Scouting Lake County girls gymnastics
Top returning teams: Carmel Catholic, Lake Zurich, Stevenson, Mundelein
Top gymnasts: Carmel - Lyndsey Basara (Sr.), Nina Kropiwiec (Jr)., Chloe Byne (So), Amamda Hamann (So.), Lilly Bruschuk (So), Caitlyn Armstrong (Fr.), Lexi Belyaev (Fr.), Julia Burkowski (Fr.), Ashley Ribordy (Fr.). Lake Zurich - Kayla Bailey (Sr.), Kayla Moses (Jr.) Rayna Kauffman (Jr.) Angela Burk (So.) Catelyn Cillessen (Jr.), Michaella Gregorie (Jr). Libertyville - Skyler Allen (Sr.), Liv Bertaud (Sr.), Sara Bogan (Sr.), Grace Neuberger Sr. Emma Haas (So.), Maya Roiland (So.), Sasha Chatamra (Fr.), Bella Mazza (Fr.), Ella Sooley (Fr.). Mundelein - Jamie Allore (Sr.), Ella Hallin (Sr.) Elle Mishler (Sr.), Jessica Lake (Jr.), Tori Collins (Jr.), Rylee Hiedlhoff (So.), Megan Oates (Fr.). Stevenson - Ainslee Cutler (Sr.), Maya Fergus (Jr.), Aly Gitler (Jr.), Emma Fang (So.), Ashley Schabes (So.), Lauren Jackson (Jr.) Leia Kaufmann (Jr.). Warren - Kayleigh Glickley (Sr.), Olivia Kaether (So.), Emelyn Pehler (So.), Emily Ulkrich (Fr.). Antioch/Lakes - Kate Keating (Sr.) Zoe Kane (Sr.), Jenna Lamberty (Jr.), Joycelyn Crum (So.), Sydney Friel (Fr.), Josie Gates (Fr.). Vernon Hills - Mai Mihalic (Jr.), Jessica Gelorn (So.), Rebecca Tran (So.), Shihori Takenaka (So.), Annika Chuddy (Fr.), Sara Gutkowski (Fr.). Wauconda - Sarah Discher (Jr.), Morgan Jacobs (So.).
Season outlook: Carmel finished second in state a year ago in a three-way battle with reigning champion Prairie Ridge and Lake Zurich (third place). It's a different look this year with dual meets and no state series. "Our team has found that simply being back together in the gym is a huge gift," Carmel coach Sarah Mikrut Doyle said. "There is definitely a newfound appreciation for the little things and we've decided to focus on all that we can do, rather than what might have been." The Corsairs are back with talented gymnasts that competed at state last year. "We return with some fantastic upper upperclassman leadership with Lyndsey Basara and the sidelined Claire Keane (hip surgery), which will help our five newcomers transition into our program with more confidence and grace." Mikrut Doyle said.
Lake Zurich made a historic run at the state meet with a third-place finish, which brought the program to a higher level. However, the environment has changed since last March. "Despite everything that has changed since March of 2020, we're expecting to have a fun year, learn new skills, compete as a team, and to have the best experience possible within the circumstances," Lake Zurich coach Chelsie Grotelueschen said. "We're expecting to fare well within our conference (North Suburban). With the shortened season, the girls are disappointed there won't be a postseason, but during the time off since November there were doubts that there wouldn't be a season at all."
Over the last few months, Libertyville had to keep their spirits going for a season. "It's been tough not having face-to-face practices until last week," Libertyville coach Tiffany Owens said. "However, we have tried to regain strength throughout the pause with virtual practices. I think one of the biggest challenges as a coach has been to help keep the athlete's spirits positive. Our seniors lead virtual game nights and team-bonding nights during the pause to help the team spirit. Those nights have definitely been highlights."
Jesse Piland stepped down as Mundeleincoach with Bridget Erickson taking over this season. Erickson was a former coach at Prospect for three years. The Mustangs made it to state last year for the first time and finished in sixth place. "This season we're happy to be competing," Erickson said. "During the break we got together virtually and did some workouts and some mental gymnastics. Now, that we're back, we're ready to get out there and compete. We have a small team this year, which means everyone will play an important role in our success. For a short season, we're going to leave it all out there and try some new things."
Stevenson has a number of younger gymnasts ready to take the next step. "It looks good this year with so many experienced athletes on our team," Stevenson coach Judy Harwood said. "The conference (NSC) should be pretty strong this year with capable coaching and talented athletes. We hope to compete with the best. We are grateful to have a chance to compete this year and thankful and the schools have agreed to allow it. The girls are excited to be back in the gym and are working to be ready for a shortened season. With no state series, it will make competition even more exciting on the conference level."
Warren will have a different look this season and try to rebuild a bit. "Our team will be a bit smaller than in past years," Warren coach Mary Kovac said. "Due to the ongoing pandemic and athletes having to choose to stay at their respected clubs or join their high school team. I think not knowing if our season would resume caused some of our girls to have to make that hard decision. We're excited to be back in the gym and finish out the season."
Building its program from scratch the last few years has been a pretty good achievement for District 117 (Antioch/Lakes), which keeps growing and getting better. "Wow, what a crazy year this us so far," District 117 coach Angela Campese said. "We're making the best of it, but only will be practicing a few days a week due to renting gym space. We're happy to be back together in the gym and just doing what we love."
Jerry Micelli will be coaching this season at Vernon Hills. The Central Suburban North will be starting its season with virtual meets with one judge at each school. "Our goal is to go undefeated on our side of the conference," Micelli said. "When our season was on hold we did a lot of zoom workouts, so the girls are hungry to get a chance to compete."
Wauconda has a couple of individuals who will have their chance to compete. "We're all very excited to get an opportunity to compete in any fashion," Wauconda coach Elizabeth Prostka said. "We're also thankful to our local schools who welcome us to their home meets."