My Glory Days

         In the world of gymnastics, there are 3 types of teams to compete for.  They are, “YMCA,” “USAG,” and “high school gymnastics.”  High school gymnastics is pretty self-explanatory, however the other two are not.  YMCA gymnastics basically means that the gymnastics center is out of a YMCA, be it anywhere in the country.  USAG stands for “USA gymnastics” which is a much more difficult league.  The teams that compete in this league are private gyms and take it much more seriously than YMCA’s.  Also, the competition in USAG meets are much more difficult than in YMCA meets.  However, YMCA teams can compete in USAG meets, and anyone can compete for a high school gymnastics team. (As long as you are in high school, and are not cut from the team, obviously).  I just happened to compete for all three leagues. 

         In USAG, they have their own meets, and the competition is extremely tough. Every year, USAG has their own “Regional” meet and they choose only 6 gymnasts from each state to compete.  I was one of 6 gymnasts chosen to represent Massachusetts! And not once, but two years in a row! It was truly an honor to compete with those girls in such a difficult competition.  It was such a great experience and in the short amount of time we spent together as a team, we became really close and competed like a team even though we had only known each other for a few weeks.  Both years I competed at regionals representing Massachusetts we came in first place! The feeling was indescribable.  I was so proud of my team and especially myself.  I was so thankful to have been given that opportunity not only once but twice.