Sophomores  

Emily Pritchard, last year’s “Rookie of the Year”, returns after setting a new UW freshman scoring record in the AA.  The 2001 NCAA SE Regional Champ on the UB combines unusual skills and an outgoing style on all the events.  Last season, Pritchard was slowed early in the sason by recovery from complications from a prior surgery.  However, Pritchard rebounded during the season to qualify to the NCAAs in the AA (after finishing 2nd at Regionals).  Pritchard vaults a Hristakaeva, adding another 10.0 vault to the UW lineup.  On UB, Pritchard throws a Gienger and full in dismount, and includes an unusual “straddle back handstand with half turn with flight to front support on low” (a “Yezhova”). 

Molly Seaman, the “Most Promising Freshman” in 2001, returns with her eye on an All Around slot.   Competing on all but UB last year, Seaman has spent much of the preseason working on her UB skills.  Seaman vaults a pike front (also a pike front half) and hit for 9.9 plus on FX/BB multiple times last season.  A midseason concussion last year limited her training to some degree, preventing her from adding some planned upgrades.  Seaman is notable for her outstanding presentation and execution.   

Tanya Powers, like Pritchard a former National Elite, was also limited by injuries last season.  A severely sprained ankle prior to her freshman year hampered her progress throughout the year.  Competing through the injury, Powers entered the vault lineup late in the season to add another 10.0 vault (Hristakaeva) for the Huskies.  Her long lines (she’s 5’ 8”) are showcased well on UB and BB (beautiful roundoff layout mount).   A healthy Powers could also step up to be a major all around force.

Daniela Medlin returns after being limited to UB last season (giant full, giant full, cross change Jaeger).  Medlin hit a peak with a 9.9 at the Pac 10 Championships on this event.  Likewise, Kim Claussen contributed as a regular on UB last season, also hitting the 9.9 mark (Jaeger).  She is also capable of contributing on the other events. 

Amy Metcalf also returns for the Huskies, after competing regularly on FX (double pike) and occasionally on BB.  She has hit for career highs of 9.875 on both events.  Gharde Geldenhuys, a 2000 Sydney Olympian from Namibia, returns after competing sparingly in three events early in the season.  Geldenhuys is most likely to see action on FX (2 ½ twist + punch front in her international days).

The Newcomers

Tacia Labatte is one of 8 Washington newcomers.  The transfer from Utah was a highly regarded recruit in her club years, most recently finishing 2nd AA at the 2000 L10 Nationals.  Known for a dynamic presentation style and clean execution, Labatte occasionally competed on UB (Tkachev, double layout) and V for the Utes last year.  

The freshman are headed up by Carly Dockendorf, a High Performance (international elite) gymnast from British Columbia.  Dockendorf reportedly passed up a chance this fall to compete for a spot on Canada’s 2001 World Gymnastics Championship Team.  Dockendorf excels on floor, with an Arabian double front and 2 ½ twist punch front in her arsenal.  Dockendorf is also a powerful vaulter, and finished 3rd at the 2001 Canadian Nationals on the event.  Dockendorf could also battle for an all around slot.

Kim Lewis, of Grace Gymnastics, starts her freshman campaign after a 13th place AA finish at the 2001 L10 Nationals.  An excellent bar worker, Lewis has finished in the top 6 at L10 Nationals the last two years on the event.  

Courtney Canavan, another early period signee, has battled back problems for the last year.  In 1999, she was the Level 9 Western National AA champ, and moved up to L10 the next year and captured the Regional AA title. 

Jenny Dickinson is a multiple time L10 National qualifier from the Oregon Gymnastics Academy.  Dickensen placed 8th on FX at the 2000 L10 National meet.  When healthy, her strong vault and floor abilities could enable her to challenge for a lineup slot. 

Another gymnast who has recovered from a series of injuries is Lauren Brooks, from the Auburn Gymnastics Center.  Brooks is a 2001 L10 National qualifier, and placed 3rd AA at Regionals, just weeks after being cleared for training. 

The Huskies also welcome Jacynda Wnek, a L10 from Grace Gymnastics who tied for 10th AA at the 2001 Region II Regionals.  Finally, Breanne Tomalin is another L10 who placed 4th AA at the state high school championships.

Outlook

With 8 newcomers and 10 solid returning veterans, the Huskies are looking for a trip to Nationals.  The luxury of increased depth and another year of experience will serve the Huskies well.  The Huskies appear to be much deeper this season on UB and FX, and lineup slots will be highly competitive.  The loss of the three departed seniors may be felt most on vault, where the overall team depth of 10.0 vaults may be impacted.  But all in all, the Huskies enter the 2002 season with high expectations and are aiming to earn a trip to Alabama next April.

Greg can be reached at greg@collegegymfans.com