By Anne DeVries
On May 17, 2025, ChampionsTX hosted its annual Extravaganza at the West Austin Youth Association (WAYA), celebrating a year of outstanding achievements and the gym’s 30th anniversary of enriching the lives of Austin’s youth and families. Over 60 athletes took the stage, captivating friends and family with performances set to nostalgic hits in the “Blast from the Past” showcase, honoring the decades-long legacy of ChampionsTX and its founder, Janet Scott.
A native of Austin, Scott graduated from Austin High School in 1978 and the University of Texas at Austin in 1982. Her deep roots in the community, with four generations of her family attending both Austin High and the University of Texas, have shaped her commitment to nurturing child development in her hometown.
Inspired by her childhood coach, Gil Elsass, and encouraged by friends to bring her vision to WAYA, Scott founded ChampionsTX in 1995. What started as a small venture, operating just two days a week, has grown into a year-round center for gymnastics, parkour, cheer, and tumbling, serving children from “Baby Waddlers” to 18-year-olds. ChampionsTX’s success at WAYA led to the opening of a second location in Lakeway in 2015.
For Scott, ChampionsTX is more than gymnastics—it’s a family. “This gym has always been about building people,” she said during her emotional tribute at the 30th anniversary Extravaganza. Her love for the Austin community shines through in every aspect of the ChampionsTX mission: to create a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where children develop life skills, build relationships, and grow into “All-Around Champions.”
Scott is quick to credit her staff as the backbone of ChampionsTX’s success. “My coaches are 100% why we’re successful,” she emphasizes. With a team of 15 full-time and 10 part-time coaches, plus additional substitutes, the gym maintains low student-to-coach ratios to ensure personalized, high-quality instruction. Coaches like Kaylie Berens, named the 2025 Coach of the Year, exemplify the dedication and heart that define ChampionsTX. A level 10 gymnast herself, Kaylie was voted by her peers for her infectious energy and commitment to every child, earning her a pie in the face during the Extravaganza’s beloved “pie-in-the-face” challenge—a lighthearted tradition tied to local fundraising campaigns such as Helping Hand Home, Beyond Battens and Cartwheels for Cassidy.
The staff’s commitment extends beyond the gym floor. They undergo rigorous training, including CPR, First Aid, and regular spotting clinics, ensuring safety remains paramount. Scott fosters a family-like environment, with many coaches being former students or second-generation staff members. “They’re like family,” she shared.
Through the years, ChampionsTX has become a multigenerational touchstone for Austin families. “It’s amazing how it’s circling back,” Scott stated, noting how parents who trained at ChampionsTX now bring their children, and some grandparents even join classes with their grandkids. The gym’s partnership with WAYA has been instrumental in creating long-standing success.
At ChampionsTX, the focus is on the whole child. Scott’s philosophy emphasizes teaching life skills—confidence, persistence, and teamwork—alongside athletic development. Show teams perform at independent living homes, where young athletes learn to introduce themselves and engage with residents, fostering empathy and public speaking skills. Programs like parkour, added to capture the interest of boys inspired by “Ninja Warrior,” provide a strong foundation for other sports, from flag football to lacrosse.
Scott’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs mirrors her path: “Begin modestly, take gradual steps, and pursue what you love.” With her husband, Willy, managing the financial aspects of the business, she has expanded ChampionsTX while staying grounded in her values. Balancing her role as a business owner with raising her children—Win, Christy, and Ali—and now enjoying five grandchildren who can engage in ChampionsTX programs, she reaps the rewards of a passion-driven venture. Her deep affection for Austin, her staff, and the children she serves shines through in every photo collage on the gym’s walls, showcasing moments of joy, growth, and community.
The 30th anniversary Extravaganza was a memorable evening, featuring a surprise tribute to Scott prepared by her staff, complete with a short film and a procession of families and former coaches that moved the audience to tears. The event highlighted not only athletic achievements but also the gym’s role in shaping future leaders and compassionate individuals.
As ChampionsTX looks to the future, Scott’s vision remains clear: to continue building “All-Around Champions” who leave the gym with more than athletic skills—they launch with the confidence to shine in life.
