Kentwood’s gymnastics team is young and mostly inexperienced, but coach Ann Diaz said she’d rather see the girls improve significantly from the season’s start to the end, rather than win every competition.
She said most of the team is at the beginner level, with the exception of a few girls that have competed at the club level previously. But, she said there are a few gymnasts with raw talent that just needs experience. She said she is looking forward to seeing the team’s growth over the season.
Tahoma’s coaches, former University of Washington gymnasts Wendy Ward and Dachelle Pand, are eager to harness the strong work ethic and selflessness they have already seen in their athletes so far this season. Last year was their building year with several gymnasts learning the sport for the first time. This year they have a goal of qualifying as a team to the district and state competitions. But, they aren’t completely focused on winning. The pair want to, more than anything, promote love for the sport while improving upon their team score at every meet.
Who to watch – sophomore Tenley Mjelde and freshmen Harley Rayburn and Kalani Pinter.
Kentlake head coach Lindsey Duerre said she wants to help each of her gymnasts build their skills so they can participate in a varsity meet.
In addition to a well-established team of six athletes that are returning this year, there are also 14 girls that are new to the team, making this a strong mix of experienced and beginner athletes.
Who to watch – sophomore Calista Webb (new to the team this year), senior Jolene Carlson on floor, freshman Brianna Tinnel on bars, and sisters Ali and Katie Beliveau and Amandy and Alex Gustafson.
The first meets of the season for all three teams will be Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Tahoma will compete against Auburn, Thomas Jefferson and Kent-Meridian at 7 p.m. at Kent-Meridian High School.
Kentlake will host Auburn Mountainview, Decatur and Olympia at 7 p.m.
Kentwood will compete against Mount Rainier, Sumner and Bonney Lake at 7 p.m. at Auburn Gymnastics Center.
