the Legacy of MGA Gymnastics

The Legacy of MGA Gymnastics: A Six-Decade Journey from Dance Studio to Gymnastics Dynasty

From Prodigy to Pioneer: The Carolyn Brown Story
The remarkable story of MGA Gymnastics begins in the 1950s with a child prodigy whose extraordinary acrobatic abilities would shape the future of gymnastics in Maryland. Carolyn Brown, later to become Carolyn Shrewsbury, possessed an innate talent that captivated audiences across the nation. Her performances were nothing short of spectacular – she could navigate a spiraling staircase while in a handstand, stacking blocks one by one, and execute gravity-defying acts involving extreme flexibility and balance on platforms atop spinning poles.

These remarkable feats earned her invitations to legendary television programs including The Howdy Doody Show, The Bozo the Clown Show, and The Mickey Mouse Club. Her career reached new heights when she performed alongside the infamous Steel Pier Diving Horse in Atlantic City, cementing her status as one of the era's most captivating acrobatic performers.

The University of Maryland Connection
Carolyn's journey took a pivotal turn when she enrolled at the University of Maryland College Park, where she met her future husband, Jerry Shrewsbury. Jerry, initially drawn to Carolyn's remarkable abilities, soon developed his own passion for acrobatics. Together, they became integral members of the university's innovative acrobatics performance team, GymKana. This partnership would prove to be the foundation upon which their gymnastics empire would be built.

After marriage, the couple welcomed their first child, Lora Jean, in 1965. That same year, they opened Carolyn and Jerry's School of Dance in Bowie, Maryland, where they taught various dance disciplines alongside acrobatics. Five years later, their son Brian was born, a child who would eventually carry the family legacy into the next generation.

The Birth of Royal T's Gymnastics
The true genesis of what would become MGA Gymnastics occurred in 1973 when Carolyn and Jerry opened Royal T's Gymnastics in Crofton, Maryland. This venture marked the beginning of what would become the longest-running gymnastics center in Maryland and one of the oldest in the United States. The facility was groundbreaking in its approach, establishing itself as a leader in gymnastics education and competitive training.

Royal T's quickly gained recognition as a pioneering force in Maryland gymnastics. The facility was among the first in the state to install a spring floor, a revolutionary innovation that enhanced both safety and performance capabilities. The gym's competitive team became one of the first gymnastics centers in Maryland to participate in state, regional, and national level competitions, setting a precedent for excellence that would define the program for decades.

Evolution Through Innovation and Growth

The Early Years: Building Foundations
The initial incarnation of Royal T's began modestly in a small dance school in Bowie, Maryland, where the Shrewsburys taught tap, ballet, and jazz dance. The annual performance showcases were held on the prestigious stage at Bowie State University, creating magical moments for both parents and children. As the program evolved, the focus gradually shifted from pure dance to acrobatics and tumbling, setting the stage for the gymnastics empire that would follow.

The First Expansion: The 3,000 Square Foot Facility

In the early 1980s, Royal T's made its first significant expansion, moving into a dedicated 3,000 square foot gymnasium. This facility represented a quantum leap in capabilities, featuring the gym's first wooden balance beams and a converted parallel bar setup transformed into uneven bars. The innovative approach extended beyond the confines of the building – on warm days, tumbling instruction took place on an outdoor strip, and vaulting practice was conducted in the parking lot.

The 10,000 Square Foot Revolution

The program's continued growth necessitated another major expansion into a 10,000 square foot building down the street from the original location. This facility featured the gym's first 40x40 square foot tumbling mat, allowing for indoor vaulting and tumbling instruction year-round. The enhanced space capabilities marked a new era in the program's development, providing the foundation for more advanced training methods and expanded enrollment.

The Dual-Wing Configuration

As Royal T's continued to flourish, the program expanded into an additional wing of the building, connected by a small door to the original space. This configuration created specialized training areas, including a dedicated beam room housing five balance beams and a raised tumbling area with large protective mats for advanced skill development. This setup remained the gym's home for approximately 20 years before the next major relocation.

The Upper Marlboro Era: A New Chapter
The late 1980s brought another significant transition when Royal T's relocated from the Crofton area to Upper Marlboro, Maryland. In 1989, the gym moved to a brand-new warehouse building in Upper Marlboro, where it continues to operate today. This move coincided with a generational shift in leadership, as Jerry and Carolyn's son Brian began assuming greater coaching responsibilities and gradually took over the gym's operations.

The Shrewsbury Legacy Continues
The Next Generation Takes Charge
The family legacy reached a new milestone in 1996 when Brian Shrewsbury married Barbara Taylor, and Carolyn and Jerry officially passed the torch of Royal T's Gymnastics to the next generation. Barbara brought seven children into the marriage, and Brian adopted those who were still minors, expanding the family and creating a truly blended household united by their shared passion for gymnastics.

The Transformation to Maryland State Gymnastics Center

After purchasing the center, Brian and Barbara made strategic decisions to modernize the facility, updating equipment, programs, and the gym's identity. Royal T's Gymnastics was renamed Maryland State Gymnastics Center, reflecting its status as a cornerstone of gymnastics in Maryland. The name change symbolized the gym's evolution while maintaining the foundational values that had made it successful: loving and caring for children while helping them improve their lives through gymnastics.

Elite Training and Championship Success
Developing Champions
Under Brian's coaching, the gym produced numerous elite-level athletes, including his own sons Kellen and Adam. Brian's coaching philosophy emphasized long-term development, and he coached Kellen for 17 years, from beginning level through elite competition. Their partnership resulted in extensive travel throughout the country, competing in hundreds of competitions, with Florida becoming one of their favorite destinations.

The success of their training partnership was evident in their competitive achievements, including numerous state, regional, and national titles. The pinnacle of Kellen's career came when he qualified for the National Qualifier at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Unfortunately, injuries prevented him from reaching international competition, but the experience instilled in him a deep love for the sport and a passion for teaching.

Building Character Beyond Competition

Brian's coaching philosophy extended far beyond technical skill development. He emphasized that children's well-being always comes first and focused on teaching values that transcend gymnastics. These included goal-setting, overcoming adversity, treating others with kindness and respect, and understanding the value of hard work. This holistic approach to coaching helped develop not just skilled athletes but well-rounded individuals prepared for life's challenges.

The Florida Expansion: A Bold Vision
The Birth of Gym Adventure
In 2012, with the Maryland gym thriving and generating a substantial following, Brian, Barbara, and Kellen made the bold decision to open a second location in Apopka, Florida. The family took turns traveling to Florida to develop and build the gym, eventually staffing and running classes with help from Abby and Hayley. The new facility was initially conceived as a strictly recreational gymnasium catering to younger children, aptly named "Gym Adventure”.

The Competitive Evolution

Despite its smaller size compared to the Maryland location, Gym Adventure quickly established itself as a beloved community institution. As word spread about the family-oriented gym that genuinely cared about children, demand grew for competitive programming. Responding to numerous family requests, the decision was made to establish a competitive team despite space limitations.

The MGA Transformation
Unifying the Brand
As the competitive team in Florida prepared for competition, the family realized that the name "Gym Adventure" didn't adequately represent a competitive program. They also wanted a unified identity that would connect the Maryland and Florida locations. The Maryland gym had become locally known as "MD State Gym," and they wanted to preserve elements of the "Gym Adventure" name.

From this creative process, "MGA" was born, standing for "My Gym Adventure". The logo incorporated the Maryland flag and used Maryland's distinctive colors, creating a visual connection between the two locations while establishing a new brand identity.

The Sportsplex Era
By the mid-2010s, MGA in Florida had outgrown its original space, necessitating expansion for both increased enrollment and competitive equipment needs. A fortuitous opportunity arose when the Coopers, their landlords, approached the family about becoming the first tenants in a new sports complex they were planning to build. The family accepted this offer, beginning preparations for another major relocation.

In 2015, MGA Florida moved into its new home in the Cooper Palms Sportsplex, now known as The Well Activity Center. This state-of-the-art facility provided the space and resources necessary for continued growth and program expansion.

Modern MGA: A Multi-Generational Success Story
Current Operations
Today, MGA operates as a true family enterprise spanning multiple generations and two states. The Florida location is managed by Kellen and his wife Jasmine, along with Brian and Barbara. Brian's sister Lora Jean assists with gym management, while Brian coaches the boys' team alongside his son Drake. The program has expanded beyond traditional gymnastics to include Ninja and T&T (Tumbling and Trampoline) programs.

The Maryland Legacy
The Maryland location continues to thrive, serving hundreds of students and families weekly. The gym has become a multigenerational institution, with former students now bringing their own children and grandchildren to experience the same sense of acceptance and belonging they remembered from their youth. Annual parties resemble family reunions, where the extended MGA family gathers to reminisce about shared experiences and celebrate their continued connection.

A 60-Year Heritage of Excellence
Recognition and Achievements
MGA Gymnastics has achieved remarkable longevity and success, now celebrating over 60 years of serving communities. The organization has earned recognition as one of the oldest gymnastics companies in the country and has evolved into a third-generation family business operating across multiple states. The Christian, family-owned business maintains its original mission of providing a positive, uplifting environment where children can grow and thrive.
Community Impact
The gym's impact extends far beyond competitive achievements. MGA has trained thousands of children over the decades, including elite-level athletes such as Racine Williams, who became the first African American gymnast at the University of Nebraska. The program's influence on Maryland gymnastics is immeasurable, having established many of the standards and practices that continue to guide the sport in the state.

Foundational Values
Throughout its evolution from a small dance studio to a multi-state gymnastics operation, MGA has maintained its core values rooted in the Christian faith and family-centered approach. The organization's mission statement reflects these enduring principles: "to provide a positive, uplifting environment where everyone can grow and thrive, inspired by 1 John 4:19: 'We love because He first loved us.’"

Looking to the Future
Continued Innovation
As MGA approaches its seventh decade of operation, the organization continues to evolve and adapt to changing needs and opportunities. The program has expanded into emerging disciplines like Ninja training while maintaining its excellence in traditional gymnastics. The facility continues to upgrade equipment and evolve its programs to meet the needs of contemporary athletes and families.

Generational Continuity
The Shrewsbury and Tichenor families have created a sustainable model for long-term success, with multiple generations actively involved in operations. Carolyn and Jerry Shrewsbury, now residing in Florida, remain close to the extended family and occasionally visit the gym, witnessing the fruition of dreams that began with a young girl's extraordinary acrobatic abilities.
Legacy of Leadership
Perhaps most importantly, MGA has established a culture of developing leaders who understand that success extends beyond athletic achievement. The program's emphasis on character development, community service, and family values has created a network of alumni who continue to make positive contributions to their communities.
The story of MGA Gymnastics represents more than just the evolution of a successful business; it exemplifies the power of family, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serving others. From Carolyn Brown's remarkable performances on national television to the current multi-generational operation serving communities in Maryland and Florida, MGA has created a legacy that will continue to inspire and develop young athletes for generations to come.