RECognition: Autumn Punsal, Youth Sports

Recreation's monthly series to highlight and celebrate our staff

By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director

Autumn Punsal is a third-year in Thurgood Marshall College majoring in business psychology. This month, she’s being RECognized for her work as a Gymnastics Instructor for REC, teaching the majority of our youth gymnastics classes, including Tiny Tots, which consists of children ages 1-and-a-half through 9.

“It is evident from the moment you see her in action that she takes great pride in seeing the children's growth in confidence and independence as the quarter progresses,” says Linh-An Ho, Assistant Director, Rec Classes and Youth Programs. “Incorporating her experience as an aide at UCSD's Early Childhood Education Center, Autumn is very adept at quickly building a rapport with our program's youngest students. Our gymnastics classes are often participants' and their families' first experience with the sport and UCSD Recreation, and Autumn's enthusiasm and warmth instantly makes them feel at ease.”

Here’s our Q&A with Autumn:

Q: What is your favorite part about working with REC?
A: I started teaching kids tumbling when I was in high school, but I've been doing it for about a year with REC. The most rewarding part would be to see children grow and know that you contributed to that.

Q: What made you want to work for REC?
A: I've always loved working with kids, and I have a background in cheer, dance, and gymnastics.

Q: Tell us a little bit more about your experience with gymnastics.
A: I actually wasn't a gymnast; I was an all-star cheerleader for 8 years! Many of the fundamental skills are the same. My favorite thing about gymnastics is the feeling when you land a new skill!

Q: Any specific moments stand out from your time working with the Tiny Tots?
A: It's especially heartwarming when my parents and tots learn my name and when they move on to our Tiny Tots class. I think for any level, it's amazing to see our young athletes overcome their individual challenges.

Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
A: If I could have one superpower, I would want the power to control the elements: earth, fire, air, and water. It's basically a bunch of superpowers, all-in-one. I can build stuff, fly, make my own waves; I can do it all.

Q: Any big plans for the summer?
A: This summer, I am the lead lifeguard at a lake in my hometown. I've been at this lake for 4 years now, and this will be my 5th and last year! I also do private youth swim lessons with 1.5-year-olds.