Hello! Please introduce yourself.
My name is Olena Vitrychenko and originally, I’m from Ukraine. We have lived in the Chicago area for 15 years. As the owner of Vitrychenko Gymnastic Academy, I was looking for training facility with a high ceiling. Canlan Sports is a great place for rhythmic gymnastics, with all requirements. In August 2024, our academy relocated to Libertyville.
Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)? Names (optional)
I have 3 children- David 22 years, Cesar 20 years, Aurora 16
What are your favorite places to travel near and far and why?
I really like to travel! With my gymnasts, we go all around the world for competitions and training camps. Some of my favorite places include Japan, Italy, France. In the United States, I’m enjoying to travel by car and see beautiful places on the road.
Tell us about your business/organization.
I opened Vitrychenko Academy in 2014. The Vitrychenko Academy Rhythmic Gymnastics Club is a premier training center dedicated to nurturing young talents in rhythmic gymnastics. Established by experienced coaches, the club focuses on developing athletes’ skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. We work with children of all levels, starting from beginners and guiding them to become champions. The curriculum combines physical training, artistic expression, and teamwork, with the aim of enhancing performance while instilling a love for the sport. Participants benefit from professional coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to compete at various levels. The club emphasizes discipline, dedication, and personal growth, preparing athletes for both competitive success and lifelong fitness.
What do you do in your position?
As the owner and head coach of the Vitrychenko Academy Rhythmic Gymnastics Club, I am deeply committed to fostering a positive and inspiring environment for our athletes. In my role, I oversee all aspects of the academy, including program development, coaching strategies, and athlete training. I work closely with our coaching staff to ensure that we provide high-quality training tailored to each child’s level and goals. Additionally, I focus on nurturing talent, instilling discipline, and promoting a passion for rhythmic gymnastics among our students. My mission is to guide our athletes from beginners to champions, supporting their growth both in the sport and in their personal development.
Why do you love your job?
In my role as the owner and head coach of the Vitrychenko Academy Rhythmic Gymnastics Club, I love several aspects of my work:
- Nurturing Talent: I find immense joy in identifying and developing the potential of each athlete. Witnessing their progress and growth is incredibly rewarding.
- Creating a Positive Environment: I am passionate about fostering a supportive and encouraging atmosphere that helps students feel confident and inspired to pursue their dreams.
- Building Relationships: Working closely with athletes and their families allows me to build strong relationships and contribute positively to their lives beyond gymnastics.
- Instilling Discipline and Passion: I enjoy teaching the values of discipline, hard work, and dedication, which not only apply to gymnastics but also to life.
- Celebrating Achievements: Whether it’s small milestones or major championships, celebrating the achievements of my athletes brings me great satisfaction and motivates me to continue my work. Overall, my love for rhythmic gymnastics and the joy of guiding young talents fuels my passion for this profession.
What is your favorite thing about the Libertyville Area Moms Network?
One of the favorite aspects of the Libertyville Area Moms Network is the strong sense of community it fosters among local mothers. The network provides a supportive space where moms can share experiences, seek advice, and find camaraderie in their parenting journeys. Additionally, the diverse range of resources, events, and activities offered by the network helps moms connect with each other and engage in meaningful ways, whether through playdates, educational workshops, or local outings. This sense of belonging and the opportunity to build friendships with like-minded individuals makes the Libertyville Area Moms Network a cherished resource for many families in the community.
Please share two fun facts about yourself.
I have a passion for bead embroidery, and I love creating intricate designs with beads. It allows me to express my creativity and brings me a sense of relaxation and accomplishment as I see my projects come to life.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Mom?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard from another mom is to “trust your instincts.” Parenting can often be overwhelming, with an abundance of advice from different sources. This mom emphasized that every child is unique, and parents should listen to their intuition when it comes to making decisions for their children. It reminded me to have confidence in my choices and to prioritize what feels right for my family’s dynamic. This advice encourages mindful parenting and reminds us to embrace our individual journeys.
Are you involved in any volunteering or philanthropy? Do you have a favorite local non-profit or charity?
I don’t have personal experiences or the ability to volunteer, but I can certainly emphasize the importance of community involvement! Many people find great fulfillment in volunteering for local non-profits or charities that align with their values. Engaging with organizations that make a positive impact in the community can be incredibly rewarding, fostering connections and providing crucial support to those in need. If there’s a specific cause you support or a local organization that resonates with you, sharing your experiences can inspire others to get involved!
In an effort to keep it real, and not just show the sunny side, can you share with us a past or present struggle in your personal or professional life? Please also share how you overcame it or cope with it (or plan to)? We love gaining new tools for our mental wellness toolbox.
I can share my experience with balancing the demands of being the owner and head coach of the Vitrychenko Academy Rhythmic Gymnastics Club while also managing my personal life. One significant struggle I faced was during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was incredibly challenging to keep the children engaged and motivated to continue their sports training amid the uncertainty and restrictions. With the closure of gyms and the limitations on in-person gatherings, many young athletes felt discouraged, and it became difficult to maintain their enthusiasm for gymnastics. To cope with this struggle, I implemented a few strategies:
- Prioritizing Self-Care: I began to prioritize my own self-care by scheduling time for activities that rejuvenate me, such as exercising, meditating, and pursuing my love for bead embroidery. This helped me recharge and approach my responsibilities with a clearer mind.
- Setting Boundaries: I learned the importance of setting boundaries between work and personal time. By establishing clear working hours and sticking to them, I could dedicate quality time to my family and myself without feeling guilty about my professional commitments.
- Seeking Support: I reached out to other coaches and mentors within the gymnastics community for advice and support. Sharing experiences with peers provided valuable insights and reassured me that I wasn’t alone in facing these challenges.
- Adapting Training Methods: To keep the children engaged, we adapted our training methods by incorporating online classes, fun virtual challenges, and creative at-home workouts. This helped maintain their connection to the sport and to each other during such isolating times.
By acknowledging these struggles and actively working on coping strategies, I continue to grow both personally and professionally. I’m better equipped to support my athletes while also taking care of my mental wellness, ensuring that they feel motivated and inspired to pursue their gymnastics journey despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
