Alumni
Abigail Panilan-Yan
All Star has been such an important part of my life. It’s where I discovered my passion for gymnastics, built lifelong friendship and grew under the guidance of incredible coaches. From the age of 8 to 17, I was a proud member of the competitive program, reaching Level 10 between the ages of 13 and 17.
The mentorship I received from Coach Nelu, Emilia, and Paula shaped me not only as an athlete but also as a person. Gymnastics taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance. Skills that continue to guide me in everything I do, whether in school, business, or coaching. After a decade in the sport, I went on to graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University with a major in Youth and Children’s Development and a minor in Psychology. Today, I’ve come full circle and coach a competitive group at All Star while also running my own nail business called “Abigail Nail Lab”
I will always be grateful for the lessons and memories from my years as a gymnast at All Star. They continue to inspire me to push myself, set goals and work hard every single day.
Khamica Bingham
My journey as a two-time Olympic sprinter began long before I ever set foot on a track — it started at All Star Sports Centre. I actually discovered All Star by chance, while shopping in a mall for a birthday gift. I remember watching the girls flipping and leaping with such joy and power that I went home trying to mimic them. I begged my parents to sign me up — and that moment changed my life. On my very first day in a recreational class, my dad told me to “show your coach your backflip.” I did — right there beside the balance beams — and by the end of the day, I’d been moved up to the provincial group. From there, I trained under Paula and Nelu, two incredible coaches who believed in me, pushed me, and guided me to become a Level 9 Provincial Champion and National Silver Medalist on Vault. The discipline, mental toughness, and work ethic I built at All Star laid the foundation for everything that followed — including my success as a sprinter. The friendships I made there will last a lifetime, and the memories are part of who I am. No matter where life takes me, I’ll always carry that little girl — “Bing” — who fell in love with gymnastics in a mall one ordinary day. All Star will always be my first love, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.
Sabrina Pereira
Being a gymnast at All Star had a profound impact on my life. It taught me discipline, perseverance, and the value of hard work. Most importantly, it gave me incredible coaches and teammates who shaped me both as an athlete and as a person. Coach Paula and Coach Nelu helped me develop confidence, patience, and a belief in myself that I will always be grateful for. I could never thank them enough for the ways they guided and supported me. My teammates became lifelong friends, and the bond we formed through long training days and shared challenges is something only athletes truly understand. Gymnastics also gave me a deep appreciation for the human body—its strength, precision, and resilience. Experiencing both the amazing capabilities of the body and the setbacks from injuries taught me the importance of recovery and proper movement. Those lessons sparked my passion for helping others heal and inspired me to pursue a career in exercise therapy. I have countless incredible memories from my time at All Star, from training sessions to competitions, but one that stands out is going to Woodward Gymnastics Camp with my teammates and Coach Nelu—and getting to meet Shawn Johnson!
Meagan Beffort
I started gymnastics at All Stars when I was 3 years old (competitive at 7), and the gym, friends and coaches quickly became my second home and family. Through gymnastics, I’ve learned many skills that continue to shape my life today including discipline, resilience, leadership and time management. The sport was a huge commitment, but it was also my balance, motivation and reward. Reaching my goal of competing Level 8 and qualifying for Championships in 2022 was an incredible experience and wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my amazing coach, Coach Nelu. Once I was old enough, I was eager to start coaching, I coached recreational, competitive and had the opportunity to be the Summer Camp Director. I still coach gymnastics today as it keeps me involved with the sport that meant so much to me growing up. I also enjoy visiting my coaches and being the MC at All Star competitions.I am currently a Health Science student at Wilfred Laurier University, with hopes of pursuing a career in healthcare. Gymnastics and All Stars have played such an important role in my life, and I am forever grateful for all the experiences, memories and lifelong connections I’ve made along the way.
Kaelin Williamson
From the age of 6, All Star became my second home. A place that shaped who I am today. It taught me lessons that go beyond the sport. I learned what it really means to work hard, stay resilient and to never give up on my goals. It made me fall in love with fitness and gave me a passion for sport that I get to carry with me in my career today. The memories and friendships made at All Star are something I will always be grateful for. This gym will always hold a special place in my heart.
