Girls gymnastics: Scouting Lake County
CARMEL CATHOLIC
Coach: Nicole Stroup (fifth year)
Top gymnasts lost: Antonia Durnil
Top returning gymnasts: Madison Graff (Sr.), Alyssa Legerreta (Sr.), Sami Lococo (Sr.), Anna Osowski (Sr.), Samantha Wahlers (Sr.)
Newcomers: Isabella Kropiwiec (Fr.)
Outlook: Returning to state is a realistic goal for the Corsairs, who boast an experienced senior group. "The girls put a lot of work into their gymnastics over the summer and preseason, and it's showing in the gym," coach Nicole Stroup said. "Our goal this year is to keep the girls healthy and enjoy a year with such an experienced team. I know the underclassmen will learn so much from their senior teammates. We're all looking forward to another great year."
LIBERTYVILLE
Coach: Tiffany Owens (seventh year)
Top gymnasts lost: Laney Marth
Top returning gymnasts: Ima Wasemann (Sr.), Emily Aguemura (Jr.), Claire Newberger (Jr.)
Newcomers: Kylie Skie (So.)
Outlook: The Wildcats are trying to reach the next level after finishing fourth in the NSC meet last winter. "The gymnasts continue to work on increasing difficulty and consistency in their skills," coach Tiffany Owens said. "We have been working on strength and conditioning very hard. We're focusing on being more competitive as a team through the state series."
MUNDELEIN
Coach: Jamie Brongiel (second year)
Top gymnasts lost: Taylor Kozaritz, Meagan Kehr, Marissa Rizzo
Top returning gymnasts: Taylor Shanahan (Jr.)
Newcomers: Katie Miller (So.), Audrey Kafka (Fr.)
Outlook: The Mustangs won the outright NSC meet championship last season. And while they graduated conference all-around champ Meagan Kehr, they return state-qualifying all-rounder Taylor Shanahan. Younger gymnasts will chances to contribute immediately. "This is a rebuilding year for us," coach Jamie Brongiel said. "We lost a lot of seniors last year. All the girls are trying to work hard to add difficulty to their routines."
STEVENSON
Coach: Judy Harwood (27th year)
Top gymnasts lost: Mikaela Webb, Victoria Teregulova
Top returning gymnasts: Mya Medges, Kaylee Brady, Emily Krojak, Natalie Shulman, Zoe Hinz, Rachel Severyns Hannah Severyns, Sophie Whiting
Newcomers: Johnna Gerck (So.), Marissa Osowski (So.), Katelyn Chung (Fr.), Riley Polatsek (Fr.), Amy Sillwicki (Fr.), Emily Weinstein (Fr.)
Outlook: The Patriots' numbers are good and that could lead to a good season. "The girls worked hard this summer on new skills and form, and I think you will see much improvement over last year," coach Judy Harwood said. "Our goals are to finish strong in our conference and qualify for sectionals as a team in a very competitive area of the state."
WARREN
Coach: Mary Kovac
Top gymnasts lost: Katie Graeb
Top returning gymnasts: Teagon Albert (Jr.), Carly Baun (Jr.), Abigail Deaninger (So.), Daniella Strauss (So.)
Newcomers: Sharon Dhali (Fr.), Hannah McCue (Fr.)
Outlook: Coach Mary Kovac gave birth this past week to a boy, Clayton Michael. Because of that, assistant coach Jillian Kroot will take over for her for a period of time. Warren will have a much younger look this season. The returnees include all-around state qualifier Teagon Albert. "Our goal this year is to make sectionals as a team," Kroot said. "They just need to be confident going for the skills they already have. If this team walks into meets with confidence, they will be really great."
VERNON HILLS
Coach: Alison Gildenmeister (fifth year)
Top gymnasts lost: none
Top returning gymnasts: Lexi Kolb (Jr.), Abby Heinz (Jr.)
Newcomers: Caitlin Kolb (Fr.), Allison Landis (Fr.), Avery Longdon (Fr.)
Outlook: The Cougars move into the Central Suburban North with some young talent. The team finished last in the NSC meet last season, but that didn't tell the whole story. "Our expectation is to pick where we left off," coach Alison Gildenmeister said. "We saw significant improvement in our team score last year, and I fully expect us to beat last season's high score. Our team is committed to proving our consistency and 'do simple better' - thanks, Joe Maddon - staying clean in our routines, meeting the event requirements, and trying our best each and every chance we have to compete. Our goals are to win a few conference meets, beat our season-high score from last year and have more girls qualify through the state series."