Behind the Salute

Tracy Troxel; Danielle Mueller
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Behind the Salute is a podcast for the families, athletes, and coaches who know that gymnastics is about so much more than medals and routines. Hosted by Tracy Troxel & Danielle Mueller, we go beyond the skills to talk about confidence, resilience, discipline, mindset, and the life lessons built inside the gym. From competition nerves to parenting through pressure, this show pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the salute. Because years from now, they may not remember every routine — but they’ll remember who they became because of it.

  1. 4d ago

    The Kid You Don't See

    What if the athlete you see in the gym isn’t the same kid their parents see at home? In this episode of Behind the Salute, we explore the often unseen side of young athletes—the fears they hide, the pressures they carry, and the challenges they face when no one is watching. Coaches witness one version. Parents experience another. This conversation is for coaches, parents, and anyone who wants to help athletes thrive—not just in the gym, but in life.

    35 min

  2. May 27

    Scoring Questions Answered Between DP & Xcel

    During our recent podcast launch party, one of the most common questions was the difference in scoring between the DP and Xcel programs. Here is our take on this topic!

    42 min

  3. May 20

    Just Stand There - But Don't Spot Me

    'Just stand there, but don’t spot me’ can be a healthy step toward independence — until it becomes a habit rooted in fear. Sometimes athletes start relying on a coach’s presence instead of building trust in themselves. Confidence doesn’t grow from someone always standing there. It grows from learning you can do hard things on your own!

    21 min

  4. May 13

    Learning to Love the Process

    We spend so much time chasing results that we forget to appreciate who we’re becoming in the process. This episode dives into choosing happiness now—not later—and learning to find fulfillment in the climb, not just the view at the top.

    38 min

  5. May 6

    She Coached Me First, Loved Me Always

    In this special Mother’s Day episode of Behind the Salute, we sit down with Tracy — a coach, a mom, and the woman behind the athlete — alongside her daughter Jade, who’s lived the unique experience of being coached by her own mom. Together, they open up about what it’s really like when the lines between parent and coach blur. The car rides home, the tough corrections, the unspoken pressure, and the moments that meant everything but were never said out loud. This isn’t just a story about gymnastics — it’s about trust, growth, sacrifice, and a bond that goes far beyond the gym floor. We talk about:• The challenges of balancing love and expectations• What hits different when your coach is also your mom• The moments that tested their relationship — and strengthened it• Lessons learned on both sides of the mat• And what they wish more parents, coaches, and athletes understood Whether you’re a gymnast, a parent, or a coach, this episode will hit close to home. Because behind every salute… there’s a story. And for some, that story starts with mom.

    35 min

  6. Apr 29

    We Did It! Launch Party Recap

    We did it… and we’re still not over it! In this episode of Behind the Salute, we’re recapping our very first podcast launch party — the nerves, the chaos, the moments we’ll never forget, and the overwhelming support from our gymnastics community that made it all so special.

    24 min

  7. Apr 22

    Gym Drama and Cliques

    Gymnastics is all about teamwork… but let’s be honest—sometimes it doesn’t feel that way. In this episode, we’re diving into the real social side of the gym: cliques, friend groups, and the moments that can make athletes feel either completely included… or totally on the outside. We’re talking about why cliques form, how they impact confidence and performance, and what athletes, parents, and coaches can do to build a stronger, more supportive team culture. Because behind every routine is a team dynamic that matters more than we think.

    25 min

  8. Apr 15

    Post-Season Transition To Summer Training

    The season is over… now what? That post-season window can feel a little weird—less pressure, different energy, and a big shift heading into summer training. But this transition period is way more important than most people realize. In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually matters between seasons—and how to use this time to reset, refocus, and build a stronger foundation for what’s next. We talk about: Why the transition period isn’t just “downtime”How to mentally and physically reset after a long seasonTalking about summer camps Prep for your best summer training yetHow this period sets the tone for the entire next seasonBecause what you do right now?It matters more than you think.

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Behind the Salute is a podcast for the families, athletes, and coaches who know that gymnastics is about so much more than medals and routines. Hosted by Tracy Troxel & Danielle Mueller, we go beyond the skills to talk about confidence, resilience, discipline, mindset, and the life lessons built inside the gym. From competition nerves to parenting through pressure, this show pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the salute. Because years from now, they may not remember every routine — but they’ll remember who they became because of it.

Information

  • Creator
    Tracy Troxel; Danielle Mueller
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tracy Troxel; Danielle Mueller
  • Show Website
    Behind the Salute