Scouting girls gymnastics in Lake County

ANTIOCH/LAKES (DISTRICT 117)

Coach: Angelica Campese (second year)

Returning gymnasts: Nina Corey (So.), Allison Grosche (So.), Zoe Kane (So.), Kate Keating (So.), Ally Olsen (So.)

Newcomers: Nataly Hernandez (Jr.), Gabby King (Fr.), Jenna Lamberty (Fr.), Hailey Menzies (Fr.), Bryanna Self (Fr.), Kamryn Adams (Fr.), Sarah Carr (Fr.), Halle Martens (Fr.), Melina Martinez (Fr.), Sarah Thompson (Fr.), Cheyenne Shefka (Fr.)

Coach Angelica Campese: "I want the girls to learn in and out of the gym at practices and at meets. I want the girls to work hard, push themselves and each other, have fun, gain confidence, build relationships and learn lots of gymnastics. Working together as one is very important with being from two schools. So far, some of the team-bonding events and practices have already built these relationships and team. We do have a very young team, so I'm hoping every year we get a little more competitive."

CARMEL CATHOLIC

Coach: Sarah Doyle (18th year)

Returning gymnasts: Audrey Legarreta (Sr.), Izzy Kropiwiec (Jr.), Lyndsey Basara (So.), Kyla Rapplean (So.)

Newcomers: Clare Keane (Fr.), Sarah Hoffman (Sr.), Aideen Cazzini (So.), Nina Kropiwiec (Fr.), Anna Nagode (Fr.)

Coach Sarah Doyle: "Every year, we aim to qualify for the state meet. These girls have worked very hard in the offseason to increase their difficulty on every event and improve overall strength. We need to stay healthy, and carefully pacing our season will be our top priority, as we once again field a small but talented team."

LAKE ZURICH

Coach: Chelsie Groteleuschen (second year)

Returning gymnasts: Julia McDevitt (Jr.), Joanna Topa (Jr.), Jane Fabbrini (So.)

Newcomers: Carly Trebac (Sr.), Kelsey Rothas (Jr.), Michaella Gregorie (Fr.), Isabella Palmer (Fr.), Ashley McWhorter (Fr.)

Noteworthy: This is the Bears' second year as a team.

Coach Chelsie Groteleuchen: "We have some freshmen coming in strong. The team's goal is to make it to sectionals as a second-year team."

LIBERTYVILLE

Coach: Tiffany Owens (10th year)

Returning gymnasts: Kylie Skie (Sr.) Maddie Swanson (Jr.), Liv Bertaud (So.), Sara Bogan (So.)

Newcomers: Cameron Hamilton (Jr.), Skyler Allen, Rachel Bertch, Emaline Frey, Grace Neuberger

Coach Tiffany Owens: "We have a lot of potential this year. A season goal is to be the top-runner in our conference. We have potential to have a few state qualifiers if the girls work hard and retain focus."

MUNDELEIN

Coach: Jesse Piland (second year)

Returning gymnasts: Audrey Rehm (Sr.), Audrey Kafka (Jr.), Amanda Muench (Jr.), Sydney Naddy (Jr.), Emma Hamlin (So.), Ellie Mishler (So.)

Newcomers: Sophia Gilardi (Jr.), Jessica Lake (Fr.)

Coach Jesse Piland: "The girls have a goal of making it to state as a team. The girls are competing against each other every day with the hopes of making that possible."

STEVENSON

Coach: Judy Harwood (27th year)

Returning gymnasts: Sarina Johnson (Sr.), Emily Weinstein (Jr.), Hannah Brand (So.), Ainslee Cutler (So.)

Newcomers: Maya Fergus (Fr.), Aly Gitler (Fr.), Kaylee Brady (Sr.), Marissa Osowski (Sr.), Hannah Severyns (Sr.), Rachel Severyns (Sr.), Sophie Whiting (Sr.), Jessica Maher (So.)

Coach Judy Harwood: "I expect the team to be very competitive this year. We have a good mix of senior experience and underclassman enthusiasm. Everyone is working very hard, and the team has tremendous potential. We need to gain confidence and be aggressive in our conference meets. A positive attitude about the challenges of competition will help us overcome obstacles and build a winning mentality."

VERNON HILLS

Coach: Denise Caton (eighth year)

Returning gymnasts: Caitlin Kolb (Jr.) Avery Longdon (Jr.), Mia Mihalic (So.), Dylan Sides (So.)

Newcomers: Amy Deng (So.), Eliana Bernat (Fr.), Danielle Hewitt (Fr.), Yesanya Mitchell (Fr.)

Coach Denise Caton: "My hope is for the girls to have a growing year. I would like them to continue learning new skills, add difficulty to their routines, have fun and enjoy their season. Our main goal is to finish the season stronger than we started. Staying healthy is our number one priority. We are doing what we need to do in the gym to keep the girls strong and healthy to avoid unnecessary injuries throughout the season."

WARREN

Coach: Mary Kovac (seventh year)

Returning gymnasts: Daniella Strauss (Sr.), Abigail Bosko (Jr.)

Newcomers: Sarah Barbosa (Jr.), Ashlynn Humphreys (Jr.), Abigail Dearinger (Sr.), Sharon Dhail (Jr.), Kayleigh Glickley (So.)

Coach Mary Kovac: "We have a great group of girls this year. We look to improve during each meet this season."