Girls gymnastics: Scouting Lake County
Carmel CatholicCoach: Nicole Stroup (fourth year)
Top gymnasts lost: none.
Top gymnasts returning: Antonia Durnil (sr.), Sammi Lococo (jr.), Anna Osowski (jr.), Kelly Gustafson (so.)
Other gymnasts: Madison Graff (jr.), Anna Osowski (jr.)
Outlook: Getting back to the state gymnastics meet sure looks like an attainable goal for Carmel Catholic. There are plenty of experienced gymnasts back after severall missed last year due to injuries. In addition, there's better depth as younger gymnasts are ready to help the team. "This year, we've got our eyes set on qualifying to state as a team," Carmel Catholic coach Nicole Stroup said. "We have more depth and numbers this year than we have had in the past four years. Carmel has been very young for the past few years. We have girls who are experienced now, and have matured through the past 2-3 years. Our girls have become very close and are all working together to do what's best for the team. We have more competition within the team, which helps provide a positive encouraging atmosphere in the gym. We're having so much fun already, and everyone is eager for the competition season to start. The girls hold each other to higher standards and I know this is going to be a very special team on all levels. We finally feel like that the team is back together and having Anna (Osowski) and Madison Graff) back from injuries plays a huge part in that."
LibertyvilleCoach: Tiffany Owens (seventh year)
Top gymnasts lost: Morgan Paul, Rachel Weis
Top returning gymnasts: Laney Marth (sr.), Ima Wasemann (jr.), Emily Agemura (so.), Claire Neuberger (so.), Abby Vogt (so.)
Outlook: Libertyville will be on the younger side this season. The Wildcats will focus on their effort and skills as the season progresses. "We're working hard to increase the skill difficulty in our events," Libertyville coach Tiffany Owens said. "We're hoping to improve our conference standings from last year and advance to sectionals as both a team and with individuals."
MundeleinCoach: Jaimie Brongiel (first year)
Top gymnasts lost: Mackenzie Kehr, Marissa Rizzo.
Top returning gymnasts: Taylor Kozaritz (sr.), Taylor Shanahan (jr.),
Newcomers: Meagan Kehr (sr.), Tara Martin (fr.)
Outlook: Jaimie Brongiel takes over for long-time coach Nancy Toland, who stepped down for family reasons at the end of last season. There are high expectations for Mundelein going into this season. The team will be led by returning gymnasts Taylor Kozaritz and Taylor Shanahan. "I expect our team to work hard and stay positive," Brongiel said. "We have high expectations for this season, and with specific goals to get us where we want to be this year. The girls have to push themselves and stayed healthy in order for us to have what we would determine as a successful season, which is to surpass our goals for last season."
StevensonCoach: Judy Harwood (26th year)
Top gymnasts lost: Monalee Mukherjee, Elizabeth Shank, Maggie Wickman.
Top returning gymnasts: Mikaela Webb (sr.), Natalie Shulman (jr.), Emily Krolak (so.), Mya Medges (so.), Victoria Teregulova (so.)
Newcomers: Kaylee Brady (fr.), Zoe Hintz (fr.), Hannah Severyns (fr.), Rachel Severyns (fr.), Sophie Whiting (fr.)
Outlook: It's a blend of new faces and familiar ones with the Patriots. Mikaela Webb is the only senior on the team, but she's joined by a group which got plenty of varsity experience last year. "It should be a good year that's expected from us," Stevenson coach Judy Harwood said. "We've got a number of girls that are back who worked hard from last year. Then we've got a number of new freshman."
Vernon HillsCoach: Alison Gildemeister (third year)
Top gymnasts lost: none.
Top returning gymnasts: Keri Han (so.), Abby Heinz (so.), Lexie Kolb (so.)
Newcomers: Dasha Russ (so.), Emma McGreevy (fr.)
Outlook: Growth and improvement is where Vernon Hills has its focus. The Cougars will try to get there by focusing on the details. "This group of girls has been working hard in the off-season and has improved their skills," Vernon Hills coach Alison Gildemeister said. "This year we're focusing on small upgrades to each routine, knowing that every tenth counts. We have a great group of girls who are focused and looking to improve, not only their individual scores, but also helping out our team score."
WarrenCoach: Mary Kovac (fourth year)
Top gymnasts lost: Emily Basara, Kyra McCue, Marisa Perry.
Top returning gymnasts: Katie Graeb (sr.), Hannah Beyrer (jr.), Teagon Albert (so.), Carly Baun (so.), Dana Hutter (so.),
Newcomers: Delaney Jones (so.), Abbie Dearinger (fr.), Madelynn Rochel (fr.), Daniella Strauss (fr.)
Outlook: Warren lost some very talented gymnasts from last season including Emily Basara, who graduated and is competing at Northern Illinois. She finished third in state in the all-around. The Blue Devils will have to depend on their younger gymnasts this season. "We do have a young team this year," Warren coach Mary Kovac said. "This year we're focusing on upgrading our level of difficulty. We have a hard-working team and will focus on consistency throughout the season. Our goal this season is to build upon our team scores each meet."