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In August 2024, downtown Cloquet welcomed a new addition to its athletic community with the Minnesota Academy of Tumbling (M.A.T.) grand opening. Since its inception, M.A.T. has seen remarkable growth, with over 300 students enrolled in its tumbling and gymnastics programs for children and adults alike.
At the heart of M.A.T. is a dynamic mother-daughter coaching duo, Brittany and Maguire Hammond. Brittany Hammond, the owner and operator, brings over three decades of coaching experience and an unwavering passion for the sport. A former Level 9 gymnast, Brittany’s career was cut short due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. However, her athletic pursuits did not end there. She went on to become a competitive powerlifter, earning a silver medal in the Junior Olympics. Throughout her career, Brittany has worked with some of the most renowned gymnastics coaches, including Bela Karolyi, Mary Lee Tracy, and Steve Elliot. Her experience spans several states, coaching gymnasts from beginners to elite levels across Ohio, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Florida, and Iowa. In 2000, alongside her husband, Paul, she founded a tumbling club in Iowa that produced numerous state, national, and championship teams.
M.A.T. offers diverse classes across the Duluth Area, with locations in Cloquet, Proctor, Two Harbors, and Beaver Bay. While Hermantown and Duluth do not currently have class offerings, M.A.T. continues to expand its reach to accommodate its growing student base. The academy’s tumbling classes cater to various skill levels, including Tiny Tots, Beginners, Advanced Beginners, Intermediate, Mommy/Daddy and Me, Adult Class, and a Performance Team. Additionally, invitation-only programs provide specialized training for aspiring athletes, such as Hot Shots, Pre-Team, Bronze Team, Silver Team, North Team, North Team with Gold Option, and Gold Team. Looking ahead, M.A.T. plans to establish a private school exclusively for elite athletes by invitation.
Maguire Hammond, an accomplished ballet athlete, gymnast, and aspiring actor, plays a key role in the academy’s operations. She gave us an inside look at the facility, explaining how M.A.T. transports mats and equipment across various locations to serve their students. The academy utilizes the Sports Engine app to streamline management and scheduling, ensuring seamless coordination for its expanding community.
Both Brittany and Maguire are deeply committed to fostering a love for gymnastics while nurturing confidence, discipline, and a sense of community in their athletes.
“We believe in the transformative power of gymnastics to build confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of community. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where every child can flourish and achieve their personal best, guided by the expertise of seasoned coaches and the spirit of sportsmanship,” says Brittany Hammond, owner of M.A.T.
With its strong foundation, experienced leadership, and vision for the future, the Minnesota Academy of Tumbling is poised to make a lasting impact on the region’s gymnastics landscape. Whether a beginner or an elite athlete, students at M.A.T. are given the tools, training, and encouragement to reach new heights.
Minnesota Academy of Tumbling
1309 Ave C
Cloquet, MN 55720
Phone: (319) 202-4226
Email: mat@mntumbling.com
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