Introducing Catherine Schnoes (often known at Coach Cat) the new business owner of Decatur Gymnastics!
Catherine & I have been best friends for over 13 years, when we met while being stationed in Germany. We were their sponsors in the Fire Department, when they arrived, so we were in charge of showing them around & getting them settled in, even living in the same village across the river from one another. Since then, even with several military moves in-between, our families have stayed close. Once our husbands retired from the USAF, we chose to buy our forever homes in the same neighborhood, just down the street from each other!
I can’t say enough good things about this woman. She is an amazing friend, extraordinary athlete, knowledgeable coach, I could go on and on. When she told me she was thinking about making her dreams a reality of owning her own gymnastics business, I was thrilled!
Building our lives and businesses together – I can’t think of a better way for our futures. I am so proud of her – she has an incredible vision for the future of Decatur Gymnastics – and I am excited to cheer her on!
Now, Cat isn’t one for being in front of the camera, but since I’ve been photographing their family for over 13 years, she trusts me to make her look & fell her best (even when she feels awkward.) Of course, 1st up as a new business owner, was professional headshots in my new studio here in Texas!
See what we created & learn more about her & her business, in this feature below:
Tell me about what you do, how long you’ve been doing it, how you got started.
I started gymnastics when I was 3 years old, & I was a competitive Gymnast growing up through college. I have always been in the gym, and fell in love with coaching at an early age. I was even a CrossFit L1 coach for a few years. I was lucky enough to coach throughout my husband’s military career, which took us to Florida, Germany and Alaska. After my husband retired from the USAF, & settling down in Texas, I recently purchased & own/coach gymnastics at Decatur Gymnastics. All together, I have been coaching for 24 years.
Where can people find you/your work?
W | www.decaturtxgymnastics.com
FB | Decatur Gymnastics
IG | @decaturtxgymnastics
What is your key to success? How do YOU define success?
Success is often measured in financial terms, but for me, it’s so much more than that. True success isn’t just about profits—it’s about happiness, family, and creating something meaningful.
Success is building a business that thrives on its own, supported by a team of dedicated, reliable staff who genuinely care about its growth and impact. It’s about fostering an environment where employees want to be there, not just for a paycheck, but because they believe in the vision. It’s about walking into the gym and seeing smiling faces, watching kids achieve their goals, and knowing we’ve helped shape their confidence and discipline.
Success is hearing parents express how much they love our facility, how it’s become a second home for their children, and how the experiences here have played a role in their growth. At the end of the day, success isn’t just about what we build—it’s about the lives we touch along the way.
What do you find is the most challenging about your work?
The biggest challenge in my work is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. With late hours, it can be difficult to spend quality time with my family.
Where do you want to be in 1, 5, 10 years?
I’m excited for the future as I implement new programs to boost enrollment. Launching an Artistic Gymnastics Team will showcase our growth and commitment to the community. As our enrollment and team program expand, I hope to eventually grow our facility as well.
Tell us about your family:
My family is amazing. We had a great 20 years following my husband in the military & now are so excited to settle down while creating roots, & starting our new adventure in civilian life, near our families.
What do you in your free time?
I enjoy CrossFit, drinking coffee with friends, & laying our by our pool.
Professional Headshot for new business owner Catherine Schnoes of Decatur Gymnastics (formerly University of Gymnastics)
Heather McKinney, professional photographer at HM Photography & Boutique, a North Texas veteran-owned business, is proud to offer professional photography & printed artwork for her clients & their families.
Our new custom built, private photography studio is located in Rhome, Texas with easy access just off highways 287 & 114, & serves the northwest Dallas Fort Worth Texas areas to include New Fairview, Aurora, Justin, Avondale, Haslet, Roanoke, Argyle, Lantana, Denton, Grapevine, Flower Mound, Keller, Trophy Club, Westlake, Northlake, Southlake, North Richland Hills, Eagle Mountain, Saginaw, Azle, Lake Worth, Weatherford, Pelican Bay, Paradise, Springtown, Bridgeport, Boyd, & Decatur.
Sessions are now booking through the end of the year & are typically booked up 4-8 weeks in advance. Please reach out as soon as possible, as not to miss out on limited availability, and assure plenty of time for planning.
To learn more about the studio & the HMPB experience, check out ‘The Experience’ page, here. You can also learn more about Heather, here.
Ready to have your own beautiful portraits created for yourself, business, family, newborn, or motherhood? I’d love to help plan a custom photoshoot, just for you!
Please use the contact form to get started or learn more.
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