We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stacee Lewis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stacee below.
Hi Stacee, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Where Does Your Optimism Come From?
My optimism comes from the countless times I’ve seen how something as simple as a rope and a rhythm can change lives. Double Dutch is more than just a sport; it’s a community, a culture, and for many, a lifeline. I’ve watched kids who struggled with self-esteem transform into confident champions with every jump, step, and routine they master. These moments fuel my belief that, no matter the odds, growth and success are possible.
This belief extends to the possibilities for Double Dutch on the global stage. The idea of it becoming an Olympic sport was once a distant dream, yet now it feels within reach. In Paris during the 2024 Olympics, I had the privilege of witnessing the Jump Rope Engagement, where Double Dutch was showcased as more than a game, it was a testament to creativity, skill, and resilience. The event was eye-opening, showing the world the sport’s power to unite people across cultures, and further strengthening my resolve to see Double Dutch officially recognized in the 2028 Olympics.
Optimism for me is rooted in action. I’ve seen the sport grow from neighborhood sidewalks to global platforms. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, limited resources, skepticism, and the constant push to prove its legitimacy as a sport. Yet, every obstacle overcame has only deepened my belief in its potential. Every time I see young athletes’ faces light up with joy and pride, I’m reminded of why I keep pushing.
Optimism, for me, comes from knowing that with every jump, every spin, and every rope swung, Double Dutch is building a legacy. It’s a legacy of perseverance, representation, and triumph that will one day see it take its rightful place on the world’s biggest stage—the Olympics. Until then, we keep jumping, dreaming, and believing.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At Jump Rope Athletics (JRA), we are deeply passionate about growing the sport of Double Dutch and building a vibrant community for young athletes. Our mission is not just to teach skills but to foster confidence, teamwork, and discipline that extends beyond the ropes. We take immense pride in being Georgia’s only competitive Double Dutch team and serving as a beacon for the sport in the Southeast.
Coach Robin and I have poured our hearts into creating resources that inspire and educate. Together, we co-wrote a book and an accompanying eBook that share the history, techniques, and cultural significance of Double Dutch. Our goal was to honor the rich legacy of the sport while providing tools for aspiring jumpers, coaches, and communities to build teams of their own. It’s thrilling to see how these works have sparked curiosity and passion in readers of all ages.
One of the most exciting aspects of our work is the growth of our youth Double Dutch team. Watching young athletes discover their potential and thrive in a supportive environment is incredibly rewarding. We are expanding our team and inviting kids ages 8-17 to join us in competitions, showcases, and performances. Beyond teaching them the art of jumping, we emphasize life skills like leadership, goal-setting, and perseverance.
This year has been a whirlwind of growth and new opportunities. We recently participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics Jump Rope Engagement, where Double Dutch was introduced on a global stage as a prelude to its potential inclusion in the 2028 Olympics. Coming back from that experience has only strengthened our resolve to elevate the sport and create more opportunities for our youth.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to be part of NADDO’s Afro Jump event in Newark, NJ, in February 2025. This groundbreaking competition celebrates the cultural roots of Double Dutch while showcasing the talent and creativity of teams from across the country. It’s a pivotal moment for the sport and a chance for our young athletes to shine on a national stage.
Through our work, we hope to inspire not just the next generation of jumpers but communities around the world to see Double Dutch for what it truly is: an art form, a sport, and a movement. We welcome anyone who shares our vision to connect with us, support our mission, and help us keep the ropes turning!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, curiosity, and the ability to build meaningful connections. These weren’t just skills I picked up overnight; they were shaped by experiences, challenges, and the people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet along the way.
Resilience came from learning to persevere through the ups and downs. Growing a youth Double Dutch team in Georgia—a place where the sport isn’t widely recognized—has required grit and determination. There were times when resources were scarce, or I had to convince people of the value of what we were doing. But every time a child smiles after nailing a routine or tells me how the sport has changed their life, it reaffirms why resilience is so necessary. For those just starting, my advice is simple: don’t give up when things get hard. Challenges are part of the process, and pushing through them will make you stronger.
Curiosity has been equally important. I’ve always been willing to learn—whether it’s researching the history of Double Dutch, exploring new ways to teach kids, or figuring out how to manage a team. Staying curious has kept me adaptable and open to growth. For anyone early in their journey, I’d encourage you to stay hungry for knowledge. Ask questions, try new things, and never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Every lesson you learn adds value to your journey.
Finally, building meaningful connections has been a game-changer. Whether it’s partnering with amazing people like Coach Robin, engaging with other Double Dutch communities, or simply listening to the kids and their families, the relationships I’ve formed have been the foundation of everything I do. My advice? Don’t try to do it all alone. Build your village. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, challenge you, and push you to grow.
For anyone starting their own journey, I’ll leave you with this: lean into your passion, be patient with yourself, and never underestimate the power of showing up. Growth takes time, but if you stay true to what matters to you and keep moving forward, you’ll create something meaningful. And when you look back, you’ll see how much those small, consistent steps mattered.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge we’re facing right now is getting people to truly understand how fun, exciting, and competitive Double Dutch can be, and recruiting kids into the sport. While many people associate Double Dutch with a simple playground game, it’s so much more than that. It’s an art form, a sport, and a powerful tool for building confidence and community. Helping others see this vision can feel like an uphill battle at times.
One of the biggest obstacles is awareness. We live in a world with so many activities and sports compete for attention, and Double Dutch often gets overshadowed. Many families don’t realize the opportunities it offers, like traveling to competitions, performing on big stages, and building lifelong friendships. The fun, the energy, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a routine are experiences I wish more kids could have.
To overcome this challenge, we’ve been working hard to show, not just tell, how amazing Double Dutch is. We hold camps to introduce kids to the sport, teaching them the basics and giving them a sense of the creativity and athleticism involved. Additionally, we host tryouts to show kids and families the competitive side of Double Dutch. These tryouts allow potential team members to experience the thrill of being part of something bigger, while also showcasing the discipline and teamwork the sport requires.
We’re also leveraging social media to reach a wider audience. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow us to share clips of our kids nailing incredible tricks, competing at events, and just having fun. These moments help show the world what makes Double Dutch so special.
If I could share one message with parents and kids, it’s this: Double Dutch is for everyone. You don’t have to be the fastest or the strongest; you just have to be willing to jump in. It’s a sport that teaches you how to fail, how to get back up, and how to celebrate your wins, big or small. And most of all, it’s fun. If we can show that to the masses, I know this sport will grow in ways we’ve only dreamed of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Jraatlanta.com
- Instagram: Jra_atlanta
- Facebook: Jump Rope Athletics
- Youtube: Jump Rope Athletics
Image Credits
Jai Jackson -photographer
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