A lucky and talented group of young female athletes were all smiles at the YMCA Nationals Gymnastics Competition in Cincinnati the weekend of June 24. They were among the nearly 2,000 gymnasts who qualified, after winning regional competitions, and had the privilege of participating in multiple events and hearing keynote speaker Shannon Miller talk about her journey as an Olympic gymnast.
For some of the athletes, this was their first year competing in meets, while others have been with Coach Shelly Schettino for several years. This group of gymnasts practiced together three times a week, often picked up an additional practice before meets, and attended daily clinics in preparation for Nationals.
Their hard work and dedication throughout the season paid off when they hit center stage in Cincinnati. They flipped and turned their way to 8 and 9 level scores (10 being the highest), and a few of the girls even brought home medals.
The camaraderie of this group goes far beyond the gym. They may go to different schools and range in age, but all are passionate about the sport and are wonderful supporters of each of their teammates.
The youngest athlete, Paige Velasquez, said, “I wasn’t very good when I started this season and my first couple of meets were hard, but with lots of practice I got better and nailed my back handspring by Nationals!”
Hope Thomas shared, “When I started my journey in gymnastics, I never expected to be competing at Nationals. Before each of my routines, I reflected on all the practice time that went into getting to that moment. It made me so proud to represent the Rye YMCA.”
Every gymnast, and their parents, gave a shoutout to the coaches. “All the time and energy they devote to the kids — the hours of conditioning, spotting — as well as emotional support they provided is what makes the program such a success,” said mom Kate Velasquez.
Congratulations to Isabelle de Vaulx, Aurora Donoghue, Ashling Dunne, Emily Kao, Eva Kelder, Mackenzie Plauché, Valeria Ramos, Zara Tavitian, Hope Thomas, Audrey and Paige Velasquez, Emma Weinstein, and Bayley Yaeger.
