What level should we be at? Scholarship?

[gymnafreak]

Ok, so i used to compete USAG, but i compete MAGA now because my gym switched. I was a level 8 three years ago when we switched, and i'm wondering a few things. First, can you just start back at the level you left off at. Second, what level should i be at. Third, what level do you think my friend would be at. Lastly, do you think i would be able to get a gymnastics scholarship to a d2 college, preferrably Winona? I'm 14 and here are my skills.
Vault
Half on full off
tuck tsuk
Bars
Giants
Freehip to hand
Counter (straddle back)
Working double back dismounts
Beam
Layout stepout by self (on a good day)
Round off full dismount (working 1 1/2)
Backtuck
wolf 3/4 tuck 1/1 jump series
Floor
Double full (back)
Front full
wolfanova
did doblebacks on floor w/single spot


My friends skills
Vault
Layout tsuk
Bars
Blind 1/1
Blind 1/2
Front giants
Bail to hand
toe front dismount
Beam
Layout stepout
front tuck
backtuck
Rudi dismount
Floor
Doubel full (back)
front full
FHS Front layout front layout
Working double backs with spot

I'm wondering what level we would be in and what i should work next.

 

[NYgymfan]

If you were Level 8, you should have no problem getting something for D2 or D3, and heck, if you work your way up between now and when you graduate you could even be looking at D1 (although if you get a scholarship at D1 there is no guarantee).

 

[gymkat]

D3 doesn't give scholarships, and I imagine you'd have to be an incredible L8 with at least one very strong event to get a partial scholarship at a D2 school. I looked at two of the lowest ranking D1 schools (I was a L9 with a strong event), and neither of them were interested in even having me as a walk-on. The only school that expressed any interest was D3.

 

[gymdog]

You both look like L9s to me. Your friend could be a "beginning" 10 maybe, seems to more or less have the requirements down, but probably more suited for 9 at this point, particularly if she's the same age as you since it doesn't look like she has a lot for difficulty bonus yet. At 14, you're certainly on a good track if you want to do NCAA gymnastics. That's about all I can say. It's hard to comment very far in advance on specific situations because it will depend on how your sophomore and junior year progresses, how many freshmen the team is looking to take your year, what events they are looking for specialists on. All I can say is you certainly seem to have the potential to do it. When you get closer to your junior if you still want to do it, then you should be proactive in checking out schools and contacting coaches.

Junior year make sure to tape all the routines and try to start taping some skills in practice towards the end of the season and particularly the summer, so you have a lot of footage to work with. With youtube now, gymnasts can upload footage there and send the link when they contact coaches. As far as a scholarship to a D2 school, I don't know a whole lot about D2, but I would imagine that if you are a solid L10 who fits into their team well event strength wise, and a good student (also important!), and are proactive about contacting coaches and marketing yourself, it's very possible. Again some of that is going to be dependent on the next few years and the needs of the individual school. For right now I would say keep working hard at gymnastics and school, but it's not too early to think about it. I definitely wouldn't contact or send anything right now - for most schools, unless you're maybe the best 14 yr old in the country, it's not going to get looked at right now.

 

[gymnafreak]

thanks for all your answers! Now i am wondering what i should be working next, especially on bars. Thanks!

 

[gymdog]

I would say work toward getting a transition to handstand (i.e. whatever you are doing...in your case straddle back handstand). Possibly same bar catch but that would be down the road. Blind change, front giants, giant full. Get the double back dismount. This is something you'll have to plan with your coaches what skills you are working short term and long term. For now I'd say focus towards getting the straddle back (consistent with kip out, higher toward HS) and double back dismount down solid.

 

[Tim_Dad]

I can't talk about levels or requirements, but from what I've read online, you should set your goals high, such as a D1 NCAA full scholarship - and then fall back if/when needed.

College money rule number 1: Do NOT discount ANY school based on tuition costs!
The expensive schools have LOTS more money in endowments then the cheaper schools. If they want you to attend - they WILL help you find a way. In fact, several studies have shown that in some cases -- it's cheaper to attend a ivy-league universities then it is a state school! I strongly encourage you to LEARN the game of College financing now. Unless your parents are independently wealthy, you need to get a game plan together sooner then later.

It was also highly recommended to attend college run gymnastic camps often. This does two things. It gives you a feel for the gym, and the coaches at the college you may be interested in, and it puts you and your name in front of the coaches face. You'll have real one-on-one's with the decision makers. Just ASK what they look for in athletes.

FWIW: The amount of scholarship money in the next 3-5 years will be very competitive. I wouldn't wait too long to start conditioning the coaches of a variety of schools.

 

[KBT]

With your skill level you would certainly fit at a D2 school. Do you ever go to their meets? That would give you a good idea of what skills you need. I'd recommend the Best of Minnesota meet on February 14. It's hosted by the U of M and Winona, Hamline and Gustavus compete.

You could maybe get your hands on a copy of the college code of points for help deciding what skills to work on next.

 

[gymnafreak]

I usually go to that meet, but pay more attention to the gophers. Thats This year i'll have to remember to write down some ideas. Thats a really good idea. Thanks!

 

[gymdog]

College money rule number 1: Do NOT discount ANY school based on tuition costs!
The expensive schools have LOTS more money in endowments then the cheaper schools. If they want you to attend - they WILL help you find a way. In fact, several studies have shown that in some cases -- it's cheaper to attend a ivy-league universities then it is a state school! I strongly encourage you to LEARN the game of College financing now. Unless your parents are independently wealthy, you need to get a game plan together sooner then later.

In some cases, but I wouldn't bank on it. To be completely honest there's a lot more merit aid out there that is NOT for athletics than for athletics, and it's going to be easier to get for the vast majority than a full ride gymnastics scholarship to a D1 school. If you're looking for the most realistic scholarships, gymnastics probably isn't the basket you want to put your eggs in for 98% of people. However, that doesn't mean it isn't a good opportunity to be recruited for non-scholarship purposes or that adequate financial aid can't be found for many schools.

FWIW: The amount of scholarship money in the next 3-5 years will be very competitive. I wouldn't wait too long to start conditioning the coaches of a variety of schools.

Gymnastics scholarships are always extremely competitive, although it is true that the amount of kids looking to go to college is going to peak in the next few years. I have heard coaches themselves say that if someone sends a video at 14, they aren't going to really look at it and it's going to be lost by their junior year. You can send it, but unless you have something really impressive, personally I'd wait. While your skills are good for your age, I'm going to outright just say I would wait at this point. It's okay to contact them yourself but I wouldn't expect much at this point, and first impressions and all. Usually the recommended period seems to be spring of sophomore year. I don't think they were even letting freshmen and sophomores compete in the most recent College Bound invites (although it's cancelled for 2009 I hear).

 

[BlairBob]

Your skills sound like a L8 and your friends a L9. You have a good shot of making L10 by your senior year and D1/2 in college pending on your talent, health, and what school and coaches are there ( are they a program that will help you boost your skills or just compete ).

High scoring L9 ( maybe not the big skills but beautiful form ) is what I have heard is the minimum for any D1, preferably good L10. L9 may get you walk on status but nothing more.