Head coach of Jimboomba Gymnastics Cal Wall will be hanging up the chalk after 17 years at the club.
Mrs Wall moved from England to Jimboomba in 2006 and in 2007, her daughter started training in kinder gym gymnastics, when the club was based out of the indoor basketball court in Jimboomba.
“One training session they were short of coaches, and I was asked to help out and hold a box,” Mrs Wall said.
The rest, as they say, is history.
“I ended up completing my coaching qualifications, learning under former head coach Christine Stringer and eventually took over as head coach nine years ago,” she said.
Since then, the club has flourished under her leadership, growing from 150 to over 500 members and employing 21 qualified local staff, 70% of whom were once gymnasts at the club themselves.
Mrs Wall has worked tirelessly to raise the club’s profile, enhance its resources, and create a space where children can develop not only gymnastics skills but also life skills such as discipline and teamwork.
“The kids are what I’ll miss the most,” she said.
“I’ve watched some grow from toddlers in kinder gym to young adults. It’s incredibly satisfying to see them thrive.”
Her influence extends beyond the gym floor, fostering a family-like atmosphere among staff and parents, especially through the club’s competitive teams, which travel across Queensland.
Cal will be moving to Bundaberg but plans to remain connected to the sport through volunteering and remote administrative support during the transition.
She expressed confidence in her successor, Shalana Adrain, who brings international coaching experience.
“It’s hard to leave after so long, but I’m proud of what we’ve built here,” she said.
“Gymnastics is a fantastic foundation for life, and I’m leaving Jimboomba Gymnastics in very capable hands.”
