by Alyssa Lang



HUNTERSVILLE – Everest Gymnastics Training Center has girls who are already being scouted by Division I universities, and half of them aren’t even in high school yet.

The girls are no strangers to competition. They practice for five hours a day, six days a week.

The center sent eight gymnasts to three different National Gymnastics meets in May.

Kendal Moss, a Level 10 gymnast, recently placed in the National Invitational Tournament in Hampton, Va.

She’s used to the stiff competition found in gymnastics. She began at age 3 and trained atEverest Gym since age 5. At 13, she is a confident and experienced gymnast, with dreams of going far in the sport she loves.

“Before the meet, I was nervous and excited. I felt prepared, but everyone is always nervous,” she said.

When asked how she copes with the nerves, she responded with a familiar phrase: “I don’t know. I just do it,” she said.

That kind of determination is a big reason why her coach, Qi Han, sees big things in her future.

“I have gotten to see her mature as a gymnast, as well as a person. She will go far if she sticks with it,” he said.

Moss will quickly echo that prediction.

“I’m just really determined, so whenever I learn a new skill I just have to keep doing it and perfect it,” Moss said.

Similar claims of determination can be made about teammate Emily Schild, age 13, who felt especially inspired to compete at a meet surrounded by professional gymnasts and coaches.

“There were a lot of big gymnasts and coaches there, which was exciting. I want to be a professional gymnast one day, so that was cool,” Schild said.

Qi Han said that he could tell Schild was excited seeing professional and Olympic gymnasts watch her compete.

“She could one day really have the opportunity to go to the Olympics,” he said.

And being scouted by dozens of Division I colleges doesn’t hurt. All of the girls have had coaches from colleges such as Georgia, N.C. State, UNC-Chapel Hill, Michigan and Auburn scout them at practices and meets. The girls and their coach said that it gives them an extra push to do well.

“It’s really exciting,” Moss said with a big smile. “We can’t wait until the next meet.”

Qi Han agrees: “We are proud of every single girl. They work so hard.”

Want to join?

Everest Gym

103 Parr Drive, Huntersville

Details: visit www.everest-gym.com , or call 704-948-1449