Justin Powers ’15

The Foundation of a Program and a Legacy

Justin Powers had always known Abilene like the back of his hand-the quiet streets, the familiar faces, the sense that everything meaningful was somehow rooted there. When it came time to choose a university, the decision felt less like a question and more like a continuation of a story already in motion. McMurry University stood out to him, not just because it was close to home, but because it offered something deeper: a place where he could belong, grow, and test the edges of who he thought he could become.

At first, Justin imagined his college years unfolding around diving, a sport he had committed himself to in high school. But life, as it often does, nudged him in an unexpected direction. With encouragement from professors and mentors who saw something in him beyond the surface, he returned to gymnastics-a passion that never quite left him. That shift defined more than his college experience; it reshaped his future.

McMurry gave Justin more than a degree-it gave him moments that stayed with him long after graduation. He remembered late nights as a freshman, being pulled from sleep at 2:30 a.m. to keep a drum beating during the university's tipi village traditions. He remembered the excitement of voting for a new mascot, feeling like his voice was part of something bigger. These weren't just memories; they were the building blocks of identity, connection, and pride.

But not every lesson came wrapped in celebration. Some came quietly, even uncomfortably. In a photography class, Justin found himself dissatisfied with his work, openly critical of his own abilities. His professor didn't let that mindset linger. She challenged him-firmly-to believe in what he created, to carry confidence even when it felt unnatural. That moment stuck. Years later, standing in gyms and leading athletes, Justin still heard that message echoing: believe in what you bring to the table.

Gymnastics had entered his life early, almost casually-his first job at sixteen, coaching at a local gym. But what began as a part-time role grew into something much more meaningful. By the time he reached his senior year at McMurry, Justin wasn't just helping athletes; he was leading them. When he graduated, choosing coaching as a career didn't feel like a risk-it felt like the only path that made sense.

Years later, that path led him back to familiar ground, but with a new purpose. At Abilene Wylie High School, Justin saw potential where others saw absence. There was no gymnastics program-yet. Alongside a few determined parents, he approached the school board with a vision. It started small: just three athletes competing in the program's first season. But growth came quickly. One athlete reached state. Then three. Then an entire team. Before long, they weren't just participating-they were competing at a high level, earning recognition across the region.

When Justin was named Region III Women's Coach of the Year, the honor caught him off guard. But to him, the award wasn't just personal-it reflected the countless hours, the shared commitment, and the culture he and his athletes had built together. It was proof that they were doing something right.

Still, the awards weren't what moved him most. The moments that mattered were quieter, more personal-watching an athlete finally land a skill they'd struggled with for months, seeing someone fight back from injury, or witnessing a team come together and achieve something they once thought was out of reach. One moment stood above the rest: the first time his team qualified as a full unit for the state meet. The emotion of that achievement-earned through grit and belief-was something he would never forget.

Justin built his program with intention. He wanted it to be competitive, yes-but also a place where athletes genuinely wanted to be. Together, they mapped out goals, studied what it would take to succeed, and committed themselves to the process. Over time, they didn't just meet expectations-they redefined them.

To Justin, success no longer had a single definition. It wasn't just medals or rankings. It was growth. It was resilience. It was the confidence he once had to learn for himself, now reflected in the athletes he coached. His time studying art at McMurry had taught him that every path looks different-and that lesson carried into everything he did.

And if you asked him today what he would tell the next generation-those considering McMurry, or a future in athletics-his answer would be simple: take the chance. Explore every opportunity. Trust that the path may not be straight, but it will lead somewhere meaningful if you're willing to grow along the way.

Because Justin Powers' story was never just about gymnastics. It was about finding direction in unexpected turns, building something from nothing, and learning-over and over again-to believe in what you're capable of becoming.

Do you or an alum you know have a great post-McMurry story? We'd love to feature YOU! Contact the Alumni Office at [email protected] to schedule an interview.