Girls gymnastics: Scouting Lake County
CARMEL CATHOLIC
Coach: Nicole Stroup (third year)
Top gymnasts lost: Arianna Mormino, Cassie Wilson (Delaware)
Returning gymnasts: Jr. Antonia Durnil, So. Madison Graff, So. Colleen Kadowski, So. Alyssa Legarreta, So. Anna Osowski
Newcomers: So. Samantha Lococo, So. Gabriel Panlaqui, So. Samantha Wahlers, Fr. Kelly Gustafson
Outlook: The Corsairs may be on the young side and not at full strength to start the season, but they don't lack talent. Sophomore Anna Osowski returns after reaching state as an all-rounder last winter, but she will be out until January with a stress fracture in her back. Antonia Durnil, who qualified for state on floor last season, is also back. "We are excited to welcome four new girls to the team who will all be helping provide more depth for our team this year," coach Nicole Stroup said. "Our team, as always, has team and individual goals. We're looking for big things from (sophomore) Alyssa Legaretta this season, as she was close to qualifying for state last year, and (sophomore) Madison Graff will add excitement for the team, especially on vault. (Freshman) Kelly Gustufson is a talented freshman who has fit right in with the team and will start her Carmel gymnastics career as an all-rounder along with (sophomore) Samantha Lococo. In order to have a successful year, we need to stay healthy. The rest of the girls have the opportunity to start the season off and set a trend for the year."
LIBERTYVILLE
Coach: Tiffany Owens (third year)
Top gymnasts lost: Mariah Lee, Rachel Metcalf
Returning gymnasts: Sr. Jenny Pahng, Sr. Mia Smith, Jr. Lauren Jordan, Jr. Maddie Knollenberge, Jr. Laney Marth, So. Ima Wasemann
Newcomers: So. Morgan Paul, Fr, Rachel Weis
Outlook: The Wildcats are young, but hopeful. "There are a lot of very talented girls," coach Tiffany Owens said. "I'm hoping we will finish in the top half in our conference, and we would love to advance to sectionals. I'm very optimistic about our team this season."
MUNDELEIN
Coach: Nancy Toland (15th year)
Top gymnasts lost: Maya Nienaber
Returning gymnasts: Sr. McKenzie Kehr, Sr. Nicole Ornoff, Sr. Kelsey Toland, Jr. Taylor Kozaritz, Jr. Marissa Rizzo
Newcomers: So. Taylor Shanahan
Outlook: Year after year, the Mustangs keep seeing their scores climb. They have a number of experienced gymnasts returning, so that trend might continue this season. This team lost only one senior (Maya Nienaber). Senior McKenzie Kehr tied for eighth in the all-around at state last year. "The captains (Nicole Ornoff and Kelsey Toland) are doing a great job with helping the team bond," coach Nancy Toland said. "My goals are to keep the team healthy and injury free. The team has goals of another undefeated conference season and another conference and regional win. In addition, the team has goals of making it to sectionals and taking more of our team to state."
STEVENSON
Coach: Judy Harwood (26th year)
Top gymnasts lost: Monali Mukherjie, Alyssa Weisberg
Returning gymnasts: Sr. Elizabeth Shank, Jr. Mikaela Webb, Sr. Maggie Wickman, so. Natalie Shulman
Newcomers: Fr. Emily Krolak, Fr. Mya Medjes, Fr. Victoria Teregulova
Outlook: The Patriots will rely on veterans Elizabeth Shank (state qualifier in the all-around last season) and Mikaela Webb. Two-time state beam champion Alyssa Weisberg decided to sit out her senior year after a wrist injury and concussion last year, but the Patriots have a number of younger girls moving up. "We have a good mix of a couple of older girls and some younger talent," coach Judy Harwood said. "I expect they will get better throughout the year. We're not only working for this year, but for the future years. I think we can build a pretty good team moving forward."
VERNON HILLS
Coach: Jesse Piland (second year)
Top gymnasts lost: Katie Neff, Mackenzie Renihan (injury)
Returning gymnasts: Sr. Katie Schuh
Newcomers: Fr. Keri Hahn, Fr. Abby Heinz, Fr. Lexie Kolb
Outlook: The Cougars are rebuilding. The good news is, there are a high number of freshmen in the program. "We continue to rebuild with more numbers," coach Jesse Piland said. "We're picking up talent year to year. We're just looking for improvement meet to meet and trying to improve every day."
WARREN
Coach: Mary Kovac (third year)
Returning gymnasts: Sr. Kyra McCue, Jr. Katie Graeb, So. Hannah Beyrer, Sr. Marisa Perry, Jr. Katie Graeb
Newcomers: Sr. Emily Basara (NIU), Fr. Teagon Albert, Fr. Carly Baun, Fr. Dana Hutter
Outlook: The Blue Devils received a huge boost when Emily Basara decided to compete in high school for her first time. She is committed to Northern Illinois University. Kyra McCue and Hannah Beyrer add experience from last season. Mary Kovac returns as coach for Alison Nardini after taking a year off. "This should be an exciting year," Kovac said. "We have a young varsity team and expect them to compete well. These girls have been working hard and I expect this to show in upcoming meets. Our goal this season is to improve individually and as a team from meet to meet, stay healthy and get the girls to state."