Diamond Gymnastics celebrates 40th anniversary with event

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, Diamond Gymnastics celebrated its 40th anniversary with a vibrant community event and ribbon-cutting ceremony at its facility on Oil Patch Lane in Gonzales. Eileen Barry, the gym’s founder, was in attendance along with alumni, coaches, current athletes, and families, all gathered to honor the milestone.

“It’s amazing — we always knew we’d get to this point,” said Mike Dolezal, owner of Diamond Gymnastics. “I love seeing the kids’ faces and their expressions. Coaching has always been something I felt called to do. It’s a passion that was placed on my heart from the start when I began taking lessons at 16. I started coaching just three months later”

His wife and co-owner, Michelle Dolezal, shared similar feelings about how her passion for cheer and tumbling led her to where she is today. “I’ve loved cheer since I was a little girl — it’s what got me into gymnastics in the first place. There are so many memories in this gym. Our goal is to keep expanding and offering more for kids. This is where our heart is.”

The celebration also received recognition from local leaders. Mayor Isaac Anzaldua offered heartfelt thanks during the event, saying, “As a city, we’re committed to supporting Diamond Gymnastics in any way we can. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for everything you’ve done to support our kids and our community through your mentorship and guidance.”

Gonzales Chamber of Commerce Director Melissa Taylor also praised the milestone: “We’re thrilled to help celebrate 40 amazing years of Diamond Gym. They’ve made a lasting impact on so many lives in our community, and we’re proud to stand alongside them.”

Eileen Barry, the original owner and founder, reflected on the gym’s early days. Like the Dolezals, she had a lifelong passion for working with children and a deep love for gymnastics.

“I always knew I wanted to coach,” she said. “There was a real need in the community for a place where kids could not only learn gymnastics, but build confidence and life skills. To me, a diamond represents perfection — it sparkles and shines. In gymnastics, you practice how you want to compete, striving for perfection. But it’s more than that. It’s a mindset that carries these kids further in life, far beyond the gym.”

Krista Lewellyn, a former student, reflected on her time at Diamond Gymnastics with heartfelt appreciation.

She shared, “I grew up in the gym, starting lessons when I was eight years old. Back then, gymnastics was more than just a sport—it was a place to learn, grow, and be with friends. One thing led to another, and being in gymnastics opened the door to other sports and experiences. The discipline, perseverance, and teamwork we learned here stuck with us. Those are life skills, and they helped us succeed both inside and outside the gym.”

Guests enjoyed a full day of celebration, including Gym Olympics, a leotard fashion show, and performances by current students. A slideshow tribute looked back on four decades of memories, followed by an awards ceremony honoring student achievements and recognizing alumni.

The event was filled with laughter, applause, and heartfelt moments, capturing the lasting legacy of a gym that has shaped generations — and continues to be a cornerstone of the Gonzales community. 

Along with its gymnastics program, Diamond Gym has offered swim lessons for over 30 years and recently expanded to include art classes. These additions reflect Mike and Michelle Dolezal’s commitment to supporting the whole child.

For more information about available programs, reach out to the Diamond Gym directly.