CGA Strong

The 2014 season was all about staying strong for Mary Lee Tracy and her elite team. Despite some minor setbacks throughout the course of the year, the CGA elites managed to stay positive and finish on a high note. The gym's motto is "CGA Strong" which stands for strong bodies, strong minds, and strong friendships; something that each girl embodies on and off the competition floor. Amelia Hundley, a standout on the junior scene for many years, finally made the transition into the senior ranks placing fourth on floor at the Secret US Classic and sixth all-around at the P&G Championships. Although she wasn't at her best, Amelia still won the crowd over with her upbeat style and fun personality. There's no doubt that her performance, especially on floor, is always a fan favorite! Amelia's results from Classics and Championships were good enough to earn her a spot on the Pan American team- her first senior international assignment, where she helped Team USA win a gold medal. Not too shabby for someone who spent the beginning of the season sidelined by injury! "Amelia had a great season after a major ankle surgery," Mary Lee explained to us. "She felt great about her performance and how she finished at Championships and the World Selection camp. Pan Ams was a little disappointing, but Amelia learned a lot at her first senior international competition." Mary Lee added that while they are enjoying the off season, Amelia is planning to add more difficulty and improve her execution on every event. As the only senior member of the elite group, Amelia naturally fits the role of team leader. With five years of elite level experience and a recurring ankle injury behind her, she knows better than anyone what being strong is all about.

Photo Credit: John Cheng

This year Mary Lee also brought two fresh new faces to the elite scene, Abigail Matthews and Aria Brush. Abigail competed in the Secret US Classic where she gained some experience competing on a podium and of course built her confidence leading into next season. Aria qualified to the P&G Championships where she placed nineteenth all-around and fourth on bars, a feat that was nothing short of successful! "They had a great season and accomplished their personal goals," Mary Lee said. "Adjusting to the level of intensity that comes with competing at this level fit their personalities!" Abigail and Aria are a work in progress for Mary Lee. While they didn't top the rankings this year, they still showed potential to grow and the ability to persevere. With the first year of elite now under their belts, we can hopefully expect to see two more confident and polished athletes next season.

Photo Credit: John Cheng

Mary Lee has a reputation of producing some of the strongest junior gymnasts in the country and she is always on the look out for girls who show potential. When asked how she knows when a gymnast is ready to make the transition from level 10 to elite, she admits it's a tough decision. "When an athlete truly knows why they want to be an elite and that matches their work ethic and attitude...it is time!" she says. Elite gymnasts not only have to be physically gifted, but they have to make a lot of sacrifices and be willing to work hard every single day. "One of the hardest things for a coach is seeing talent that does not work hard and hard workers that are not physically gifted." Mary Lee says. Once an athlete makes the jump to the elite level, they must continue to up their skill level while staying healthy- physically and mentally, something that Mary Lee says is the toughest part about coaching at the elite level. Many elite gymnasts struggle with injuries during their career and the CGA girls have been no exception. Unfortunately, many of Mary Lee's past gymnasts have struggled with an injury in the midst in their career, making it hard for them to peak at the right time. Staying healthy and on top of the elite scene for several years is not easy and since every athlete is different, the recipe for staying healthy varies from athlete to athlete. Mary Lee likes to make sure her girls are physically strong and as fit as possible, while reminding them that every turn counts. Less repetitions means less pounding on the body which is crucial to survive at this level. While training for 30 plus hours a week, keeping up on school work and trying to maintain a "normal" teenage social life, it can be easy to lose focus and motivation to keep going every day. One of the ways Mary Lee keeps her girls motivated is by reviewing their goals and the "whys" of competing at the elite level. Asking yourself "why did I choose to do elite gymnastics?" and reminding them of the goals they set is a good way to put any athlete back on track. She mentions that it's also good to change things up a bit and have some fun along the way, whether that be playing games or having contests with prizes. "They are kids!" she adds.

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for Mary Lee this season was losing two of her biggest stars Lexie Priessman and Emily Gaskins. Lexie, a former junior national champion left CGA a few months before the start of the elite competition season, a move that shocked many gym fans. Since departing from CGA, Lexie and Mary Lee have maintained a good relationship and have stated that it was for the best. However, a lot of people were worried about how Amelia would adapt to this sudden change. The pair are best known for their inseparable friendship both in and out of the gym and they really seemed to thrive off each other. From the start, Mary Lee had no worries. "Both girls are doing what they need to do and they respect each other for that. Outside of the gym they are still friends and they just leave gym at the gym. I knew Amelia would be fine, she is an individual with her own goals!" Shortly after the P&G Championships (where she placed 6th all around) Emily Gaskins, another budding CGA star, moved back to her hometown in Florida to train at Intensity Gymnastics with her former coach. There is no doubt it was a devastating loss for Mary Lee and the CGA team, however she is optimistic about the future stating that she is "always working on the next class" and looking to learn from previous mistakes. "I have always had an issue with keeping my expectations in line with each individual athlete," she admits. "It's challenging to keep your passions and desires in line with the athletes." Learning from the past, looking toward the future, and never giving up is what makes Mary Lee and her team truly "CGA Strong."

Photo Credit: Mary Lee Tracy

10 Things You Don't Know About...Delanie Harkness

1. My favorite color is black.

2. I recently went to the Dominican Republic. 

3. My best friend is Ashley Bremer!

4. I love my family.

5. I love the beach.

6. My favorite movie is "If I Stay"

7. I have two dogs.

8. I love to shop. 

9. My favorite animal is a turtle. 

10. I love Q'Doba!

Dear Gymternet- Journals from Elena Arenas (Entry #5 October 2014)

Dear Gymternet, 

I've had really fun and exciting times this past month!  I was selected to represent the USA at the Pan American Gymnastics Union camp (PAGU) along with one of my best friends, Maile O'Keefe.  I also went on my very first recruiting trip to UGA.

When I found out I was going to PAGU, I was so excited!  I was at the ranch for camp last month when I found out and I couldn't wait until I could tell my mom!  I knew they were only selecting two gymnasts to go and I didn't know who the other person was until the next day and when they told me it was Maile I was super happy!  I texted Maile after gym that night and we were both wondering what it would be like and hoping that some of the girls will know English. Haha!

Elena with Maile O'Keefe

A few weeks later I got my USA apparel in the mail and it was so much fun opening up the box.  My dad/coach was out of town visiting family when it came and he wanted me to wait for him to open it, but I couldn't wait to see what was inside!  I got three USA leos, a shirt, a bag and shorts.  My dream of representing the USA was coming true!  I am going to keep training really hard the next couple of weeks so I can be as prepared as possible for PAGU.

Going on my first recruiting trip was very exciting!  It was at UGA and I couldn't wait to see the campus.  It was fun to share this experience with my teammate (Sami Durante).  First we watched the Gym Dogs workout, then we took a golf cart to go eat. Sami and I sat on the back of the golf cart which was fun because I've never done that!  We then spelled out a word using our bodies around campus.  The next day we went to the football game and then we all hung out afterwards.  It was so much fun and I hope to get to explore other colleges in the future!

Right now I am on my way to the ranch for developmental camp.  I'm very excited to show what I'm working and see all of my friends!  Right when we get there, I always run to the bulletin board to see who my roommates are.  Today I have physical abilities testing ... wish me luck! :)

~ Elena

Note: Elena wrote this while on her way to the ranch. Due to poor service in the area, this entry is a few days late. Elena is now back home and training for the PAGU camp!

Elena also received her "Triple Twist" t-shirt a few weeks ago. It may be a few sizes too big, but she still rocks it!

10 Things You Don't Know About...Bailey Ferrer

1. I love seafood.

2. My favorite color is purple.

3. Country music is my favorite music.

4. I have to mark off my calendar every night.

5. I have three dogs and a cat.

6. I love scary movies.

7. I have a Friday leo and it's purple!

8. My favorite shoes are Jack Rogers.

9. I love watching Criminal Minds and Pretty Little Liars.

10. I can never have enough bathing suits!


10 Things You Don't Know About:
Sarah Finnegan
Laurie Hernandez
Ragan Smith
Ari Agrapides
Ellie Downie
Vanasia Bradley
Jazmyn Foberg
Deanne Soza

Chalk It Up - The next gymnastics film in the works

Who doesn't love a little fictional gymnastics cinema action? As hardcore gym fans, we can't get enough of watching our favorite sport on the big screen. That's why we know all the lines to Stick It and Make it or Break it was our guilty pleasure every week. Well gym fans, get ready, because there is a new movie in the works called Chalk It Up and it's bound to be a hit!

Apple with the Rugby boys.

The film was written by Maddy Curley who is best known for her role as Mina from Stick It. Maddy will star in the film as a "super girly girl" named Apple who's boyfriend is moving to England to play Rugby after finding out their Ivy League school is breaking Title 9. (Where there has to be an equal number of male and female sports.) Determined to win him and his rugby team back, Apple creates a gymnastics team. It works, but not for long. He dumps her and Apple is left to figure out what matters more now; her new team or boys.



Apple's gymnastics team is comprised with a few familiar faces in the gymnastics world. In addition to Maddy, who was a gymnast at North Carolina, the movie will feature Krista Jasper, (Former US national team member/University of North Carolina) Susan Jackson, (2010 NCAA Champion/LSU) Kim Jacob, (2014 NCAA Champion/Alabama) Britnee Habbib, (Canadian national team member) Jen Hansen, (1993, 94, & 95 NCAA Champion/Kentucky) and Tarah Paige. (elite in the 90's/ Tricia Skilken from Stick It) Unlike in Stick It, all these girls (except Kim Jacob) will actually appear in the movie rather than just being stunt doubles, so we can expect to see some good gymnastics! At the start of the movie the girls are just a group of misfits who have never done gymnastics, but eventually they get better and better and work their way to elite level skills. "The falls when they aren't good yet will be the really fun part!" Maddy joked.

The movie just wrapped up filming and the editing is expected to be finished by April of 2015. The distribution deal they get will determine when exactly the movie will come out and how fans can watch it. "I would love for it to be in theaters and I've always pictured it on  ABC Family." Curly said. Maddy was inspired to make Chalk It Up after realizing how many little girls couldn't watch Stick It or Make it or Break it because of the adult-like content. "I wanted to make a family friendly gymnastics movie." she said. As for her hopes for the movie, "I want it to be a staple in every gymnast's house so they can laugh and love watching the gymnastics over and over again." 

Buckeye's Dynamic Duo Aim Towards Rio

When Nia Dennis strolled into Buckeye Gymnastics at the age of nine, Kittia Carpenter knew she was something special. In all her years of coaching she had never seen a little girl who was so quick, fearless, and full of spunk. Nia's natural talent was also recognized by the national team staff at an early age. Kittia recalls watching her do the vertical jump during TOPS testing at the age of ten. Nia was immediately moved into the developmental program and in the watchful eye of Marta Karolyi.

Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics

Fast forward five more years and Nia is one of the top ranked elite gymnasts in the United States and a favorite heading into the 2016 Olympics. A junior elite since 2011, Nia has improved in the ranks each year and made it known that she would be a force around the world come Rio. One thing that sets Nia apart is her difficulty and how she attacks her skills. She currently has the highest difficulty of everyone in the junior division which makes it possible for her to place high in the standings even with mistakes. For example at the P&G Championships this year, she managed to place second all-around and just .450 behind the leader despite counting three falls. She also became the junior National Champion on her best events- vault and floor, which was the perfect way to end her junior elite career! There is no doubt that Nia is ready to make the jump into the senior division next year, however she won't be doing it alone.

Photo Credit: Chris Russell

As soon as Nia stepped foot into the world of elite gymnastics, the comparisons to Olympic Champ Gabby Douglas began. Just a few years later, the two are now great friends and find themselves training partners as they prepare for the 2016 Olympics. When Kittia Carpenter received a call from Gabrielle Douglas this past July, asking if she could train at Buckeye, she felt excited but also a little anxious. "I wanted to make sure it was something Nia and her parents thought would be good for Nia too," Kittia explained. "So before I had Gabby come workout I asked Nia her thoughts." Nia was excited to have Gabby come train with her, as was the rest of the team at Buckeye. "I think at first it was hard for them to believe that it was really "Gabby", but then she fit in so well, it seemed like she was apart of our team immediately." Kittia said.

There is no denying that Nia and Gabby are strikingly similar when it comes to their gymnastics style, however Kittia still sees differences between their personalities. "They are very similar in many ways and yet fairly different in others. Nia is a determined and hard working athlete. As a person, she is kind, caring, and loves to smile and make others laugh," Kittia said. "Gabby is a focused athlete with a goal-oriented work ethic. She is very kind, respectful, and appreciative in her words and actions. She always says thank you."

Photo Credit: Charlie Litchfield

It has now been a little over two months since Gabby joined Nia at Buckeye. Kittia says it's fun coaching two of the nation's top gymnasts. "Coaching an athlete with high goals that is motivated daily by achieving the goals of the workout makes the long hours of work feel worth it." she added. Kittia knows that Rio is on both of her athlete's minds and while she says it's "quite a responsibility to lead these two to their goals," there is no doubt that Gabby and Nia are on the right track. Despite not getting to compete this year, Kittia is pleased with Gabby's progress. "Gabby is doing great," she mused. "I'll let her share the news on her skills, but I can tell you that we are getting close to our start value goals on each event." As for Nia, she is working on confidence and consistency. Next year we can expect to see a new release and dismount on bars, a "few new skills" on beam to increase her start value, and a few tumbling passes that she has worked in the past that she hopes to bring back. "Nia is trusting her skills more and more," Kittia exclaimed. "She is more determined then ever and she is ready to make the transition to the senior division." Kittia hopes that Douglas and Dennis will have a successful national team camp next month and show Marta their improvements.

Photo Credit: Chris Russell

With the 2016 Olympics just two years away, Nia and Gabby are pushing each other every day to make it to the final stage. While they always offer each other quick words of encouragement throughout practice, Kittia has also seen them challenge each other with new skills or moving a skill to a connection. "If one does it, the other is close behind with a similar "push," Kittia explained. Right now it's one step at a time for Nia and Gabby has they prepare for what the next two years has in store. 2015 will be an important year for them both; it will mark Gabby's competitive return since winning two Olympic golds and it will be Nia's first year competing in the senior division, but still the goal remains quite simple. "Our goal is to be selected for a international competition in the Spring, then we hope to have a successful P&G Championship so we can be considered for the Worlds selection camp." Kittia stated. However looking at the big picture, Rio is the long term goal. Nia hopes to follow in the footsteps of her new training partner and friend, while Gabby is looking to do it all over again. If all goes as planned, the dynamic duo from Buckeye Gymnastics just may find themselves boarding the plane to Rio in 2016.

Julianne McNamara- Three decades after gold

Julianne McNamara was one of the pioneers for USA Gymnastics. At a time when the Soviets and Romanians dominated the sport, Julianne and her 1984 Olympic teammates paved the way for USA Gymnastics and proved themselves a force to be reckoned with. They set the stage for everything that USA Gymnastics is today and helped inspire a nation of young girls who would go on to do even bigger things. At the age of 14, Julianne became the 1980 National Champion and earned herself a spot on the 1980 Olympic team that would eventually boycott the games. An unfortunate situation for a young girl who seemed to be at her peak- but she didn't give up. Fast forward four years and Julianne found herself training alongside Mary Lou Retton with redemption in mind. Together they made the 1984 Olympic team and lead the United States team to a historic second place finish. At those games she also scored five perfect 10's and brought home the first ever individual event gold on uneven bars and a silver medal on the floor exercise. Upon retirement, Julianne took up acting and appeared in TV shows such as Charles in Charge and Knight Rider. She attended UCLA and stayed connected to the sport by doing TV commentary. The 1984 US Olympic team was recently honored at the 2014 P&G Championships and we caught up with Julianne to reflect on the games and life today. 

Photo Credit: Unknown

Can you talk about how you got started in gymnastics. What made you decide to stick with it for so many years?
My big sister Elizabeth was doing gymnastics and I wanted to be just like her! I started at the age of eight and had a natural ability for it. I immediately fell in love! It was that love and passion for the sport that kept me doing gymnastics for so long.

At what age did you realize that you had potential to be a star?
I never thought about being a "star" but it was obvious that I had a natural ability at the age of eight. When I was eleven years old, my goal and dream was to became an Olympian. I never thought about the Olympics when I first started out. It was only for fun.

Growing up, who did you idolize in the sport? Gymnastics wasn't very popular in the US during the 70's and early 80's so did you admire any international gymnasts?
The only gymnast I ever idolized was Nadia Comaneci. She was ahead of her time and truly embodied what gymnastics meant to me. She had it all... artistry, grace, power, technique and perfect form. To me, she is the Michael Jordan of gymnastics.

You won the 1980 US National title and of course made the US Olympic team that went on to boycott the games. Can you talk about the ups and downs of that time period? Did you feel like quitting after that?
In 1980, I was only fourteen years old and was so thrilled to be an Olympian. It was disappointing that we couldn't go to Moscow, but it motivated me to keep going and make a second Olympic team and be able to compete. As I got older, I began to realize the huge disappointment that boycott had on so many athletes. To this day, it saddens me that the Olympics became a pawn in politics. The Olympics has always been an event that transcends politics and brings the world and people together in the spirit of excellence and competition.

Of course in 1984 you made a second Olympic team and brought home three medals including the first ever US team silver medal and the first individual event gold! What was it like standing on the medal podium? What kind of things did you think about?
Standing on the podium at the Olympics was surreal. I remember thinking about everything it took to get there. All the hard work and the people that helped me get atop that podium. I remember feeling so proud to represent our country and being so grateful for all my teammates.

Photo Credit: Unknown

Going into the uneven bar final did you think you had a chance at winning? 
When I competed, I never thought about results- only about the routine and doing the very best one I could do at that moment. If I did that, I could walk away proud no matter what the results were!

How would you sum up your entire experience at the Olympics?
The entire Olympic experience was a high and something so special and different than any other experience in my life. It was really uplifting. I am so thankful for that!

The 1984 Olympic team was recently honored at the 2014 P&G Championships. What was it like being reunited with your teammates?
The recent 30 year reunion was a blast! It was our "high school reunion". Many of the girls have stayed in touch, but there were some of the guys I had not seen in probably 25 years so it was great catching up with everyone and reminiscing. We all have a lifelong bond that is so unique!

Photo Credit: USA Gymnastics

What kind of legacy do you feel that the 1984 Olympic team left on USA Gymnastics?
I think the 1984 team left the legacy that we were a force to be reckoned with and the USA wasn't going away any time soon!

After the Olympics you did a little bit of acting and attended UCLA. What was your acting experience like and did you ever consider doing college gymnastics instead? 
I never considered college gymnastics because I was busy after the Olympics with many different opportunities. I also needed more time to myself after so many years of such intense training. I loved acting though, it made me feel present in the moment like gymnastics did.

Looking back on your career, what was one of the funniest memories you have? Something you will never forget...
The only thing that stands out in my mind was when there was a power outage at the '84 Olympics... that was surreal!


Lastly, what have you been up to these days?
I am first and foremost a mother of four children. They are the loves of my life and such a blessing! Professionally, I have been drawn to creative outlets. I have dabbled in the fashion industry, home remodeling, and design.