• Fundraiser being held for athletes who qualified for nationals
Local gymnasts with Star Gymnastics based out of Thayne competed at regional competitions held in Hot Springs, Arkansas and San Antonio, Texas in recent weeks. The Gold division competed in Arkansas May 9-10 with a fantastic showing.
“This was the first time every one of our Golds made the podium at Regionals,” said Coach Maurie Erickson. “To make the podium is not easy, they only place the top half of each age group.
Lucy Hirschi competed first, placing 9th on vault and 7th on floor. “She accomplished a lot in her first Regional meet of her career,” Erickson stated. “Being the first competitor of the meet on beam is no small feat, and she hit her routine with nerves of steel.”
Ella Occhi, Kenna Dance, Laila Mosgeller and Ayvree Lewis competed next in the same group. On Vault, Laila’s powerful performance landed her in 7th place. On Bars, Kenna and Ayvree both scored a 9.325 and placed 7th in their age divisions, while Laila nailed her routine with a 9.575, securing 4th place. On Beam, Ella’s graceful routine shined, earning her a 9.15 and a spot on the podium in 7th place. In the All Around, Laila placed 7th standing strong as the 7th best across 7 states.
“What an amazing experience for Ella, Kenna, Laila and Ayvree as they competed together at the Regionals, a rare and special opportunity! These girls gave it their all, showcasing their talent, hard work and determination,” stated Coach Erickson.
According to Erickson, Eliza Basset wrapped up competition in the last session. “She kicked things off on the floor, showing confidence and poise despite the nerves of being first up in the rotation. She hit her highest beam score of the season–what a way to finish strong! She earned a 9.4 on bars, landing her in 4th place!”
Last weekend, May 16 and 17, the Platinums and Diamonds competed in San Antonio, Texas. Harbor Winder competed in the Platinum\Diamond Regional Championship, her first Diamond Regionals. According to Coach Erickson, she started strong with a stunning floor routine, showcasing her upgraded tumbling and earning a fantastic 9.4, good enough for a 3rd place finish. “Her bar routine came together beautifully, nailing her handstand pirouette, which was a huge goal. On vault, she delivered pure power, earning her highest vault score of the season! With determination and grit, she finished 11th place All Around—a remarkable achievement at this level!”
Katelynn Gaughan, a Wyoming State Champion, “brought her A-game,” said Erickson. She nailed her bar routine with a 9.45 to claim the title of 2025 Platinum Regional Bars Champion. She followed that with a 9.575 on floor securing 2nd place in the event and a 7th place on vault with a 9.25 score. “With remarkable determination and skill, Katelynn finished 2nd place All Around, making her the runner-up to the top gymnast across seven states! An incredible achievement and a testament to her dedication. Way to represent, Katelynn!”
Dylan Kallgren and Saylor Herd wrapped up the competition for Star Gymnastics. Coach Erickson summarized their competition: “They kicked things off on floor, delivering electric routines—Dylan’s tumbling was massive, marking one of her strongest performances this season. Saylor’s personality shone through every move, and her gorgeous leaps dazzled, earning her a 9.2 and a 6th place finish! Next up was the vault, and both girls delivered some of their best vaults yet! Dylan stuck her landing on her half-on, scoring 8.925 and securing 7th place. On bars, Dylan showed her skill, earning 8.525 and 8th place. Saylor took on beam with pure confidence, nailing her series and delivering her best routine of the season! Her 8.875 was a season high, landing her 5th place! Both girls finished 10th place in the All Around.”
Next up for Star Gymnastics, those who qualified are preparing to travel to Virginia Beach in June to compete in the National Gymnastics Association (NGA) for the first time in program history. A total of 11 girls qualified, including Ayvree lewis, Ella Occhi, India Burch, Kenna Dance, Laila Mosgeller and Scarlet Tipton in Gold, Harbor Winder in Diamond and Claira Roesler, Dylan Kallgren Katelynn Gaughan and Saylor Herd for Platinum.
“It will be the first time we have had a chance to compete with gyms from the entire US,” Erickson explained. “It will be the biggest meet we have ever had the opportunity to compete in. It will provide these girls with more experience and confidence.”
Gymnast’s parents are fundraising on Facebook to help with travel expenses to go nationals. People can donate auction items to the Facebook group titled “Help Star Gymnastics get to Nationals.” Donated items can then be bid on in the comments of each post in the group. Those who would like to submit a financial donation can do so via Venmo to @Lindsay-Kallgren.
