The Xcel Bronze Team from Lakeshore Dance And Gymnastics has achieved a remarkable victory, clinching the national championship in the Xcel Bronze category for gymnastics. This outstanding accomplishment highlights the dedication and talent of these young athletes and the exceptional coaching at Lakeshore Dance and Gymnastics.
The journey to the national championship began with a stellar performance at the state meet in March, where the Lakeshore Dance and Gymnastics team secured first place. Following this state victory, the team was invited by the State of Ohio to represent Ohio at the national level in Orlando, Florida. Kim Penix, the head gymnastics coach at Lakeshore Dance and Gymnastics, expressed the team’s excitement, stating, “We were extremely excited” upon receiving the invitation to Nationals.
Comprising nine talented girls aged 9 to 11, the Xcel Bronze Team includes:
- Samantha Bates from Kirtland
- Allie Hill from South Euclid
- Jessica Iacco from Willoughby
- Ashley Milikan from Columbus
- Anna Mino from Gates Mills
- Mariyah Rondo from Mayfield Heights
- Anna Wallace from Highland Heights
- Abby Withrow from Mayfield Heights
- Kaitlyn Yudushkin from Richmond Heights
In the national competition, each gymnast performed individual routines across four apparatus: floor, beam, bars, and vault. Amber Easler, the team coach, explained the scoring process: “The girls were then judged and ranked on each of the four events, and then they received an overall score.” The competition was intense, with the team battling for the top spot throughout. Vitoria Moskalow, gymnastics instructor, recounted the thrilling finale: “Winning the Nationals was huge for us because there were a lot of teams. We were fighting within a few tenths of a point between first and second place throughout the competition. Within the last couple of seconds, we realized that we had first place! It was a huge honor to represent the whole State of Ohio.”
The national title is a testament to the team’s hard work and commitment. Coach Easler emphasized their year-long preparation: “Winning the nationals meant a lot to the girls. They all came together last summer, and they have been working hard all year. We are very proud of them.” Beyond the accolades, gymnastics at Lakeshore Dance and Gymnastics instills valuable life skills. Easler further noted, “I think with gymnastics, you learn team sportsmanship, goal setting, and time management. You only have so much time to work on a routine. So the girls learn how to identify what they need to work on. As they progress, they work on different skills. They learn a lot of life lessons.”
The young champions shared their personal reflections on their national victory and experiences in gymnastics. Anna Wallace described the nationals as “really exciting to go to nationals and fun to compete against other teams.” Anna Mino highlighted the camaraderie within the team: “It was really fun and exciting. Over the year, everyone on our team became really good friends. And going to Florida together was a really fun experience.”
For Abby Withrow, gymnastics is about personal growth and overcoming challenges: “You get to meet a lot of new people and try new things. You also overcome your fears.” Mariyah Rondo enjoys the variety of gymnastics: “I like all of the events because I get to do all of the different things like the bar, kicks, and routines.” Samantha Bates reflected on her progress and skill development at Lakeshore Dance and Gymnastics: “When I first started, I didn’t even know how to do a cartwheel. I’ve been doing gymnastics since I was three and it’s been fun learning new skills over the years.” Jessica Iacco appreciates the travel opportunities provided by gymnastics, mentioning trips to “Michigan, Cincinnati, and Florida,” and adding, “And our coaches are really fun, which makes gymnastics really fun.”
Allie Hill acknowledged the demanding nature of gymnastics, “gymnastics can be hard because you have to work to improve your skills for the events.” Kaitlyn Yudushkin spoke about the mental fortitude required in gymnastics: “you have to overcome your fears. You’re always afraid that you are going to hurt yourself. When you master a skill, it makes you more confident.” Samantha Bates further elaborated on the challenges of overcoming fear, particularly with new skills, and the support she receives from her coaches at Lakeshore Dance and Gymnastics. Abby Withrow identified vault as her most challenging event, noting, “I psych myself out. Since I competed, I’m more confident in myself. I know I can go over and nothing bad is going to happen.” Allie Hill emphasized the coaches’ supportive approach in helping gymnasts overcome their fears: “The coaches help you get over your fears by the way they talk to you. They say that they won’t let you fall and will help you.”
The entire Xcel Bronze Team at Lakeshore Dance and Gymnastics plans to continue their gymnastics journey and further their competitive careers. This national championship win is a significant achievement for Lakeshore Dance and Gymnastics and a proud moment for the entire community. Congratulations to these talented young athletes!
