’s needs began to evolve. It soon became evident that many families were seeking not just recreational classes, but opportunities for their children to participate in competitive gymnastics as well.
Despite limited space, the enthusiasm from families was overwhelming—more and more parents inquired about starting a competitive team. Seeing the genuine interest and recognizing the positive impact such a program could have, the decision was made to launch a competitive team, expanding Gym Adventure’s mission and opening new doors for young athletes to grow and excel.
Despite limited space, the enthusiasm from families was overwhelming—more and more parents inquired about starting a competitive team. Seeing the genuine interest and recognizing the positive impact such a program could have, the decision was made to launch a competitive team, expanding Gym Adventure’s mission and opening new doors for young athletes to grow and excel.
Gym Adventure and Maryland State Gymnastics Become MGA
As the competitive team grew and prepared for its first competitions, Brian, Kellen, and Barbara realized that the name “Gym Adventure” no longer fully captured the team’s evolving spirit and ambitions. They also wanted a name that would create a stronger connection between their gyms in Maryland and Florida.
Locally, the Maryland gym had become affectionately known as "MD State Gym," and they wished to honor that heritage while preserving the friendly, adventurous essence of the Florida location. From this blending of identities, the name “MGA” — My Gym Adventure — was born.
The new logo reflected this unity, featuring the iconic Maryland flag woven into the design, with the letters proudly showcasing the state’s vibrant colors—a symbol of tradition, pride, and ongoing growth across both locations.
Locally, the Maryland gym had become affectionately known as "MD State Gym," and they wished to honor that heritage while preserving the friendly, adventurous essence of the Florida location. From this blending of identities, the name “MGA” — My Gym Adventure — was born.
The new logo reflected this unity, featuring the iconic Maryland flag woven into the design, with the letters proudly showcasing the state’s vibrant colors—a symbol of tradition, pride, and ongoing growth across both locations.
Moving to The Sportsplex
MGA Florida’s Next Chapter: Embracing Growth and OpportunityIn just a few years, MGA in Florida found itself bursting at the seams—demand from new students soared, and the competitive team needed more room to train with advanced equipment. Recognizing these challenges, the Shrewsbury and Tichenor family remained hopeful for a solution.
Their prayers were answered when the Coopers, their supportive landlords, approached them with exciting news: they were planning to construct a state-of-the-art sports complex just down the street and wanted MGA to be their very first tenant. Grateful for this remarkable opportunity, the family eagerly accepted.
With preparations underway for this major transition, the MGA team began strategically acquiring and stockpiling new equipment, ensuring a smooth move. As the sports complex broke ground, the family pulled together—skillfully managing the day-to-day operations of both the Maryland and Florida gyms, while also overseeing the development of their new facility in the Sportsplex.
This period marked not just a physical expansion, but a testament to MGA’s resilient spirit, teamwork, and steadfast commitment to providing an outstanding environment for young athletes to learn and thrive.
Their prayers were answered when the Coopers, their supportive landlords, approached them with exciting news: they were planning to construct a state-of-the-art sports complex just down the street and wanted MGA to be their very first tenant. Grateful for this remarkable opportunity, the family eagerly accepted.
With preparations underway for this major transition, the MGA team began strategically acquiring and stockpiling new equipment, ensuring a smooth move. As the sports complex broke ground, the family pulled together—skillfully managing the day-to-day operations of both the Maryland and Florida gyms, while also overseeing the development of their new facility in the Sportsplex.
This period marked not just a physical expansion, but a testament to MGA’s resilient spirit, teamwork, and steadfast commitment to providing an outstanding environment for young athletes to learn and thrive.
MGA Gymnastics Today
MGA’s Florida Growth: A New EraIn 2015, MGA Florida embarked on an exciting new chapter, moving into its spacious home at the Cooper Palms Sportsplex—now known as The Well Activity Center. Since then, MGA hasn’t stood still. The gym has embraced multiple logo refreshes and, always seeking to expand opportunities for kids, added Ninja and Tumbling & Trampoline (T&T) programs to its thriving boys’ and girls’ gymnastics offerings. True to its spirit, MGA continually upgrades its facilities and programs, responding to the evolving interests of its community.
A Family Legacy, A Caring TeamToday, MGA Florida is guided by Kellen, his wife Jasmine (raising three young gymnasts of their own), Brian and Barbara. Brian’s sister, Lora Jean, plays a vital role in managing the gym, while Brian coaches the boys’ team alongside his son Drake. Supported by a talented and passionate staff, this family continues the tradition of always putting children’s well-being first—ensuring MGA is a place where every child feels safe, welcomed, and valued.
Many of the girls from the first MGA Florida competitive team have returned as coaches, sharing their love for gymnastics and serving as positive role models for the next generation. Together, the staff works tirelessly to foster not just athletic ability but also confidence, teamwork, and a lasting sense of belonging.
MGA Maryland: Tradition and CommunityMeanwhile, MGA in Maryland remains a vibrant hub, welcoming hundreds of students and families every week. The sense of tradition runs deep—former students now bring their own children and grandchildren, entrusting the gym with their family’s memories and milestones. Annual celebrations are much more than just events; they feel like joyful reunions where members of the MGA family reconnect, share stories, and relive happy times together.
Enduring ImpactMGA continues to be a cornerstone of its communities in both states, shaping lives one child at a time. Through ever-evolving programs, a heartfelt mission, and multigenerational involvement, MGA stands as a testament to the power of family, tradition, and the transformative impact of gymnastics on children and their families.
A Family Legacy, A Caring TeamToday, MGA Florida is guided by Kellen, his wife Jasmine (raising three young gymnasts of their own), Brian and Barbara. Brian’s sister, Lora Jean, plays a vital role in managing the gym, while Brian coaches the boys’ team alongside his son Drake. Supported by a talented and passionate staff, this family continues the tradition of always putting children’s well-being first—ensuring MGA is a place where every child feels safe, welcomed, and valued.
Many of the girls from the first MGA Florida competitive team have returned as coaches, sharing their love for gymnastics and serving as positive role models for the next generation. Together, the staff works tirelessly to foster not just athletic ability but also confidence, teamwork, and a lasting sense of belonging.
MGA Maryland: Tradition and CommunityMeanwhile, MGA in Maryland remains a vibrant hub, welcoming hundreds of students and families every week. The sense of tradition runs deep—former students now bring their own children and grandchildren, entrusting the gym with their family’s memories and milestones. Annual celebrations are much more than just events; they feel like joyful reunions where members of the MGA family reconnect, share stories, and relive happy times together.
Enduring ImpactMGA continues to be a cornerstone of its communities in both states, shaping lives one child at a time. Through ever-evolving programs, a heartfelt mission, and multigenerational involvement, MGA stands as a testament to the power of family, tradition, and the transformative impact of gymnastics on children and their families.
The Shrewsbury and Tichenor Families Today
Carolyn and Jerry Shrewsbury currently live in Florida close to the rest of the Shrewsbury/Tichenor family whom they see every week and have close relationships with. Every once in a while you can catch them at the Florida gym; stopping by and looking out at what has come from the dreams and life's work that were started all those years ago - with a little girl named Carolyn who amazed everyone with her incredible acrobatics and a passion that would spread and continue to grow through generations. A passion that continues today at MGA Gymnastics.
Jerry and Carolyn Shrewsbury, Brian Shrewsbury, Hayley Verdecanna, and Kellen Tichenor at MGA in Florida.
|
Jasmine, Brian, Drake, Malachi, and Barb at the family farm in Bushnell, FL.
|
Kellen and Jasmine Tichenor with their three children - Jazelle, Noah, and Malachi.
|