5 Junior Division Gymnasts from Connecticut to Watch For

The junior division at the Connecticut State Championships highlighted the next wave of Level 10 talent in the state. While many are athletes who are earlier in their recruiting timelines, they are already building the kind of foundation that translates at the next level. As the younger tier of competitors, these gymnasts still have valuable time to refine difficulty, elevate execution, and grow into their peak performances, making this stage especially telling for long-term projection.    Leading the field was Alyssa McLeod, who posted a standout 38.2 all-around to secure the top junior spot. McLeod delivered a well-balanced meet, highlighted by a 9.7 on vault, where she competed with power and clean form on a strong full vault. She followed with a 9.55 on bars, where her set stood out for a beautiful Jaeger and a clean Pak release, showing both amplitude and control. On beam, she earned a 9.65 for a composed and artistic routine, highlighted by a back handspring layout step-out series that showed poise and precision throughout. She closed on floor with a 9.3, bringing confident tumbling that included aerodynamic twisting, including a front Rudi. Her ability to stay consistent across all four events made her one of the most complete competitors in the junior field.     Olivia Russo finished second in the all-around with a 37.65. She opened with a 9.55 on vault, where she competed a clean Yurchenko full that helped set the tone for her meet. On bars, she earned an 8.975, delivering a steady set that kept her in contention heading into the final events. She shone on beam with a 9.475, showing control and consistency throughout her routine, highlighted by a back handspring back layout series and a Barani. Russo closed strong on floor with a 9.65, where she brought confident and expressive tumbling, including a front double full and a whip half to front full combination, securing her spot near the top of the standings.     Lylli Getman claimed third with a 37.525. She opened with a 9.5 on vault, where she competed a clean Yurchenko full that showed amplitude and solid form on landing. On bars, she earned a 9.0, highlighted by a Ray release and a full-in dismount, with strong handstands throughout her set. She delivered the highest beam score in the group with a 9.675, showcasing control and consistency through a demanding triple-acro series of back handspring, layout, layout, and a solid back tuck dismount. She closed with a 9.35 on floor, featuring powerful tumbling that included a double pike and a double tuck, paired with precise choreography that helped round out a strong all-around performance.     Nia Tomberlin finished fourth with a 36.825. She opened with a 9.1 on vault, competing a Yurchenko layout with solid power and clean form on landing. On bars, she earned a 9.0, highlighted by a clean bail release and steady execution throughout her set. She posted a 9.3 on beam, delivering a controlled routine with consistent form and strong balance to stay competitive in a tight field. She closed with a 9.425 on floor, where she showcased powerful tumbling, including a front through to a 2.5 twist, and strong form throughout, helping her separate herself in a competitive lineup with both amplitude and control.     Rounding out the top five was Maia Lange, who posted a 35.025 all-around. She opened with a 9.075 on vault, displaying power and clean form. She delivered a 9.05 on beam, highlighted by a back handspring layout step-out connection and a back tuck to split jump, showing confidence and strong performance quality despite a small balance check. She closed with a 9.2 on floor, where she brought fun choreography and expressive performance quality, paired with clean tumbling, including a front Rudi to finish her meet on a strong note.    As this junior division continues to develop, this group has proved they are already laying the groundwork for future success. With a combination of emerging difficulty, clean form, and competitive composure, these athletes are well-positioned to keep climbing in the upcoming seasons.

The junior division at the Connecticut State Championships highlighted the next wave of Level 10 talent in the state. While many are athletes who are earlier in their recruiting timelines, they are already building the kind of foundation that translates at the next level. As the younger tier of competitors, these gymnasts still have valuable time to refine difficulty, elevate execution, and grow into their peak performances, making this stage especially telling for long-term projection.