Belnap, a past recipient of the Minot Area Chamber EDC Eagle Award, started Rebel in 2021. The award recognizes community members who go above and beyond in service, leadership and dedication.

“My original plan was to have 15 competitive gymnasts and some recreational children — just enough to cover rent,” Belnap said. “Now, going into year four, we have 45 competitive gymnasts, 24 competitive cheerleaders and more than 350 recreational children.”

Rebel Athletics offers programs that include gymnastics, tumbling, stunting, toddler classes and both recreational and competitive cheerleading. What makes the gym unique, Belnap said, is the environment she and her coaches have worked hard to create.

“I wanted it to be a positive environment for everybody. I wanted it to be safe, with qualified coaches who care about what they are doing, and I wanted everyone to feel like they belong here,” Belnap said. “We know our athletes’ names. We work around schedules, and we make sure parents feel comfortable asking questions.”

Melissa Belnap

Belnap, originally from Idaho, moved to Minot in 2017. She and her family had not planned to stay long but quickly fell in love with the community. That sense of belonging has carried over into Rebel Athletics, where she describes the atmosphere as a family environment.

“The best part is when little children learn a new skill and they are so excited to come and tell you,” Belnap said. “Watching them grow from toddlers to teenagers and seeing that progression is just so much fun.”

Running a business while raising a family has not come without challenges.

“At first, I was answering messages at all hours of the night and it put my family on the back burner,” Belnap said. “I have had to learn balance and set business hours. I also learned you cannot make everyone happy all the time.”

Her biggest lessons, she said, come back to communication and leadership.

“Honesty is always the best policy. Parents just want to know what is going on. I have had to learn to be a problem solver and to pick my battles. Sometimes you just have to put a Band-Aid on a situation, and other times you need stitches,” said Belnap with a laugh.

For Belnap, being honored with the Eagle Award was meaningful because it reflected exactly what she wanted Rebel to be known for: a positive, welcoming place where children feel supported.

“Most of our athletes spend 15 to 20 hours a week here,” Belnap said. “For a lot of them, this is their outlet. It meant a lot to me that parents recognized what we were trying to do.”

As Rebel continues to grow, Belnap credits word of mouth and the dedication of her athletes, staff and parents for its success.

“We honestly have the best parents in the state,” said Belnap, noting their involvement in helping host competitions and events.

Now a grandmother, Belnap is learning to balance her time differently. With a strong staff and office manager in place, she is able to spend more time at home while still remaining involved.

“I have a lot of people depending on me, but I also have amazing coaches and staff who keep things running,” Belnap said.

Her advice to aspiring coaches or business owners is simple: “Be patient. You will never please everyone, and you have to have thick skin. Do what is best for your program and do not let it hurt your feelings when not everyone agrees.”

For Belnap, the motivation comes naturally when she sees the joy and confidence her athletes gain at Rebel Athletics.

“When children are happy, when staff is happy, it makes it all worth it,” she said.