Women Skipping Levels

[j5flip]

Hey guys! Coaches and gymnasts, I need some advice on this one. I really have my heart set on doing gymnastics in college, not all four events (due to certain injuries) but definitely floor and vault. I would need to skip about 2-3 levels in the next 2 years. I was just wondering if this was possible or should I just toss this dream out the window. I'm willing to put in the work and a new gym is opening up this week close to my house. Should I maybe ask the coach what she thinks? I didn't want to sound pushy though. I'm just looking for some advice and any is much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[gymdog]

Most NCAA teams have a lot of depth on floor and beam. I'm not sure what you mean by need to skip 3 levels. What level and age are you now? What injuries do you have that make you unable to do bars and beam?

 

[j5flip]

@gymdog I'm a 15 year old level 7. So would need a lot of bigger skills. From what I've seen a lot of colleges have level 10's or elite gymnasts. I also have torn ligaments in my ankles, and after years of pounding there is only so much strength left in them (and I still do physical therapy for them) so beam really isn't my strong point. Bars are okay, but floor and vault are my main events. I just didn't know if it was possible because of all the work I would need to do.

 

[gymdog]

@gymdog I'm a 15 year old level 7. So would need a lot of bigger skills. From what I've seen a lot of colleges have level 10's or elite gymnasts. I also have torn ligaments in my ankles, and after years of pounding there is only so much strength left in them (and I still do physical therapy for them) so beam really isn't my strong point. Bars are okay, but floor and vault are my main events. I just didn't know if it was possible because of all the work I would need to do.

I think if your ankles are too hurt for level 7 beam, floor and vault at the levels you're talking about would be a stretch. Typically specialists are most sought on bars.

However, many colleges have club teams that will allow you to do gymnastics at about a level 9.

If you want to have the best chance, then I think it would only be a possibility with physical therapy, a gym that will allow you enough hours and training to progress (if you have the physical ability) and additional power tumbling instruction which would likely help you learn double backs and fulls faster (again if you have the physical ability).

 

[cbifoja]

So you are what....a sophomore?

 

[j5flip]

I think if your ankles are too hurt for level 7 beam, floor and vault at the levels you're talking about would be a stretch. Typically specialists are most sought on bars.

However, many colleges have club teams that will allow you to do gymnastics at about a level 9.

If you want to have the best chance, then I think it would only be a possibility with physical therapy, a gym that will allow you enough hours and training to progress (if you have the physical ability) and additional power tumbling instruction which would likely help you learn double backs and fulls faster (again if you have the physical ability).

I think if your ankles are too hurt for level 7 beam, floor and vault at the levels you're talking about would be a stretch. Typically specialists are most sought on bars.

However, many colleges have club teams that will allow you to do gymnastics at about a level 9.

If you want to have the best chance, then I think it would only be a possibility with physical therapy, a gym that will allow you enough hours and training to progress (if you have the physical ability) and additional power tumbling instruction which would likely help you learn double backs and fulls faster (again if you have the physical ability).

Thanks for the advice! The PT seems to be helping so I'll stick with that. I just need to find a gym. Thanks for the advice!

 

[bookworm]

Thanks for the advice! The PT seems to be helping so I'll stick with that. I just need to find a gym. Thanks for the advice!

You're not even in a gym? and have at this point, Level 7 skills? I would say that D1 will not be an option for you because you are unlikely to get into a gym and make such progress that you skip multiple levels in a few years so realistically, you should do as gymdog suggests, and look into college club gymnastics. That seems like your most doable option..

 

[DSMills]

Aside from college club teams, there are always D3 and D2 schools as well. I started out at a D1 school and didn't have a video tape so they wouldn't let me walk on, but ended up transferring to a D3 school, loved being on the team, and the school was way better for what I wanted to major in. My advice is to continue to work hard, set your goals high, and don't get discouraged. Most importantly, find a school that fits you best in all areas of your life: i.e. gymnastics goals, major, and location. Most often, when things don't work out, it opens doors for even better things. Hope that helps!