Rising Star Gymnastics Training Center

TOPS is a talent search and educational program for female gymnasts ages 7-11 and their coaches. During the months of June and July, gymnasts are evaluated on physical abilities at the state or regional level. From there, 9 – 11 year old athletes are invited to participate in the National TOP test that is conducted in the month of October where they will be evaluated on the same physical abilities tests along with some basic gymnastics skills. Athletes are then invited to participate in the National TOP Training camp which takes place in December of each year. Based on their performance at the state testing, 7 and 8 year old gymnasts can qualify to the TOPs Diamond, Gold, Silver, or Bronze Level.

CONGRATULATIONS TOPS GYMNASTS!!!

 2009 Diamond National Team Members

Madeline Gose & Annika Coleman

**Click here for list of all Diamond National Team Members**

Rising Star Gymnasts Annika Coleman, age 8, and Madeline Gose, age 8, qualified for the 2009 TOPs Diamond National Team. TOPs (Talent Opportunity Program), is a USA Gymnastics talent search and opportunity program for female gymnasts ages 7-11 and their coaches. During the months of June and July, the gymnasts are evaluated on physical abilities at the state and regional level. This testing consists of skills including press handstands, cast handstands, handstand holds, vertical jump, leg lifts, flexibility, sprints, and rope climb.

The athletes ages 7-8 are tested regionally and the top 42 athletes in the U.S. are named to the Diamond Team, placing them on the TOPs National Team. This achievment has qualified their coach to attend the 2009 National TOP Training Camp in Houston, Texas at the Women's National Team Training Center in December. These athletes train 15 hours per week and are coached by Kelly Brady.

Avery Blanco, qualified to test at the 2009 TOPs National Testing. The 9-11 year old athletes that score high enough on the regional physical abilities are invited to participate in national testing where they are evaluated by the USA Gymnastics national staff at the National Training Center outside of Houston, Texas. These athletes are asked to perform the physical abilities test again and also a skills test on bars, beam, floor and vault. From these combined scores, athletes are ranked nationally and the top 20 athletes in each age group are accepted onto the National TOP Team and are invited to attend the National TOP Training Camp at the USA Gymnastics National Training Center.

Congratulations to Avery, Laurel, Maddie, Emma and Annika for their outstanding job throughout the 2009 TOPs testing season! These gymnasts are applauded for the hard work and determination they put forth in training and testing this last year. Great Job Girls!

2009

2008