How Miss Val Became a Gymnastics Coaching Legend | The Players' Tribune

[@heatherwicker9990]

She has made such a positive impact because she allowed them to be who they really are and raised them up instead of bringing them down. We need more people like her in this world.

[@barbkeen1221]

ALOT more people!!!! ❤❤🙂

[@bkirstie]

COACHES

[@Monscent]

Except if they dont want to get jabbed. Then - fuck them right?

[@foresthart5599]

This is one beautiful woman. And not just talking about physical beauty. God bless and keep dancing.

[@alexgolovchenko3791]

My thoughts as well, she really is amazing!

[@silver2zilver]

I have a huge crush on Miss val

[@SereniaSaissa]

I am in tears after watching this gorgeous tribute to Miss Val. I only discovered her when Katelyn's floor routine went viral a few months ago!!!! I am so sad that I have missed so much of her life and her impact on the NCAA. I will be buying her book next week when I get paid!!! Good luck in your future Miss Val.

[@thealternatives6071]

I can relate😭

[@nellievanellie9935]

SereniaSaissa you are sweet yourself:)

[@CrazyLatinGurl]

Same here

[@becsaw5268]

Same here. 💙💛

[@rebekahv5185]

What's her book called? Definitely want to get it for my niece, who has coached gymnastics & cheerleading.

[@HeartShapedDreams]

I can’t believe she’s 61, she looks sooooooo young 😱 Amazing woman 🥰

[@Sierra_Polerina]

She is a beauty icon!!!! (not to mention a motivational and inspiring WOMAN)

[@ALu-nq8rf]

When you're a beautiful person inside, it shines through to your physicality.

[@jenniemochixo]

this is why college gymnasts always look so much happier than elite gymnasts - they have people like miss val pushing them to be the best version of themselves rather than to be the perfect mold of a gymnast.

[@rameen4924]

Everyone needs a Miss Val in their lives.

[@journeybeyondthesea]

Rameen facts!!

[@savannahpeirce2832]

Lol of so licky to have one... My gymnastics coach has such similar techniques as Miss Val

[@bigjob7551]

You may not have had children of your own but you are every inch a mother, all the best to you.

[@zachmyers1280]

I’ve never heard of Miss Val but I can admire a legend when I see one! Have a great “retirement” Miss Val!!!

[@rachiejw]

I’m so happy that so many of the athletes who were so beaten down by the elite gymnastics system could come to college and rediscover their love for the sport with the tenderness, love, and care given to them by miss Val. She seems like an awesome coach and a loving woman and I feel like we all need someone like her in our lives.

[@DizzyedUpGirl]

"I've never regretted not having children" Thank you. To each their own. If you want children, go for it. But you can have a fulfilling life without them.

[@everythingviral972]

Why do you feel the need to even make that statement? Who says otherwise?

[@sovintageful]

@@everythingviral972 Every single time I say I don't want kids, I get told I'll never be fulfilled, I'll always be missing something, my life won't be worth living. My mom has even told me, if I don't want kids, no one will ever want to marry me, as if getting married and having kids is the highest thing I could ever achieve, that I should put aside my wishes to reach it. People always ask me why I don't want to have kids, but I don't think I'm hurting anyone, I'm not bringing any unwanted children into the world. On the contrary, I think people who want to have children should be the ones asked to justify that decision, to make sure they're having children for the right reasons.

[@everythingviral972]

@@sovintageful Oh, ok, so it's your Mum bugging you. If other people are saying that to you, I'm surprised, butr of course I believe you. You know you better than anyone else, just do what makes you happy. I personally really want kids, I have since I was maybe 12, but I'm already 31, time is running out for me(I'm not willing to have a child past maybe 35) and I feel anxious about it. I need to find a nice girl soon. Many women who don't have children DO strongly regret that decision, but I'd think most can sit comfortably with their decision not to have kids. You are probably the latter. Best of luck to you in whatever you do. Cheers.

[@sovintageful]

@@everythingviral972 Yeah unfortunately not just my mom but other family members, friends, and coworkers always try to shame me for not wanting kids. I think I am pretty comfortable in not wanting them, the possibility of me not being a good, loving enough mom terrifies me, if I'm going to be a parent I want to be the absolute best because every child deserves nothing less. You still have 4 years and a lot can happen, best of luck to you too!

[@aabbas802]

@@sovintageful Oh my God! Yesss! I'm so glad you said this. I have also personally struggled with the idea of marriage as an achievement of one's life. Being a strong spirited woman, there is SO MUCH that bothers me about society's approach to bachelorettes...I'll end there before this turns into a rant :) :P

[@saml8802]

Have I heard of this women before, No, am I in tears Yes...

[@moonflower8829]

Sam L hello... Reveluv??

[@saml8802]

@@moonflower8829 Yes!!

[@michekentucky2444]

No ,our World is a satanik ,and talk about only thé people who gain a lot of money.

[@EricNakano]

She really is everything that you see here. When I worked at UCLA, I had the opportunity to meet her for coffee a few times. She practices what she preaches, owns her mistakes, believes that every day is an opportunity to make a masterpiece. She learned from Coach Wooden and became a master coach in her own right. Not just to her gymnasts, but to all who care to listen and learn and love.

[@freddiematta1119]

Perfect comment

[@DarkPa1adin]

MISS VAL should be head coach of USA

[@Wiley_Coyote]

She appears to be far too ethical to ever be able to work the system and politic to get that job.

[@JennSCHWA]

It would be awesome. She would keep them safe.💗

[@t.mccullough2573]

@@Wiley_Coyote sad to admit that you are right on this!

[@misttique5467]

Isnt she retired already?

[@WattWireNet]

I imagine she could teach a lot of coaches and leaders a thing or two about how to motivate people to be their best.

[@foresthart5599]

And now your legacy continues at University of Arkansas with Jordyn. How cool is that? Now one of your kids is head coach at University of Arkansas.

[@michaelbrown8794]

Forest Hart Jordyn is only one of many.

[@aliciadear]

In a gymnastics world that was so painful for so long for so many high level gymnasts, Miss Val really blessed those girls- especially the ones who desperately needed a coach like her.

[@Banininator]

I am boy and I can see how she is an amazing role to other womans, its incredible how much she empower other girls. So much respect for that

[@thealternatives6071]

Oh gosh her playing piano made me love her more😭😍

[@alexandralevitt5519]

oh miss val. you will be missed from the sport of gymnastics. so inspirational and smart. ucla gymnasts will forever be changed for the good. 💙💛

[@thejaramogi1]

Now I understand why these girls look like always happy!! She is the Wax in Wax out kinda coach!

[@renyen9752]

"Your head is too big, your neck is too short." *cuts to photo of her looking just absolutely stunning* All these old fart traditionalists stuck in their ways, body shaming and whatnot, need to just roll over and leave people alone.

[@DizzyBusy]

Ballet is a complete other world, the turn out, the legs, the arch....it's not a meritocratic art form. I'm not defending ballet, just saying that the majority of human beings on earth are not built to dance ballet and it's okay. It's a painful discipline, my friends who are ballet dancers have back and feet problems already in their 30s, when the rest of us are in our top form, they're already feeling the decline and thinking of teaching or other exit strategies. Miss Val found her true vocation and aren't we all glad she didn't end up in a corps de ballet in some small theatre instead?

[@luzvazquez4189]

@@DizzyBusy ballet is like that but it shouldn't have to be. You can definitely work on it even if you're not built to it. So many dancers without "perfect" bodies that have so much to bring to the table and usually they aren't allowed to. You CAN work turnout, you CAN work strength, you CAN work flexibility. This idea that you need to be born that way to be good is very outdated in scientific terms even if some dance institutions and individuals keep working with those ideals. And yes, I say this as a 25 year old dancer who started last year and has come incredibly far. Damn, I was on pointe shoes 5 months into it. And trust me, I'm not built for it. Imagine if I had been given a chance back when I was in art school. I don't resent the industry but no, this is not true.

[@brunetteone4082]

Yes! She was gracefully beautiful in her photos.

[@mariannec.3939]

@@DizzyBusy absolutely 👍🏼

[@ALu-nq8rf]

Head too big, neck too short? She was a chibi?

[@apt5044]

What an amazing woman! The world needs more of these body positive, kind, caring coaches. God bless you Miss Val!

[@donaldholderdoc2910]

Is there anything she can't do? Dancer, choreographer, coach, author, pianist & best friend, surrogate parent, and just plain winner!🌹💖

[@summershines2037]

I would always see this stunning woman in the corner of the mat beaming with pride, and I had no clue who she was. It wasn't until a little digging that I learned. Ms. Val created such a beautiful space for her team. Built a culture of love, acceptance and expected excellence... any person would soar in that kind of environment.

[@merryred5697]

It's crazy how some people just end up right where they are meant to be. Some may take a straight path and some taking a winding road. No matter what route they take does not matter. What matters is that they end up where they were born to be. I bet there are so many girls that are so happy that their journeys lead to Miss Val!!!!!

[@orlihimmelweit2105]

Thank you for all the broken gymnast egos you encouraged to heal. Thank you for being articulate on the topic of body/self image. When I think of you I do not think of how you have changed gymnastics. (You have.) You have slapped the sport gymnastics in the face and made it look in the mirror. When we coach, we must respect the soul of that girl and give her room to find and be herself. How can we do that in the sport that requires the most sacrifice at such a young age? Gymnastics is hopefully changing. Your story as a Dancer, person and a Coach must ring out. Thank you for remaining in gymnastics. You have helped to highlight that the most valuable commodity a gymnast has is who they are as a person and how they must find a way to express themselves. I, for all of my experiences in dance and gymnastics and life, see you equal to Mr. Rodgers and dare I say Maya Angelou who stated that children do not remember what you taught them but how you made them feel. God speed in the next part of your journey.

[@laraabiona903]

Miss Abby from Dance Moms could take a page from Miss Val. You can inspire young girls to be the best without tearing them down.

[@sera5817]

Dear Miss Val, 10:52 seconds of your words, wisdom & reflections have Inspired me beyond anything I've seen online for many years. I salute you.. A soulful "thank you..."

[@divnahrast9300]

So beautiful woman and soul and her message is so amazing for all of us ! Big greetings from Croatia , Europe 💖

[@nocopyrightmedia5963]

“Life is about choice” watching this at 2am....

[@anonymousperson2902]

i love you miss val. i wish i had the opportunity to get trained by you

[@madiha1760]

So true💞💞🔥🔥😪

[@maliasykes6285]

Amazing coach! Every young girl need a coach like her to develop and encourage who they are on the inside and develop their true potential.

[@evelynmanny5574]

Being a loved coach is something else 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@JohnKennedy-zi5oi]

She looks like a ballerina to me you can't listen to those people pursue your dreams you don't let anybody discourage you you're still a ballerina

[@marshmallow7640]

I was thinking the same thing, she would have succeeded as a ballerina in our day and age

[@t.least.he.is.honest]

there are amazing people in this world that we never became aware of ,glad I found this

[@usaskjock]

She is known internationally not for the titles she’s won but the legacy she’s built in the women she’s lifted up

[@missfancy231]

Miss Val being a former dancer makes so much sense to me! Her choregraphy has a certain prestige to it♥️

[@alexgolovchenko3791]

Dear Miss Val; Your heart and soul is reflected in the champions you have developed, nurtured and cared for. What a great legacy for such a classy, intelligent person! ( Not to mention, you're smokin' Hot! ) You inspire your athletes with love and trust, that's your gift. They trust you and blossom! Well done Miss Val! 💜

[@valerieknauber2149]

Miss Val is such an inspiring woman. She has touched so many lives, helped mold so many young women, and gave so many a chance to just be theirselves. I wish her the absolute best, and pray that each of these ladies and young men continue to honor her. This really made me cry, my name is Valerie also, and I've watched her through the years and alot of these girls come into young women. God bless you miss Val, for such a remarkable life and legacy!!

[@nataliestaheli51602]

I've never met her, but I got emotional while watching this! And, I even learned something that I can use in my life with all the hardships I have, and still do, gone through!

[@lonelylionsingle7582]

She was born to be this legendary coach... she has the heart soul, passion & love for each person that she takes under her wing...Thank you for all the hard work that you put in...

[@easeondowntheroad7158]

Wow …….what a beautiful Lady/coach/mentor …….and what a blessing the gymnastics world got when the dance world closed its door 💯❤️

[@sabsanchezzz]

I've never known her before and ngl I teared up

[@kyee80]

she is a awesome person. i only learned of Ms. Val on youtube during the pandemic. I have watched the Bruins compete and watch Ms. Val coach. Her books is amazing. I have learned so much from Ms. Val. She is a great coach, an amazing teacher, a true inspiration.

[@LiLGouda.]

I need a Miss Val in my life ❤ I'm inspired and in tears.. her story and Kaitlyns shows us that despite one chapter closing, we can still be successful with our talents just apply them in a different way.

[@francesworthyrugovens782]

Miss Val you are a phenomenal Woman and what a great story to share. Wow my heart is filled with love and light... 😍😘😃🤗🙌🏾🙏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🤸🏼‍♀️🤸🏽‍♀️🤸🏾‍♀️🤸🏼‍♂️🤸🏽‍♂️🤸🏾‍♂️Thank you!!!

[@samofchicago680]

Omg I’m crying I love her so much I don’t want her to retire you will always be in our hearts we love you and your personality ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@KandeShack]

What a beautiful soul! Can’t wait to get her book! Every women should have a Miss Val in their lives! What a wonderful world filled with love and joy it would be❤️

[@fayezch5]

Love you, Val. There is more love for you than could know. Go on and do even more wonderful things, you gem. 🧡

[@derrickjones6628]

I knew when I heard Katelyn speak highly of her she was a great women!! She still looks good IMO looks as if she could coach another 10yrs

[@icoandsam]

We all have issues with our body, insecurities if you call it. But she has trashed all those insecurities in every aspiring woman in us. She may not have children but the coaching she has done to these women has bought the motherhood in everyone to love us for who we are and the capabilities we are able to nurture. We need every Ms Valorie in our life. 💜 kudos to you Coach!! 💖

[@gabymartinez2814]

I felt that when she said “my parents wouldn’t let me stop dancing.” Mine wouldn’t let me stop playing instruments, writing, and indoor activities when I just want to do sports. I don’t know why they have the perception I’m an indoor person when I want to go outside and play as much as I can. I’m seriously considering hitting up local institutions or organizations for athletics just to let me train, I need a way out of this for real

[@LK-lz6lk]

Have you tried talking to them...Really talking to them? Maybe they fear you'll move all your focus to sports & abandon those talents/skills you (& they) have already invested so much into? Try to negotiation & compromise with them (if you haven't already.) Try to find a win/win for everyone. Is it realistic & possible to put time & effort into both? If so, ask them to allow you to put some time & effort into something you wish to explore, such as sports while assuring them you'll still put time & effort into the things they wish for you. Build a case... explain to them why being able to do so is important to you & how it will have a positive effect on your life. One point off the top of my head: sports aren't easy to learn & pursue later in life - our bodies age & have limits unfortunately. Also, sports are great for building teamwork skills & leadership qualities. If all else fails, you may have to decide if it's worth pursuing your interests without their approval. Only you can make that decision. As someone in their mid-fortys tho, I will say this: The things we usually regret in life are not the things we did, but the things we didn't do. Wishing you✌❤&😊!

[@alyzak.8997]

Goes to show how much you can achieve with showing some kindness and practicing discipline.

[@marie-heleneallesiardi4989]

There is so much wisdom in the words she speaks. You would have been such a loving mum miss Val! Love from France

[@jenessarose7345]

I love Miss Val so muchhhh. I first found out about her from when I went to a UCLA vs OSU gymnastics meet. I think she’s so cool! I wish I could someday meet her!💕

[@ddelaney712]

Valerie, you reached your moon. I just want to say that of all coaches and trainers that have been involved in the sports around the world, especially the sports I enjoy, your story is unexceptional and amazing and inspiring. It shows that no matter what you and family and people tried to box you as, it goes to show that you can genuinely become what you are meant to be. The people whom passed through your life, they were blessed to know you. But flipping that on it's head, you were also blessed to know them. Coach Valerie, thank you for introducing the world to these wonderful people, the people on the videos. Not just the wonderful routines, but the humour, the spirit and the humanity in all of this. Thank you Coach. Enjoy your " retirement" :)

[@koroglurustem1722]

She had a hurt and that broken part of her became the strongest place! I am in tears too

[@JustMeeeHeHe]

I have so much respect for her too. I’m not crying, you are!

[@risinginlove.7364]

This woman touched my heart. Wow!!!!!!! Imagine if only we had more ms vals 😭❤️🙏🏼 this definitely makes me think about the energy I put out and how I treat people.

[@journeybeyondthesea]

She is so amazing and it shows. Not only training athletes but beautiful women. And *that’s* what a coach is supposed to do ❤️

[@Californiatimetraveler]

She reminds me of John Wooden. She, like him, saw her greatest cause as something well beyond coaching the athlete to helping each young soul in her care become a better person.

[@LeoOz365]

What a beautiful and talented human being...Such a great woman...!

[@MailaThao]

I didn't know this was going to make me cry.

[@susanlambert5489]

A Legend! A Beautiful Woman ! Classic! Love Warmth !!!!! Care for your girls !!!!!!! Will be missed !!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@gwendinamichellej]

What an inspiration! Hope there are more coaches like her.

[@suralizasuliman4569]

Hope to have more people like her. Who inspired others and believe that they can do whatever they want to do ❤️❤️

[@howardtrommer9891]

This woman miss val and or valerie is such an amazing, beautiful, smart and funny empowered woman. She is just the shit. So cool

[@veronicasimmonds1874]

Such an AMAZING soul xo as a parent Thank you for being so kind and loving to everyone else's children. I truly wish there were a LOT more people like you

[@charlesgidron5266]

you are one of the greatest coaches UCLA is ever had in their Dynasty and I love you because you you you are phenomenal you are unique you are one in a million keep winning coach

[@jeffreyzangrilli3534]

I have never seen a beautiful great women with a huge history you have brought many happiness into people's lives thank you miss val we all love you so much. GO Bruins! 💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💛💙💛💙💛💙

[@sophier5508]

What an inspiration ! Life is about choice indeed. Thanks for being so special.

[@michelleeaton6602]

Thank you Miss Val! ❤️ You are an inspiration! You are a joy! Blessings from a grateful Bruin 💙💛

[@kamrynkoskiniemi6785]

Miss Val you are so nice to everyone and you are a awesome coach I am going to miss you 😢

[@j.taveras8447]

I just came here to say, God bless this woman for what she's done for these girls.

[@AmericaLIED]

Coach it happen because of your hard work, and the ability to LEAD!!!!! I love you!!!!

[@Nihal-wx3th]

What an amazing woman ! We need not just sports coaches with a mindset like hers, no we need all teachers to have this kind of attitude just imagine

[@trodairebeag]

Ms. Val, USA gymnastics NEEDS you SO much!!! You can REALLY help change the sport!!!

[@angiegelyngutierrez5575]

Such a beautifull soul. May u touch many more lives

[@joseroman1385]

Amazing woman,keep up the good work with your gymnastic team.Puerto Rico support you 👍👍👍

[@kylenguyen9954]

this wonderful woman gave a second chance to so many young girls in the sport of the gymnastics and in life ❤️ you go!!

[@Lukesky5917]

Miss Val is the epitome class and an Angel! #lifegoals. This is the type of woman we need more of in this world!!!

[@hailey3418]

Coach Val is a true inspiration ✊❤️

[@addiepinson9381]

Miss val you have made a such and impact on all of these girls you will be missed by so many Ily

[@algallego]

WOW!! A dancer, a pianist, and a gymnastics coach-- such elegant beauty and charm! I applaud this woman for making the difference with whatever shameful criticism she's endured as a dancer and what she does for her girls on the UCLA gymnastics dance routine gymnasts; I became aware of her after hearing about Ohashi's story! These ladies are remarkable and I applaud them both! God bless them both and may they both go far in all they endeavor, hopefully making a lasting and positive change on the road to improving the methods and approaches used to training our nation's gymnasts as Olympic hopefuls and any other fields of competition they set foot in during their lifetimes! I'm inspired to be a better father in motivating my children in all they can accomplish as a result of this story! Thank you ladies for putting this out there!

[@sherilynyap693]

Miss Val is the ultimate legendary coach istg😍🖤 can't believe she's gonna retire

[@nomdeplume2213]

I love this woman.... shes proven gymnastics takes unconditional love and support not trauma, cruel abuse. Miss Vals the best gymnastics coach that's every existed and I dont think we will see a better coach in 10 lifetimes. shes phenomenal.

[@satishchilakamarri]

the tears in the eyes of her team tells ... how important she is in their lives...

[@nadines6344]

She should be an inspiration and an example to all coaches, teachers, parents.

[@rosekukuna5313]

What a legend you are?!! Not just to the sports of gymnastics but to every other sports personnels that will look up to you. The movie 'Full Out' that was great and it just showed what a wonderful and amazing coach and a mother you are. Ariana Berlin is a product of your hard work and dedication to the sport of gymnastics and so are the others that came after her, before her and with her..

[@cciconic03]

My gosh ms. Val you are such an inspiration. I may be nowhere near to knowing you but after i stumbled upon this video, i am touched and something about your life and experience transcended a connection to me. I am deeply touched by your story and make me want to become a better person just watching this. Much love from the Philippines, CC. ❤❤❤❤

[@angelaegan7511]

What a talented lady and an inspiration.

[@hellokittykitty737]

Miss Val is such a positive human being...it radiates outside of her...thats unique about her.

[@shirleydwyer5907]

Have so loved watching & hearing the journey you have taken both of yourselves & all your athletes on. A fan from another country you have enriched my life too. 💞🙏🦋

[@Phillynative2000]

Teacher, Leader, Coach and most important a wonderful person - I wish her the best going forward

[@aikirunner]

What a wonderful coach. Transforming young girls into brilliant confident women.

[@Casper_Cassie]

What an inspirational woman. So glad I stumbled on this video

[@alicerobinson9533]

Miss Val... thank you. It’s so beautiful to see what you bring out of each everyone of your girls. I could be completely self indulgent here and draw parallels to my own life but I’d so much rather focus on what you do - you channeled your experiences into building young women up. You brought out qualities in these women that gave us more women to aspire to. You see their struggles and give them the support to embrace their qualities, their uniqueness and potential. You are inspiring, but you went further and encouraged all of your girls to the point of becoming inspirations too. Thank you

[@randyduncan4004]

Shes smart as a whip!! Pretty, funny, driven, and gives that to everyone and makes them better at life and sport!!!

[@JennSCHWA]

I cried when she conducted the band.💗

[@ignacia84]

She is the spirit of the team...incredible coach..