Gymnastike recently spoke to head coach of Michigan Women’s Gymnastics Team, Bev Plocki. 

Which gymnasts have you seen in the gym this summer? 

There have been a lot of our returning gymnasts that have spent time in the gym with us this summer.  We have two freshmen who are already on campus taking classes and training with us in the gym. Those freshmen are, Brianna Brown from CGA and Lauren Marinez from Orlando Metro. Both Brianna and Lauren have come in this summer and done very well. They are both in great shape and have sparked the upperclassman to continue to work hard. 

How many freshmen do you have joining your team next year? 

We have a large freshmen class coming in of 5 gymnasts; Brianna Brown, Ilana Gordon, Cailee Hills, Lauren Marinez and India McPeak. Four freshmen will be joining the team in the fall with the last freshmen joining our team in January. 

 

What new skills is your team working on this summer? 

Senior Sachi Sugiyama is training hard to get her piked full in back into her floor routine. She is also looking to upgrade other passes: triple full, front full-front layout-front full combo. Talia Chiarelli is training a new full in on floor to limit the pain in her back. Senior Brooke Parker is working on a full in on floor along with a new bar dismount (double front). We also have several girls who are training new combos on bars working in and out of release moves. The gymnasts have also spent time this summer getting new floor routines made. I am very excited about the new routines and so are the girls! 

Who do you see stepping up next year in a leadership role for your team? 

Seniors Brooke Parker and Annette Miele have been team captains for next season. I have already seen them step up this summer and they are very excited to lead this team next year. I have high hopes that Annette will lead this team with her gymnastics this year. She had back surgery over the summer to finally fix a nagging back injury. After surgery Annette is feeling great and is finally pain free. Both Annette and I are excited to see what she can do to help this team her senior year. She has a great attitude and has stayed in good shape even while being injured and unable to train. 

Looking forward to next year, what strengths do you see this team having? 

I think floor is going to continue to be a strong event for us, even with losing Joanna Sampson and Reema Zakharia from our floor lineup. I feel the incoming freshmen are going to be able to add great routines to our floor rotation. I see our team having four strong events and being fairly even throughout.  

What goals do you have for this team next year?

Our goals don’t really change much from year to year. Our first and foremost goal is to win Big Ten Championships. We then look to get back to the Super Six at Nationals and place on the podium. 


                                        

Gymnastike also spoke with senior gymnast, Brooke Parker. 

What are you looking forward to the most about being team captain? 

Annette, Sachi and I want to use a theme this year of “Team of Leaders”. We are looking to help the freshman and underclassman develop leadership skills themselves. We feel that it is important for everyone to have a say and a role with this team. Everyone leads in a different way and we want to see all of those. 

What type of leader do you think you will be? 

I definitely think I will be a vocal leader. My personality brings energy and excitement so I plan to use that within my leadership role. I plan to be motivational to all and show the importance of always being motivated and staying motivated. 

What are your personal goals this year?

I am looking to compete each weekend to help my team win! I have goals to become more consistent in the floor lineup as well as breaking into the bars and beam lineup. 

What are you most excited for next year? 

I am excited for a new team with new experiences. I am excited to have a leadership role as well. I am looking forward to having a great senior year and end my career on a high note. I am also super excited about our new floor routines! Everyone has very upbeat music this year and our floor rotation is going to be like a party!  

Stay tuned to Gymnastike for more summer updates from the top teams around the nation!