Building legacies through dedication: the story of panther gymnastics
Published: January 23, 2025
Author: Liz Dowell
Photo by student photographer Andres Esquivel-Garza
The Panther gymnastics program at Greenville University represents more than a sport—it proves that hard work builds strength, community, and faith. Gymnasts Jacob Foster, Charlie Kramer, Rylan Barnes, Matthew Roth, and Ellie Schneiders, all members of GU's gymnastics team, show athletics' impact in and out of the gym.
JACOB FOSTER: FROM CHILDHOOD PASSION TO COLLEGE TEAM
Photo by student photographer Andres Esquivel-Garza
Jacob Foster’s gymnastics journey began at three when his parents enrolled him in the sport. Over time, gymnastics became more than just a hobby—it seemed a calling.
“Once I got to high school, I started taking it seriously. I realized I had a future in it,” he recalls.
Jacob’s love for tumbling and flips kept him invested, and the chance to join a new program at Greenville was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“I wanted to be part of a team, to help build a legacy,” he says. Now a cornerstone of the G-Men’s team, Jacob reflects on how gymnastics has shaped him. “It’s about camaraderie. We push each other daily in the gym and hold each other accountable. It’s not just about athletics, but also about growing as a person.”
Jacob’s most memorable moment came during last season’s NCAA championship.
“We finished second in only our second year as a program. It was a huge accomplishment,” he says. Despite the challenges—balancing academics, athletics, and faith—Jacob thrives. “Having a strong faith in the Lord propels my athletic and academic careers,” he adds.
Photo by student photographer Andres Esquivel-Garza
CHARLIE KRAMER: LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Photo by student photographer Andres Esquivel-Garza
For Charlie Kramer, gymnastics has been a lifelong pursuit. After two years at another college, Charlie transferred to Greenville, drawn by the opportunity to join a new program.
“I saw it as a chance to help build something special,” he explains.
Charlie naturally stepped into a leadership role as one of the team’s more experienced athletes.
“There were a lot of eyes on me, especially in that first year,” he says. “It’s been rewarding to mentor my teammates and help them grow.”
One of Charlie’s defining moments came at last season’s conference championship, where he achieved a career-high routine while competing at his former school.
“It was a full-circle moment,” he reflects. Charlie credits his success to the unwavering support of his coaches and teammates. “Coach Zach goes to great lengths to support us, and the team’s camaraderie keeps us motivated.”
Photo by student photographer Andres Esquivel-Garza
MATTHEW ROTH: OVERCOMING CHALLENGES WITH FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE
Photo by student photographer Andres Esquivel-Garza
Matthew Roth’s gymnastics journey began in childhood, inspired by his parents, who were also gymnasts. Though he started competitive gymnastics later than most, Matthew quickly made up for lost time. However, his path was not without obstacles.
“I tore both my labrums in consecutive injuries, which required surgeries and a year-long recovery,” Matthew shares. During this challenging period, Coach Zach’s mentorship proved invaluable. “He’d been through similar injuries, and his encouragement kept me going. It reaffirmed that Greenville was where I was meant to be.”
Matthew’s resilience paid off last season when he delivered a flawless pommel horse routine at the ECAC Championships.
“The team’s cheers made it unforgettable. It showed me how much we’re in this together,” he says. Balancing rigorous training with a mathematics degree, Matthew values the discipline gymnastics has instilled in him. “It’s taught me time management, perseverance, and the importance of community.”
Photo by student photographer Andres Esquivel-Garza
RYLAN BARNES: LOVE FOR GYMNASTICS STARTED YOUNG, EXEMPLIFIED AT GU
Photo by student photographer Andres Esquivel-Garza
“My mom had me involved when I was young. I was really into baseball but grew more passionate about gymnastics. I dropped baseball in third grade and fully committed to gymnastics,” says Rylan Barnes. A freshman from Tennessee, Rylan focuses on high bars, pommel horses, rings, and parallel bars.
He believes the high bar is his best chance to contribute to the team in competitions.
“Gymnastics at the college level pushes me to the next level. If I want to compete this year and in future years, I have to be much more intentional with my training and conditioning.”
But Rylan is happy to work hard. One of his most memorable moments with the team was during practice, when he stuck a landing.
“I went into that inner-squad competition with no nerves. Knowing the team was behind me, I was ready to do my best. I stuck my dismount, and everyone started cheering. That was the most memorable moment so far.”
ELLI SCHNEIDER: FINDING FAITH AND CONFIDENCE THROUGH GYMNASTICS
Photo by student photographer Andres Esquivel-Garza
Elli Schneider, a sophomore psychology major, began gymnastics as a toddler.
“I started with Mommy and Me classes with my mom,” Elli shares. “I loved flipping around with my brothers. We all started together, but I was the only one who stuck with it.”
For Elli, Greenville’s atmosphere of faith and community made it the perfect place to continue her journey. “I thought it was cool to do the sport I love while praising God,” she explains. “The team here is amazing. They’re my best friends, and I know they’ll always back me up.”
Elli’s path hasn’t been without challenges. “I’ve had two knee surgeries—one in high school and another after my senior year,” she shares. “Surgery is common in gymnastics, but overcoming it has strengthened me as a person and athlete.”
Her freshman year brought a moment she’ll never forget. “Our first college meet at Simpson was surreal. Competing in the vault at a level I never thought possible after my injuries was a dream come true.”
Elli’s favorite event is the beam. “When you’re on the beam, everything else disappears. It’s just you and your movement,” she says.
Faith is central to Elli’s experience. “God gives everyone talents. Trusting Him has changed the way I approach gymnastics and life. It’s about knowing He has a path for you,” she reflects.
BUILDING A LEGACY AT GREENVILLE
Greenville’s gymnastics program faces unique challenges. As one of only three Division III programs competing against powerhouse Division I schools, the team relies on determination and resourcefulness.
“We’re up against big programs like Michigan and Stanford,” Charlie explains. “It’s a testament to our team’s grit and Coach Zach’s dedication.”
Faith plays a central role in the team’s success. “It’s about trusting in a greater plan,” Charlie says.
Elli adds, “God’s presence in every aspect of our lives—from school to gymnastics—is a reminder that we’re never alone.”
Photo by student photographer Andres Esquivel-Garza
