The January U.S. National Team Camp

/ January 22, 2015

The first U.S. national team training camp of the year is underway at the Karolyi Ranch in Huntsville, Texas!

Most of the usual suspects are present and accounted for, and it’s the first time back in awhile for some, including two-time 2014 World Championships medalist Mykayla Skinner who hasn’t been to the ranch since the Worlds selection camp. Maggie Nichols, who injured her knee at the 2014 Pan American Championships, is also back and seems to be in good shape.

Also back in action is Deanne Soza, who miraculously overcame a devastating illness affecting her eyes following U.S. Championships last summer. She was away from the gym for months as she recovered, but has since been working hard on regaining her skills.

Most notably missing is Madison Kocian, who hasn’t attended camp since before World Championships. There’s also Peyton Ernst, who missed nationals last summer due to injury (the Texas Dreams senior said she wasn’t yet fully healed but hoped to be back soon) as well as Amelia Hundley, whose absence is a mystery.

Rachel Gowey, who injured her ankle on a beam dismount during podium training for nationals, returned to the camp in November and was named to the national team, though she’s out again this month. Finally, Gabby Douglas, also named to the national team at the November camp, is out, reportedly due to illness.

A full list of those in attendance:

Seniors

Alyssa Baumann, WOGA
Simone Biles, World Champions
Nia Dennis, Buckeye*
Madison Desch, GAGE
Ashley Foss, North Stars
Felicia Hano, Gym-Max
McKenna Kelley, Stars
Bailie Key, Texas Dreams*
Ashton Locklear, Everest
Lauren Navarro, Gliders*
Maggie Nichols, Twin City Twisters
Aly Raisman, Brestyan’s
Kyla Ross, Gym-Max
Emily Schild, Everest
Polina Shchennikova, TIGAR
Megan Skaggs, Gym Academy of Atlanta*
Mykayla Skinner, Desert Lights
Alexis Vasquez, Chow’s*
Sabrina Vega, GAGE

* First appearance at the ranch as a senior international elite

Juniors

Christina Desiderio, Parkettes
Norah Flatley, Chow’s
Jazmyn Foberg, MG Elite
Margzetta Frazier, Parkettes
Emily Gaskins, Intensity
Laurie Hernandez, MG Elite
Sydney Johnson-Scharpf, Brandy Johnson’s
Laney Madsen, Gym-Max
Victoria Nguyen, Chow’s
Ragan Smith, Texas Dreams
Deanne Soza, Arete
Grace Quinn, Texas Dreams
Olivia Trautman, Twin City Twisters

Scott Bregman is at the ranch this month, and you know what that means – videos! Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse into the training camp in the next few weeks.

Article by Lauren Hopkins

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20 thoughts on “The January U.S. National Team Camp”

  3. Im confused about McKenna Kelley. I thought she hadn’t qualified as an elite yet, so why is she attending camp? I know she’s Mary Lou’s daughter, but it seems a bit odd to have her working out with the national team if she isn’t even an elite. Can someone clarify?

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    • You don’t have to have qualified elite to go to camp. It’s common for most of the gymnasts to be elites at camp, but it’s not a requirement. Marta basically invites whoever she wants and on whatever basis she wants. For instance, Laney Madsen is also not an elite.

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    • She may still be dealing with her illness she mentioned on Twitter. From what she said it seems to me that’s what’s keeping her from camp at the moment more so than the injury than her surgery from last year.

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  7. Glad to see Souza overcame the serious eye infection so quick… hope kocian will also be back soon…. I hope we will hear something, anything from Maroney soon..

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