Discover the Universal Gymnastics Difference
Located in Mt. Juliet, TN, our gymnastics center is not just a place to train; it’s a vibrant community where children flourish and excel. Universal Gymnastics, Inc. prides itself on blending fun and skill development in every class, after-school Programs, and camps program, guided by our passionate and talented staff. We are committed to nurturing champions on and off the mat, creating a supportive and inspiring space for families to thrive.
Our Mission
To spread the joy of gymnastics and creative movement to all the children in the area!
Professional Associations
Our Beginning
The history of Universal Gymnastics spans 25 years, 3 locations, 1 renovation, and a huge dream.
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I am originally from Louisville, Kentucky. I attended Dupont Manual High School. I was a cheerleader all four years and captain my senior year. I was very surprised to be chosen as I was very quiet and shy. I was self-taught and determined, I would intensely watch others do gymnastics and train on my own. I’m lucky to be alive! During high school, I also attended and performed in musicals at the Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville where I enjoyed dance, music, and drama. I attended the University of Louisville, majoring in business and minoring in music. My dream was to become a singer and learn to play musical instruments. I sang for friends and family at weddings and family gatherings.
I took my first gymnastics class in college for a PE credit. Between classes, I would watch the University‘s gymnastics team practice. Later, I received a grant to work at the school in the gymnastics department to pay back my tuition. I became obsessed and worked out on my own as often as I could, bars were my favorite event. The following year the University dropped its gymnastics program, it broke my heart. Gymnastics wasn’t a part of my life for many years after that, I got married, had children, and my family became my life. I moved to Nashville in 1983 and worked at the bank in their legal department, never letting go of the dream to sing but, between family and work, there was not much time. After a few years, I left the bank to work at a law firm and stayed there for many years. In 1990, I got a second job working part-time at the YMCA in Donelson coaching gymnastics. I loved being around the sport again. I taught part-time for three years, that is what inspired me to resign from the legal field and open “Universal Gymnastics, Inc.”, founded simply for the love of the sport. Before I left my job, my boss told me I would be back, and that gave me all the determination I needed to be successful in my business.
Twenty-two years later, I’m still doing what I love. I am married to Johnny Graves. We have five beautiful daughters and seven precious grandbabies and life couldn’t be more perfect!
-Vikki Childress-Graves
About the Facility
Following our 2016 facility renovation, we now boast 17,000 sq ft featuring the lobby, main gym, ninja course, dance room, and balcony viewing area. We also have a second Annex building that we use for facility rentals, after-school programs, and summer camps. Regardless of the program you select, your child will remain active, develop confidence, and most importantly, have a blast!
Gymnastics Equipment
- 10 Balance Beams
- 3 Sets of Bars
- 1 High Bar (over foam pit)
- 3 Mini Bars
- Strap Bar
- Trench Pit / Channel Pit
- 2 Vaults
- Tumble Trak
- 42′ x 42′ Spring Floor
- 30′ x 42′ Spring Floor (+runway)
- Foam Block Pit
- Resi Pit
- Rod Floor
- Men’s Rings
- Competitive Grade Trampoline
- Parallel Bars
- 4 Climbing Ropes
Ninja Course
- Sextuple Steps
- Salmon Ladder
- Ring Swing
- Hanging Bars
- Floating Bridges
- Vertical Cargo Net
- Traverse Box with:
- Floating Stairs
- Cliffhanger
- Monkey Bars
- Ring Swings
- Rolling Logs
- Floating Monkey Bars
- Stable to Unstable Bridges
- Slack Line
- Hanging Cheese Doors
- Swing to Cargo Net
- Multi Poles
- 10′ Warp Wall
- 14′ Warp Wall
Gym Amenities
- Pro Retail Shop
- Complementary Coffee & Hot Chocolate for Adults
- Bottled Water for Purchase
- Lobby Viewing Area
- Mezzanine Viewing Area
- Free Wifi Access
- Industrial Grade Splash Pad
- Playground
Meet the Owners
Victoria Childress-Graves “Ms. Vikki”
Girls Competitive Team, Gymnastics, Tumbling
I am originally from Louisville, Kentucky. I attended Dupont Manual High School. I was a cheerleader all four years and captain my senior year. I was very surprised to be chosen as I was very quiet and shy. I was self-taught and determined, I would intensely watch others do gymnastics and train on my own. I’m lucky to be alive! During high school, I also attended and performed in musicals at the Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville where I enjoyed dance, music, and drama. I attended the University of Louisville, majoring in business and minoring in music. My dream was to become a singer and learn to play musical instruments. I sang for friends and family at weddings and family gatherings.
Read More
I took my first gymnastics class in college for a PE credit. Between classes, I would watch the University‘s gymnastics team practice. Later, I received a grant to work at the school in the gymnastics department to pay back my tuition. I became obsessed and worked out on my own as often as I could, bars were my favorite event. The following year the University dropped its gymnastics program, and it broke my heart. Gymnastics wasn’t a part of my life for many years after that, I got married, had children, and my family became my life. I moved to Nashville in 1983 and worked at the bank in their legal department, never letting go of the dream to sing but, between family and work, there was not much time. After a few years, I left the bank to work at a law firm and stayed there for many years. In 1990, I got a second job working part-time at the YMCA in Donelson coaching gymnastics. I loved being around the sport again. I taught part-time for three years, that is what inspired me to resign from the legal field and open “Universal Gymnastics, Inc.”, founded simply for the love of the sport. Before I left my job, my boss told me I would be back and that gave me all the determination I needed to be successful in my business.
Over 30 years later, I’m still doing what I love. I am married to Johnny Graves. We have five beautiful daughters and seven precious grandbabies and life couldn’t be more perfect!
Johnny Graves “Mr. Johnny”
Mr. Johnny is a graduate of Tennessee Technology Institute and has lived in the Mt. Juliet community all his life. His history includes 32 years of experience in sales management, marketing, and business development. After meeting and marrying his wife, Vikki, he became involved in the overall business growth of Universal Gymnastics. He brings his customer-focused expertise to the company and is determined to always do what is right. Johnny’s greatest strengths are his creativity, drive, and leadership, and he is consistently pursuing ways to improve the customer experience at Universal Gymnastics.
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Meet the Staff
Coaching Staff
- Abby Agnew – Girls Competitive Team – Level 3+ – Recreational Gymnastics / Dance Coach
- Andrea Hill – Girls Competitive Team – Level 2-3 – Recreational Gymnastics Coach
- Michelle Pruitt – Girls Competitive Team – Level 2 – Recreational Gymnastics Coach
- Christina Jarman – Girls Competitive Team – Level 1 – Recreational Gymnastics Coach
- Mya Gordon – Recreational Gymnastics Coach
- Hannah Bearden – Recreational Gymnastics Coach
- Kaitlyn Davenport – Recreational Gymnastics Coach
- Georgia Kane – Recreational Gymnastics Coach
- Gela Kavyani Faz – Recreational Gymnastics Coach
- Annabelle Meyers – Recreational Gymnastics Coach
- Emily Wilson – Recreational Gymnastics Coach
- Jett Black – Ninja Warrior, Little Ninja, Urban Movement Coach
- Derek Miller – Ninja Warrior, Little Ninja, Urban Movement Coach
- Malek McHardie – Ninja Warrior, Little Ninja Coach
Childcare Staff
- Penny Richards – Director – After School / Camp Director
- Jada Robertson – After School / Camp Counselor
- Lily Cavette – After School / Camp Counselor
- Katie Faulkenberry – After School / Camp Counselor
- Audrey Hamby – After School / Camp Counselor
Office Staff
- Trudy Agnew – Office Administrator
Employment Opportunities at Universal Gymnastics
We are constantly on the lookout for dynamic, passionate, creative, and skilled coaches to join our team!
Instructors / Coaches – Gymnastics, Dance, Cheer, Parkour, Ninja Course
- The Instructor / Coach position will consist of coaching recreational and/or compulsory & optional gymnastics. Coaches must follow scheduled formats, keep accurate records of attendance, and make announcements before or after class as requested by the director.
- Candidates must be able to demonstrate proper form, technique, and body alignment specific to class format for the duration of the class. In addition, candidates must have the ability and desire to train gymnasts in strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, and coordination.
- One must be able to evaluate a constantly changing environment for safety. Must be well organized and responsible, punctual, and be able to communicate verbally and non-verbally. Must be able to lift and spot children from preschoolers to high school students.
- If coaching the competitive team, the candidate must have a thorough knowledge of USAG rules and policies, compulsories and code of points and coaching techniques; general knowledge of child behavior; and ability to teach USAG levels that you are hired to coach. If you are a candidate for one of the optional levels, choreographing optional routines for beam and floor is always a plus.
After School Care & Summer Camp Counselors
- Universal Gymnastics is seeking After School & Summer Camp Counselors!
- We are seeking candidates with previous after-school programs or summer camp work experience. We are looking for candidates with experience teaching and/or working with children. A positive and energetic work ethic and a fun-loving personality is essential.
Bus & Van Drivers
- Safely transport children in a bus or van from one loving, educational environment to another with a smiling face!
- Have and maintain a safe and violation-free driving record.
- Ensure the safety of each child by maintaining vehicle functionality on a regular basis as well as implementing safety procedures with their school director.
- Are caring, compassionate, and love what they do!
- Are rewarded with hugs from children and praise from parents every day!
23 years of age or older - Have a valid driver’s license (bus driver must have CDL) and a clean driving/background record
- Have an understanding of all current state and local regulations
- Flexibility as to the hours and schedule of work
- Experience working in a childcare facility is strongly preferred
- Genuine love and compassion for children from all walks of life
To apply for employment, please email your resume & two references.
The team at Universal Gymnastics is always excited to welcome new members & teammates to our family!
Please contact us today to learn more about our team, facility, or programs!
Universal Gymnastics, Inc.
Business Hours:
Friday: 9:00 am - 6:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Sunday: By appointment only
Contact
Phone: 615-758-4791
Email: info@universalgymtn.com