This was supposed to be Corinne Evans’ last year of competition.
But now, after recently advancing the furthest she’s ever been in
the sport of gymnastics, her competitive window remains slightly
ajar.
”
I felt like maybe I’d be ready to go and experience other
things, and travel,
”
Evans said.
”
Now, gymnastics is giving me the opportunity to go to Iowa.
”
I’ve never even been to Iowa.
”
HOLLISTER
This was supposed to be Corinne Evans’ last year of competition. But now, after recently advancing the furthest she’s ever been in the sport of gymnastics, her competitive window remains slightly ajar.
“I felt like maybe I’d be ready to go and experience other things, and travel,” Evans said. “Now, gymnastics is giving me the opportunity to go to Iowa.
“I’ve never even been to Iowa.”
Evans, 22, recently earned second place in the All-Around at the Region 1 Gymnastics Championships in Long Beach on April 11, and qualified toward next week’s Level 9 Western National Championships in Des Moines, Iowa as a result — the highest honor of her 14-year career.
Compiling a total score of 34.675 at regionals, which included hundreds of competitors from Northern California, Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah, Evans fell just behind Laura Feuss (35.075) of Santa Rosa for the top spot in the All-Around, but figured into a top-four qualifying spot, nevertheless.
Having competed on and off for the last 10 years through the Junior Olympic Program in Gymnastics, Evans’ runner-up standing at regionals suits her just fine.
“I was excited that I qualified because I didn’t think I would,” she said. “I just didn’t think I was gonna make it because I didn’t think I’d be good enough to make it.
“You just go out and do your best, but when something like this happens it’s a really big confidence booster.”
Evans competed at Level 9 last year — an advanced level considered just two steps shy of Olympic quality — and didn’t even qualify to regionals.
But while averaging 15 hours a week in the gym, and making some personal changes along the way — not surprisingly, Evans says she’s too hard on herself sometimes — the Hollister resident and 2006 graduate of San Benito High School has developed into a national qualifier.
“I’ve always wanted to be a really good gymnast. This last year I would say that I am a really good gymnast,” Evans said. “I am learning new things — overcoming mental fears, challenging myself and surpassing those challenges. It’s kind of exciting.
“But can I reach Level 10, and can I handle it? I haven’t decided that yet. But it’s definitely a possibility.”
Among the four disciplines at the Region 1 competition, Evans was first in the uneven bars (8.5500), second in the vault (8.7250), third in the balance beam (8.6750) and seventh in the floor routine (8.5250), giving her a plus-34 score — one of the requirements to advance to Level 10.
“I’m still thinking about continuing,” Evans said, “but I also think about what else is out there.”
Working at USA Sports in Hollister and attending classes at Gavilan College, all the while working out at Sunnyvale Gymnastics, Evans will travel to Iowa for the first time next Wednesday to take part in the Western Nationals, which will likely include an endless amount of competitors from four different regions and 25 states.
It also may just provide the Hollister resident with a clearer picture of what her future in gymnastics truly holds.
Said Evans, “I feel like I’ve come a long way.”
——
Evans is trying to raise funds for her trip to Iowa and the Level 9 Western Nationals. If you would like to donate to the gymnastics boosters club, call Donna at USA Sports in Hollister at (831) 635-0872.
