Gymstrada’s Level 10 team is looking forward to regular gymnastics season
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Performing individually but competing together, Camdyn Milisitz, Ella Denno, Chloe Bastiaans, Elena Granados, Julia Lee and Reagan Summerlin are the members of the Level 10 Gymstrada Gymnastics team. Led by coaches Nic and Amanda Tolley, the six girls have built a unified team in a sport they love while creating even stronger friendships.
Nic’s parents, Jeb and Marsha Tolley opened the doors of Gymstrada Gym in 1973, and have produced high-quality athletes ever since. Son Nic and daughter-in-law Amanda are following in their footsteps by creating a space for both girls and boys to compete competitively at a high level and also develop life skills, such as teamwork, time management and perseverance.
Having the opportunity to do what you love with your best friends for years is nothing short of special. The six girls cherish the moments with each other in the gym, especially following the recent COVID restrictions. Coach Amanda witnessed the difficulties of being a gymnast through this unprecedented year.
“The gym was shut down completely for three months, not allowing them to train on any of the equipment,” she said. “High-level gymnastics requires hours of training a week so this really set a lot of them back. All of the girls pushed through all of the bumps and uncertainty with their heads up.”
Slowly and cautiously, the girls are able to train with each other and look forward to a more normal competition season.
To say the Level 10 team is committed to the sport of gymnastics is an understatement. All six girls are in the gym training for over 25 hours a week to perfect their four competition events: the floor, uneven bars, balance beam and vault. The gymnastic season lasts from September to May with only a few short months to prepare in the summer. Each day in the summer months, the girls spend almost five hours each morning polishing their routines and dreaming of achieving their goals.
Level 10 is the highest level a gymnast can achieve in the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Program. With the most difficult routines at the highest level of competition, it is crucial for the girls to stay supportive of each other. The environment Nic and Amanda provide for the girls is a safe space for the team to come together and work hard. Team member Elena Denno expressed, “Being a member of a team has taught me that my team is always going to be there for me no matter what, and they will help me through anything. Also, my teammates push me to go harder and make me want to do and be better.”
Four of the girls, Camdyn, Ella, Elena and Chloe, are currently classmates at Cape Henry Collegiate as well as teammates. Julia attends Ocean Lakes High School and Reagan is homeschooled. Despite the rigorous practice schedule, the girls are still able to stay involved in their schools and enjoy extracurricular activities. Still, they spend most of their time with each other pushing one another to be the best they can be in the gym and in life.
At this competitive level in the sport, many gymnasts receive scholarships to compete with a team in college. Gymstrada’s Level 10 team hopes their dedication will have a similar, positive effect on their futures. The girls train to ensure that their hard work pays off for each other but also for themselves. The satisfaction of sticking a landing or completing the perfect routine is addictive and motivates them to want to improve with each practice. This desire to continuously want to grow and improve will serve them well as they further their education and grow into adults.
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