By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
16 GEMS gymnasts shine at YMCA National Gymnastics Championship meet
s070523_GEMS
Back Row: Maddie Ruegsegger, Kiera Indergand, Addison Curran, Aleigh Zettle. Middle Row: Coach Heather Burkhalter, Riley Nicholson, Gracie Atkinson, Mads Josephs, Jackson Kundert, Coach Dawn Lederman. Front Row: Lexie Zimmerman, Aubree Cook, Sydney Dunlavy, Allison Curran, Ruby Edler, Mylie Jelle, Virginia Salyer, Evelyn Buholzer. Not Pictured: Elliana Shank.

CINCINNATI — The Green County Family YMCA is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of its 16 talented gymnasts who recently competed at the prestigious YMCA National Gymnastics Championship meet in Cincinnati, Ohio from June 21-25. The young athletes showcased their skills, determination, and sportsmanship, leaving an indelible mark on the national stage.

Over 1,700 gymnasts from 77 teams from across the USA attended the meet which featured a keynote address by Shannon Miller, a Gymnastics Champion at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. Gymnasts from our YMCA’s GEMS gymnastics team were eligible to compete at the national meet based on earning qualifying scores at previous meets. Sixteen GEMS gymnasts attended the meet, coached by Dawn Lederman (Brodhead) and Heather Burkhalter (Monroe), bringing home a total of 30 medals.

These dedicated gymnasts demonstrated exceptional talent in various categories and levels, attesting to their commitment to the sport and countless hours of practice. Their hard work and perseverance have truly paid off. Their outstanding performances not only exemplified their individual skills but also showcased the supportive and nurturing environment provided by the Green County Family YMCA’s gymnastics program. The team’s success is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the coaching staff, who have worked tirelessly to guide and mentor these young athletes.

We are incredibly proud of our gymnasts’ achievements at the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship meet and extend our sincere gratitude to the parents, families, and community who have supported these fine gymnasts.

If you have a daughter or son interested in becoming a gymnast, the Green County Family YMCA offers Preschool, Non-Competitive, and Homeschool programs aimed at teaching the fundamental skills of gymnastics. Gymnasts in those programs are invited to join the GEMS team during the spring of each year.


The following gymnastics received medals at the YMCA National Gymnastics Meet:

● Level 2 Team Members:

Ruby Edler (Dakota): 3rd Place Bars, 6th Place All Around

Mylie Jelle (Monroe): 2nd Place Vault, 4th Place Floor, 3rd Place All Around

● Level 3 Team Members:

Aubree Cook (Monroe): 4th Place Beam, 6th Place Floor, 4th Place All Around

Sydney Dunlavy (Brodhead): 4th Place Bars

Virginia Salyer (Monroe): 3rd Place Vault, 5th Place Bars, 6th Place Beam, 5th Place Floor, 4th Place All Around

● Level 6 Team Members: 

Addison Curran (Monroe): 6th Place Vault

Riley Nicholson (Monroe): 6th Place Vault, 3rd Place Bars, 4th Place Beam, 3rd Place All Around

Aleigh Zettle (Monroe): 2nd Place Vault, 3rd Place Bars, 3rd Place Beam, 2nd Place All Around

● Xcel Gold Team Members: 

Kiera Indergand (Monroe): 6th Place Beam, 3rd Place Floor

Mads Josephs (Monroe): 4th Place Beam

Jackson Kundert (Monroe): 1st Place Vault, 1st Place Beam, 1st Place All Around

Elliana Shank (Brodhead): 4th Place Vault


About the Green County Family YMCA

The Green County Family YMCA is a community-focused organization dedicated to promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Through its comprehensive gymnastics program, the YMCA provides a nurturing and empowering environment for gymnasts of all ages and skill levels to grow, learn, and achieve their full potential.

For more information about the Green County Family YMCA and its gymnastics program, please visit www.greencountyymca.org or contact Dawn Lederman at 608-325-2003 or dlederman@greencountyymca.org.