Scouting Lake County girls gymnastics
Carmel Catholic
Coach: Sarah Mikrut Doyle (10th year)
Key losses: Amber Mirski (Ball State), Lauren Pytel
Top returners: Lauren Bowles (Sr), Dani Clement (Sr), Kristin Mirski (Jr), Jen Zeller (Jr), Sarah Cohen-Smith (So), and Kari Osowski (So).
Newcomers: Anna Brandmeier (Jr.), Lauren Feely (So).
Outlook: Carmel won the state championship last February and looks to for another banner this year. The Corsairs return a multitude of talented gymnasts back to the gym. “We hope to field another strong team this season,” Carmel coach Sarah Mikrut Doyle said. “We’re capable of a top-five finish at state.”
Libertyville
Coach: John Taylor (second year)
Top returning gymnasts: Leah Herchenbach (Sr), Sarah Chaitoff (Jr), Tori Metcalf (Jr), Lindsay Schweitzer (Jr). Jenna Dunsing (So)
Newcomers: Mariah Lee (Fr), Grace Boyer (Fr) and Rachael Metcalf (Fr)
Outlook: Libertyville has its entire team back from last year and hopes all that experience can be beneficial. The Wildcats scores have reached a lot higher in recent seasons, and if the trend continues that could be good enough to make it through sectionals and on to the state meet. “We’re looking higher scores and we’ve got younger girls to give us more depth,” Libertyville coach John Taylor said. “We’re not used to having more girls. It should give the girls more motivation in the gym and the meets this year.”
Mundelein
Coach: Nancy Toland (11th year)
Key losses: Alyssa Corso, Jenny Ranck, Ellen Sagendorph.
Top returning gymnasts: Emily Tylka (Sr), Angel Vergis (So).
Newcomers: Ashley Benish (Jr), Sam Metke (Jr), Lisa Wajswol (Jr), Laura Azzarello (So), Maya Mieber (Fr).
Outlook: Mundelein will be looking at a young team this season, but there may well be several individuals reaching new heights. “We’re definitely young and lack experience,” Mundelein coach Nancy Toland said. “We do have a couple of girls with some experience and it’s something to build on for the next couple of years.”
Stevenson
Coach: Judy Harwood (21st year).
Top gymnasts lost: Lauren Parker, Lauren Patterrson.
Top returning gymnasts: Carlie Dobkin (Sr), Amanda Hollub (Sr). Caitlin Pagano (Sr.), Ali Castriano (Jr.) Theresa Wojton (Jr). Rebecca Feltman-Frank, Dani Webb, Riley Trebilco.
Outlook: Stevenson missed out on a trip to state last year because of some key injuries. If the Patriots remain on the healthy side this time around, a return trip to state shouldn’t be ruled out. “One step at a time,” Stevenson coach Judy Harwood said. “We have to see what we can do. I’m very hesitant to make any predictions. These girls are very motivated about not making it to state last year. A lot of them want to get back as a team.”
Vernon Hills
Coach: Denise Caton (seventh year)
Key losses: Fallon Faia.
Top gymnasts returning: Dana Alsamsam, Amber Egan, Julia Gartsman, Jessica Echales.
Newcomers: Sarah Lopez (So) and Alli Tran (So).
Outlook: Vernon Hills has picked up some new athletes, which figures to lead the team in a better direction. “With the loss of (Fallon) Faia, we’ve gained (Sarah) Lopez and (Alli) Tran that stayed in club freshman year,” Vernon Hills coach Denise Caton said. “We expect them to be big contributors this year.
We’re definitely looking to improve upon our scores from last year.”
Warren
Coach: Christy Worth (3rd year)
Key losses: Kim Gotlund (Northern Illinois), Kelsey Schulz (club) and Katie Volvolka.
Top returning gymnasts: Alison Rossman (Jr), Becky Stochl (So).
Newcomers: Shay Bergman (So), Krystal Kofeld (So), Kelsey Stoecker (So).
Outlook: Warren will have to replace a talented group from last year. The Blue Devils will be much younger but will still have some girls eager to elevate the program. “It will be a rebuilding year for us,” Warren coach Christy Worth said. “We’re not really looking for the high scores right away, but we do have a very consistent group. In just a few short weeks the girls are already learning new skills and should make improvements.”