Alyssa Shermetaro Makes
TOPs National Gymnastics Team
Alyssa Shermetaro, 11, has made this year’s TOPs National Gymnastics Team and has earned the right to train at Bela Karolyi’s Ranch in Houston, Texas. Alyssa is from Olympia Gymnastics Academy in Shelby Township Michigan, and trains 30 hours per week. She’s coached by Lori Koch and Deanna Sigler, who say. She’s a very dedicated, self motivated athlete. Her focus and determination is what drove her to compete at the National level. She is now ranked as one of the top 15-20 eleven year olds in the Nation. USA Gymnastics, the national governing body of the sport in the United States, conducts an annual talent opportunity program to identify young gymnasts who have the ability to excel in the sport. Through a series of tests, USA Gymnastics identifies approximately 20 gymnasts in each age group, 7-11, to make up the TOPs National Team.
Alyssa, who is home schooled and in the 6th grade, just returned from the National Testing in Houston which was held, October 4-6, where she was evaluated and tested on a multiple of strength, flex and pre elite skills. The USA Gymnastics National Coaching Staff makes up the judging panel.
Alyssa a level 10 gymnast- took part in the exclusive Training camp Dec. 1 - Dec. 5, 2007. Where she was recognized by the National Staff and took part in an extensive workout with the top athletes in the nation. Marta Karoli (Bela Karoli's wife), Marial Grossfeld (3 time Olympian)Kristy Philips(past Olympian) are just a few named to the National staff that will directly work with the athletes.
Gary Anderson, the USA Gymnastics National Elite Program Chairman, commented on Nationals by saying, "This really is a gathering of the girls who will become America’s elite female gymnasts. The girls you see at National Camp will be showing up in the Olympics in 2008 and 2012 & 2016." Alyssa is now an Olympic Hopeful!
TOPs Regional testing took place throughout the summer and approximately 3,500 gymnasts participated. From those who participated, 300 gymnasts from around the country were invited to TOPs National Testing. The National Testing was held in Huntsville, Texas, at the USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center, where approximately 20 gymnasts in three age groups (9, 10 and 11) were selected to the TOPs National Team.
Congratulations Alyssa! We are so proud of you!
To see WDIV Detroit's interview of Alyssa- click on this link. http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/14785044/index.html