Submitted photos Gymnasts practice on the balance beam at Mountain Gymnastics Academy. Mountain Gymnastics Academy founders Gail and Michael Hayes are donating the gym in its entirety to Friends of MGA.

Mountain Gymnastics Academy founders Gail and Michael Hayes.

Mountain Gymnastics Academy features a Tiny Tumblers class for youth.

ELKINS — After eight years of building one of West Virginia’s premier youth training facilities, Mountain Gymnastics Academy founders Gail and Michael Hayes have announced they are donating the gym in its entirety to Friends of MGA, a newly established nonprofit organization created to ensure the gym’s long-term future.

Effective April 1, 2026, ownership of Mountain Gymnastics Academy (MGA) will transfer 100 percent to Friends of MGA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a local Board of Directors. The transition represents not a sale, but a permanent gift to the community.

Asked why donating the business instead of selling it, Gail Hayes responded, “For us it was never about making money. It’s about giving back to the community and benefiting the kids in our area. Easy choice.”

A Vision Years in the Making

The decision to transition MGA into a nonprofit was not sudden. The Hayeses say it had been part of their long-term vision since purchasing land for the facility in 2018.

“We originally wanted MGA to be a nonprofit, but at the time we knew nothing about running a non-profit company,” Michael said. “Instead we just reinvested all profits back into the gym.” The couple opened the current 15,000-square-foot facility on Jan. 5, 2019 — a date that held deep personal significance.

“It opened on Michael’s father’s birthday, who had passed away the year before,” Gail said. “That made it even more meaningful to us.”

Over the years, MGA has grown from just a handful of coaches into a thriving program that has served nearly 1,000 children from Randolph and surrounding counties.

A Mission Bigger Than Business

Over the years, the Hayes family received interest from outside buyers, but selling the gym never felt right.

“We didn’t create MGA to make money for ourselves,” Michael said. “It was always about offering the benefits of youth sports to as many kids as possible.”

“A private owner might prioritize profit over access for the community,” Gail said. “In the end, we think that would reduce the number of kids who get to do this.”

Instead, they created Friends of MGA, a nonprofit organization designed to preserve the gym’s mission and expand opportunities for local families.

“Donating MGA reflects our philosophy that the community has built this place,” Michael said. “And the community will help continue to make it successful.”

What the Transition Means for Families

For families currently enrolled at MGA, the founders say the transition will be largely invisible.

“The kids shouldn’t notice a difference,” Gail said. “Except maybe seeing less of me and Michael over time as we retire. We knew we couldn’t do this forever. It’s time to start phasing ourselves out.”

Importantly, tuition increases are not expected as a result of the change. “Any tuition increases will happen on our normal schedule, not because of the change,” Michael said.

The nonprofit structure also allows Friends of MGA to accept tax-deductible donations and apply for grants — resources that were previously unavailable.

“We intend to operate on a balanced budget. Grants and donations will allow us to subsidize fees, upgrade equipment, and expand opportunities.”

“We know some families struggle to afford classes, and the high cost of competing has kept some great kids from joining our team,” Gail said. “This structure will help make all of our programs accessible to more kids.”

Leadership and Continuity

The gym’s day-to-day operations will continue under mostly familiar leadership. Tori Chambers, an accomplished gymnast and collegiate tumbler, will assume the role of Head Coach.

“Tori brings such a unique energy and perspective,” Gail said. “I often watch her interact with the gymnasts and think, ‘That was the perfect thing to say.’ I have full confidence in her.”

A General Manager will also be hired to oversee business operations, while the nonprofit Board of Directors will provide governance and strategic direction. Michael and Gail will serve on the Friends of MGA Board.

Other members include Vicki Fenwick-Judy, Adriana Channell and Alison Whitehair — all community members with deep ties to MGA and a shared commitment to its mission.

“We chose Board members who believe in what this gym stands for,” Michael said. “People who understand both the business and the importance of serving families across our region.”

Board Member Vicki Fenwick-Judy brings 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and has dedicated her career to youth development and community impact. In addition to her leadership in the nonprofit space, Vicki has worked directly with youth as a coach and instructor in skiing, mountain biking, and gymnastics, combining a passion for outdoor recreation, athletics, and mentorship to help young people build confidence, resilience, and life skills.

Adriana Channell serves as Secretary and Vice President of Marketing for Davis Trust Company and Davis Trust Financial Corporation.

With extensive experience in marketing and public relations, she has served several organizations requiring fundraising and sponsor solicitation.

“Children need enrichment that doesn’t involve a phone or tv screen. Athletics help children build confidence, discipline, resilience, and a sense of belonging. I’ve seen my own daughter bloom at MGA and I am honored to contribute my time and skills to support other young athletes.”

Alison Whitehair is currently the Vice President for Student Affairs at West Virginia Wesleyan College; previously serving as Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Academic Services at WVWC with a Master’s Degree in Sport Psychology. She competed in gymnastics for 12 years through the collegiate level. She was Assistant Coach for Ithaca College Gymnastics for two years, a USAG-certified gymnastics judge and West Virginia State Judging Director.

“I have spent 28 years deeply engaged in the sport of gymnastics–as a gymnast, coach, and judge–and it has shaped both my personal and professional life,” Alison said. “I’m passionate about the sport and believe strongly in the unique opportunities it provides not only for athletic development, but also for discipline, confidence, resilience, and personal growth.

A Personal and Emotional Transition

For Gail Hayes, who became a gymnastics coach for the first time after founding MGA, the journey has been transformative.

“Even though I grew up in gymnastics, I never owned a business, managed people, or coached gymnastics before,” she said. “But I fell in love with this job and these families. Besides raising my girls, it’s the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done.”

Stepping back from day-to-day coaching will not be easy. “I’ll miss working as a team with the other coaches to help kids overcome their challenges,” she said. “Who wouldn’t want to do that?”

What It’s All About

Over the years, MGA has become more than just a gym.

“We’ve had families tell us this is where their kids feel confident and proud,” Michael said. “Some kids overcome fears. Others discover strengths they didn’t know they had.”

Gail says that transformation is what matters most.

“When a child runs to their parents all excited about doing a skill they never could do before, that’s why we’re here,” she said.

Looking Ahead

While the Hayes family will remain involved during the transition, they see MGA’s future as belonging to the community.

“Mountain Gymnastics Academy exists to inspire West Virginia kids to overcome the challenges they face,” Michael said.

Gail shares a similar vision. “It exists to build strength, confidence, and the attitude that hard work always pays off,” she said.

Both founders hope that decades from now, MGA will continue to serve generations of families.

For now, the Hayes family says they are simply grateful.

“Thank you for believing in us,” Gail said. “And for trusting us with your kids.”