Surprise!

It never ends well when a coach walks in and says, “Do you want the good news or the bad news?” Yesterday, my coach did just that. Naturally, we asked for the bad news first. Who wants to end with bad news?

Her response: “The bad news is that Heather is coming in at 2:30. The good news? I told you an hour before I was going to.” Heather is the judge who judges all of our intersquads. So, basically she was giving us an hour to prepare for an intersquad when we had barely even been working on routines!

It went well, especially considering the short notice. Everyone had a lot more confidence and was looking like they normally do. I think a lot of that has come from sport psych. We have worked a lot on not letting nerves get to us and staying calm, and I think this really helped us yesterday.

We “competed” on bars, beam, and floor, and there was only one fall overall! I hadn’t done many routines since recovering from my injuries, and I was really happy with how I did! This unpleasant surprise turned into a great confidence booster for everyone going into Regionals! 

I am one of two people on my team who has been to Regionals before, so I know how  different Regionals is compared to other meets. First of all, there are so many people! Everyone in level eight or higher who gets a 34.0 all around or higher at state competes. All of these gymnasts from California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah add up to make A LOT of people! 

About a quarter of the people in my session at Regionals two years ago.
Photo Courtesy Of: Mary Antinori

Also, everyone is competing by themselves. This isn’t that big of a deal for me, since I am the only level nine, but competing by yourself is a big deal. You don’t have people cheering for you, you don’t have people to cheer for, and it is just you and your coach. 

Me, all alone, at Regionals last year. I am in the black leotard with the blue embellishment, to the left of the two girls in green with sunbursts.
Photo Courtesy Of: Mary Antinori

However, I have made friends from different teams at past Regionals! Most of my friends go to GTC in Salt Lake. Lauren and Bronte have both become good friends of mine because of Regionals! 

Even though you make friends, it is a surprise when you first get to the meet and you don’t know anyone. This is something that I know my teammates will work through as they experience this for the first time.

Two former teammates and I experiencing Regionals for the first time, three years ago.
Photo Courtesy Of: Mary Antinori

Regionals is a great experience that I can’t wait for everyone on my team to have! I’m looking forward to some great team bonding time, seeing some friends, and a great competition! And, for all my teammates and everyone else competing at Regionals, GOOD LUCK!