Hi There,
I'm Hannah Lobdell, a recreational gymnastics business consultant, educator and organizational leadership specialist.
My Story
Like many a gym-pro, I fell in love with gymnastics at a young age. The gym was where I had fun, made friends, and felt like a part of something. I got my first job working crazy birthday parties and summer camps at my childhood gym. I worked at a gym in college running on energy drinks and Snickers bars, figuring out my footing and developing coaching skills.
I spent four years in sales & marketing, which ultimately wasn't for me, but it gave me great insight into smart business practices.
Laying the Foundation
In early adulthood, I found myself working for nearly a decade at a 6-location gymnastics organizational powerhouse. I had no idea how much I didn't know until I worked there!
I was surrounded by the most incredible mentors, highly experienced, brilliant teachers, and exceptional humans.
I learned how to be a responsible adult, a good technical coach, an organized program director and a data-driven gym manager. I honed my skills to deliver excellence, efficiency, scalability, and community. I absolutely loved it.
Planting the Seed
I remember thinking, "I'd like to help gyms run as smoothly as this place does," and decided to invest in myself & my goal, pursuing a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership.
In 2017, sitting behind the front desk of that gym, swapping creative ideas and future dreams with a good coaching pal, the idea for Gymnastics Fairy Godmother was born.
Growth
Later that year I moved across the country where I linked up with a dream team in a brand new, small-space recreational gymnastics startup.
There, I had the freedom to apply my knowledge and previous experience to organize effective systems, build efficient programs and create smart policies.
Our team was dedicated, empowered, progressive, different, and happy. We never stopped learning.
Together, we were able to transform it from infancy into a high-volume, well-oiled machine, a beloved community mecca and a million-dollar success story.
While building that gym, I tested the waters with Gymnastics Fairy Godmother, delivering coach and leadership trainings that reached hundreds of gymnastics professionals worldwide.
Startup Success
Change is an inevitable part of growth—and my journey in gymnastics has been no exception. After years of hard work and dedication, the gym I co-led with passion and purpose reached an incredible milestone: it was successfully acquired by new owners. While transitions like these bring excitement and opportunity, they also bring change—and that change inspired me to chart a new path.
Watching the shift in leadership unfold reminded me just how essential thoughtful, empathetic leadership is to sustaining the heart of a community. It deepened my resolve to ensure that gymnastics programs everywhere thrive—not just through business success, but through strong cultures and inspired teams.
New Paths
This pivotal experience fueled my passion for creating spaces where people feel truly valued, supported, and heard. I took the lessons I learned and embraced a new chapter: Gymnastics Fairy Godmother.
Now, I’m more committed than ever to using my experience to help gym owners and coaches build strong, joyful programs where athletes can thrive, teams feel empowered, and communities grow. Every challenge along the way has shaped my mission—and I’m grateful for the chance to share my expertise, creativity, and love for gymnastics with others.
This isn’t the end of the story—it’s just the beginning of a new adventure. Let’s create something magical together!
Gymnastics Fairy Godmother Brings
- Leadership Education: I bring leadership education to people at any stage of their professional journey by combining my graduate studies with hands-on experience in a variety of gym settings.
- Coach Education: I help coaches grow their skillsets by offering guidance from a place of empathy because I've been in their shoes and understand their challenges.
- Smart Strategies: I deliver high-standard, efficient systems and smart strategies for gym owners to improve the caliber and success of their their coaching, curriculum, gym environment, culture, business and leadership.
I'm ready and excited to meet, collaborate with, and offer high-quality, transformational support to the recreational gymnastics community!
Now that you know my story, I'd love to know more about yours!
I truly believe that a rising tide lifts all boats--
--and look forward to the opportunity to work together.
