Sophomore Evelyn D’Angelo and freshman  Ali Kiefert recently competed in the State Gymnastics Meet and earned recognition for their incredible talent. 

D’Angelo, a level 7  Junior Olympic gymnast, has been dedicated to her sport for over ten years.

Her hard work paid off at state this year, where she took first place on vault with a high score of 9.675. 

“I was determined to win the vault at state,” she shared. 

She recalls saying positive affirmations out loud, such as “I’m going to win” and  “I got this” to keep herself motivated. 

However, the road to becoming a state champion was difficult. 

This accomplishment required D’Angelo to practice at least 18 hours a week in the gym. 

“Not many girls continue with this sport because it’s so physically demanding, so I am proud to be where I am,” she said. 

Since gymnastics is a year-round sport, she never stops preparing for competitions. 

“We completed our State meet on Sunday night and literally had practice the next day,” she said. 

Before the state competition, they meet 7-10 times. 

At the meetings, gymnasts have to obtain an all-around score of 32.00 to qualify for state. 

“An all-around score is all of your event scores added together. A perfect score would be a 40, and all the events are scored out of 10, and points come off your score with either 1 tenth, 3 tenths, or 5 tenths. 1 tenth is equal to a small wobble,  3 tenths is equal to a big wobble, and 5 tenths is equal to a fall,” she explained. 

Kiefert has been doing gymnastics since she was 11 years old and has earned over 100 medals.

“Over the years, I haven’t only grown in my gymnastics skills, but I have learned about perseverance, grit and cooperation,” she explained. 

To Kiefert, winning state wasn’t only about earning another medal, but it was also about feeling complete again. 

“This year’s awards meant even more to me because last year I was unable to compete due to health issues I was dealing with.  This year I was able to compete again, feeling strong and healthy and so proud of what I was able to accomplish,” she shared. 

To these young athletes, gymnastics isn’t only about the thrill of the competitions, but about the relationships they have built. 

Kiefert enjoys hanging out with her teammates and coaches who help cheer her on. 

“My gym is super supportive,” she said.

D’Angelo enjoys being both a mentor and role model for beginner gymnasts she coaches. 

“I know it’s cliche, but we are truly a big family at the gym,”  she said.

As a young girl, D’Angelo would idolize the older girls at her gym and dream of being like them.

“Now that I’m the older girl, I see the little girls looking up to me, and I love cheering them on and making them feel good when they accomplish a skill they’ve been working on,”  she said. 

D’Angelo’s goal for next year is to be in the top 100 vaulters in the state and move up to a level 8 so she can qualify for Regionals. 

Kiefert hopes to move up to a level 10, improve her skills, and compete once more in the State competition. 

Through their hard work, community, and passion, these young athletes are determined to make it far.