CHIONE MAGAZINE Issue Three 'The Village' | Page 6

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If not for the support of her mother, Ryann would not have the opportunities she has had. With her every step of the way; her mother, her advocate, her number one fan - the orchestrator of her village. Ryann is a member of Flip City South in Stockbridge GA. At her gym she is surrounded by excellence. Being around other athletes with the heart and determination to succeed has made Ryann a better athlete. Her coaches not only work toward developing the skills to be an athlete, but they work toward building Ryann and her teammates into responsible people. Ryann says, “Being at the gym is like being at home. My coaches and teammates are my family.” The ones who push her beyond her comfort zone, the ones who she looks up to, her role models, and the ones who guide her on the right path in hopes of seeing her succeed; her coaches, her mentors - the preceptors of her village. Ryann knows that everyday she has her friends, family, and Flip City South family supporting her. It may be a hug, a warning to be careful, a kind word, or even a reprimand that she does not want to hear, but Ryann knows it is all said and done with love. “I appreciate being around positive people that want to see me succeed” Ryann says of the people she is closest to. They are constantly lifting her up in prayer and sharing encouraging words as she faces challenges. They are her supporters, her fans - the cheerleaders of her village. Without her village, defying gravity would simply be a dream. Through hard work and the ongoing support of her village, that dream is turned into a reality.