Gymnastics has been a constant presence in the life of D117 Gymnastics coach Kristie Blasinski; it has shaped her life as an athlete and mentor.

“I have been involved in gymnastics for a long time, and it has always been my passion,” said Blasinski.

Her journey with the sport began at the age of five and continued through college. During and after her college years, Blasinski returned to her alma mater, Lyons Township High School, to coach. However, in the 1990s, she stepped away from coaching to focus on raising her family. 

Despite the break, her connection to the sport never faded. 

“Being a college athlete of the sport myself, a teacher of physical education, and having a daughter participate in the sport piqued my interest in returning back to coaching,” Blasinski said.

Six years ago, Blasinski decided to return to coaching, serving first as a volunteer coach for D117, then as an assistant coach, and now, for the past two years, she has been the head coach. 

“I truly enjoy it,” Blasinski said.

One of the most meaningful experiences of her coaching career came when she had the opportunity to coach her daughter, Julia, over the past four years. 

“It was a moment that I will always treasure,” Blasinski said.

As for her coaching style, she places a strong emphasis on preparation and effort. She regularly reminds her athletes that ‘they compete how they practice,’ and encourages them to train with intention and make each practice success matter. 

“I try to instill in my gymnasts the value of hard work,” Blasinski said. “The pressure of a competition can get to them if they are not prepared.”

“Train with intention. Make each practice attempt matter.”

Coach Blasinski’s approach has contributed to notable success within the program.

“We have had many talented gymnasts pass through the D117 Gymnastics program, and many have been successful,” Blasinski said.

Among them are Jocelyn Crum ’23, who advanced to the State Tournament on floor, and Josie Gates ’24 and Julia Blasinski ’25, who qualified for sectionals on all events. Julia Blasinski ’25 also earned the title of Regional Floor Champion twice, in 2024 and 2025. The team continues to reach new milestones. 

Blasinski expressed pride in the team’s recent top score of 132.3, led by Evie Perna, Leah Ortega, Isabella Aya, and Maddy Ripper. She highlighted how improvement across the roster has made a difference, benefiting both individual performances and the overall team score.

“Many of the gymnasts are adding new skills, upgrades, to their routines,” Blasinski said.

Looking toward the rest of the season, Coach Blasinski has a focus on team progress. 

“The goals that I have for the team are to keep improving on our team score and to advance athletes to the Sectional meet,” Blasinski said.

With a coaching philosophy rooted in preparation, dedication, and her passion for the sport, she continues to guide the D117 Gymnastics team toward success.