Gymnastics is a unique sport that combines grace, strength, and artistry, which is then put on display for all to see. Our gymnastics program focuses on building up our athletes to be strong team players and good competitors. Destiny, a gymnast from the Crystals gymnastics team, loves the “friendships you make,” and her teammate Justice’s favorite thing about the Y’s program is how the “coaches are fun and supportive.”
The Road to Nationals
The path to nationals has been one filled with challenges and triumphs for our gymnasts. They started the competition season off with local meets, where they began to evaluate skills and gain experience. Winning at this level empowered them and helped them qualify for state. At state meets, the competition intensifies, and the gymnasts' technical skills and mental preparation are put to the test. All those meets helped build their confidence to opt into competing at Y Nationals.
The Training
Training for gymnastics is an intense process that requires dedication and maximum effort. Depending on the gymnasts' level, they will train anywhere from 10 to 16 hours a week.
- Strength Training and Conditioning: Gymnastics requires explosive movements coupled with stamina to ace performances. In practice, we spend at least 30 minutes focused on strength and conditioning and another 30 minutes on flexibility per event.
- Technical Skills: Throughout practices, gymnasts rotate events to master each one and receive critiques from their coaches.
- Mental Preparation: Our gymnasts work on visualization and practice their routines in front of each other to develop focus under pressure.
All this training led to more of our gymnasts competing at the next level for the first time. Maddie, from the Crystals gymnastics team, is looking forward to “competing in level 6 for the first time and trying out her new routine.”
The Nationals Experience
Competing at nationals is a special experience that our gymnasts have been working towards this past year, and it’s not like a typical meet.
- Arrival and Opening Ceremonies: Our gymnasts will start the day by getting checked in. From there, they will gain familiarity with their surroundings by completing an equipment touch, getting adjusted to their competition setting. They will end their day with opening ceremonies, where they can let loose with a dance party and hear a special speaker who encourages them before the competition kicks off.
- Competition Days: This is the main event our gymnasts traveled all this way for! They will perform their routines on various apparatuses like beams, vaults, and uneven bars. Each routine blends artistry and strength to showcase the unique talents of the gymnast.
- Awards: Gymnasts will receive their awards as the competition progresses through the weekend after each session. We wish all the best for our teams!
Mia, from Crystals Gymnastics team, is excited about “being in this together, having fun, and seeing the other YMCA teams.”
The Gymnasts
Grace Gymnastics Team
Level 3 - Lilliana Jones, Garyn Michaels, Samantha Carlos, Jaydah Young, Ava Tate, Taylor Thrall, Hartley Buttler, Carys Winder & Prya Rao
Level 6 - Na'Liah Brown, Loraialene Rim, Daphne Nguyen, Ginny Pingel, Katelynn Pihlman, Charlize Harrison & Mya Armijo
Level 7 - Quinn Doll
Level 8 - Alonah Pollard
Crystals Gymnastics Center
Level 4- Justice Williams, Lilly Teodoro, Mia Burlac, Paityn Lohman
Level 6- Maddie O'Neil Dellahousaye, Micah Mondrut, Elle Sorenson, Kaydence Teodoro, Kendra Lehmann
Level 8 -Destiny Simmons, Kylee Lehmann
The journey these gymnasts are on is a testament to their skill and passion for the sport. We are so fortunate to provide this space for our youth to advance in their talents and build their own community.