Winter Sports Preview: Gymnastics

A behind-the-scenes look at this year’s teams

gymnasticsThe Potomac Falls Gymnastics team is looking forward to a successful season. Despite saying goodbye to four seniors last year, they are confident in their abilities and do not see this as a problem.  “There are a lot fewer people than there was last year, so more people are going to compete all around,” said sophomore Katie Springer.

There is a minimum required number of gymnasts that must compete in all four events, so after losing two all-around competitors last year, the team has had to find new girls to fill their shoes.  Senior Jordan Smith is taking on more responsibility this season, “I’m a senior this year so I have to figure out how to be the new leader in the team,” said Smith.

The gymnastics team is proud to be representing our school as a talented, close knit family that works hard in order to perform carefully planned and practiced routines.  Coach Keller is proud of her gymnasts and is looking forward to seeing them progress this coming winter season.

“Personally, I enjoy the unique are creative aspects that each athlete brings to their own routines,” said Keller.

This is Smith’s last year as a member of the team.  She admits that it will be hard to say goodbye, but is still optimistic that her senior year will be just as fun as her past years on the team.

“I’m looking forward to being with my team, it’s really fun going out there representing my school, seeing all my friends, hopefully senior year won’t be so sad – more fun than sad,” said Smith.

The Schedule is found on the teams website: http://potomacfallsathletics.org/main/teamschedule/id/20891/seasonid/4149013

Q & A with Coach Keller

Q: What has changed in your team since last season?    

A: We lost 4 seniors last year, two all – a rounds, a beam specialist and a vault specialist.

Q: Are you anticipating a good season?  

A: We anticipate being a top competitive team in Loudoun County!

Q: What are your goals this winter?   

A: Our two goals are: to win the Conference 14 meet to advance to Regionals, and to place in the top 2 at Regionals to advance to the State Gymnastics meet as a team.

Q: How does your team plan to meet those goals?  

A: We place a big focus on the development of increasingly difficult skills, but only add those to our routines when they can be executed without deductions.  Our routines are scored on skill difficulty and execution so it’s a combination of learning more advanced skills and keeping our legs straight and toes pointed.

Q: What are some key meets that you are looking forward to?

A: We love the meets against the Loudoun County teams where we compete against those athletes that we know from previous seasons.  We also enjoy attending the Glory Days Invitational at Park View HS, this year on Saturday, January 7th.  Our favorite, though, is always the home meet where we recognize our senior gymnasts. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, January 19th!