Today we continue our new ASG Alumni Spotlight series on the blog. Each Thursday, as a throwback, we will feature former gymnasts and coaches who have all left their own little mark on ASG. It’s a fun way for current families to see the rich history of Atlanta School of Gymnastics and for alumni to catch back up with those friends (and coaches) they grew up making memories with. We have had a great response to those wanting to participate so hope you enjoy!
Today’s ASG Alumni spotlight is on Brittany (Brook) Dasher:
When did you attend ASG?
1987-1993
Did you pursue gymnastics following your time at ASG? If yes, where did you continue your gymnastics career?
No
What post-ASG accomplishments or highlights, gymnastics-related or not, are you most proud of?
I am a five time national champion cheerleader; I hold a PhD in Contemporary American Literature; I have been married for 12 years and have a son, Max, who is 7.5 and a daughter, Eyler, who is 2.5.
What is your current occupation?
After eight years of teaching college level writing, grammar, and literature, I resigned to stay home full-time with my children. I currently have an editing business where I primarily help students who are applying to college with outlining, drafting, editing, and proofreading their college application essays. I also edit legal documents for lawyers, as well as tutoring students who are preparing to take the writing portion of the ACT test.
What are your favorite memories from ASG?
I loved opening my locker to see the poem that begins, “Patience is a virtue, or so the saying goes. A gymnast must have said it, for a gymnast surely knows…” That has stayed with me all of these years. I also loved meeting Olga Korbut, Bela Karolyi, and Shannon Miller. I am most proud of the “Poetry in Motion” award that I won one year for my optional floor routine.
What lessons have you taken away from the sport of gymnastics?
I think my time in the gym has informed every aspect of my life after it. I am disciplined, focused, goal-oriented, fitness-conscious, resourceful, competitive, respectful, and sportsmanlike-among many other things-all because of what I learned in gymnastics. Coach Tommy Capps taught me that there was life beyond gymnastics and other pursuits at which I could be successful; when I quit Christmas of my 7th grade year, Tommy asked me what I wanted to do now. I told him that I wanted to play tennis, and 10 days later a tennis racket showed up in the mail from him. That touched me to the core and made a lasting impression on me.
What are your current hobbies and interests?
I am an avid reader who is in two book clubs, and I also play Mah Jongg in two different groups. I play ALTA and USTA tennis through my neighborhood, and I either run or do kickboxing daily. I am the Chair of the School Governance Council at my son’s elementary school. I like to cook and cross stitch as well.
Please tell us some interesting or fun things about yourself.
- I took growth hormone shots for three years just to reach 5 feet! I gave myself a shot in the thigh every single night for those three years.
- I was a precision dancer in the “Hey Y’all” segment of the Atlanta Olympics Opening Ceremonies in 1996.
- My husband and I met when we were 17; we have now been each other’s first and only loves for 20 years.
