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