By Sydney Simpson – News Editor  

The Jonathan Law gymnastics team has had two virtual meets so far this year, both of which they have come out victorious. Junior Emma Nelly, who competes in every event, has been a critical part of the team for three years and has aided in their current undefeated season. Nelly went All-State both her freshman and sophomore years, and the team won the SCC championship meet last year. Advocate News Editor Sydney Simpson interviewed Nelly about this season. 

Sydney Simpson: What are your goals for this season? What are the team goals?

Emma Nelly:  My personal goal for this season is to go All-State. I made it freshman year and sophomore year and it would be really awesome if I could do it again. In terms of how all state is decided, it has changed tremendously this year due to COVID, so I am extremely nervous for the season since there is little to no wiggle room. However, a season is a season and I am just very happy to be able to compete with the team and share one last year with our seniors. Our team goal I feel is to maintain our high spirits throughout the season. It really is super hard to get through an entire meet with only virtual external support, but we are grateful to at least have our meets broadcasted. We also have a decent sized team this year which is good in terms of cheering and we have so many new talented freshmen. We beat our team personal record from last year in the first meet this year. This team has really great potential and I cannot wait to see where the season takes us. 

SS: How are things different this year in terms of COVID restrictions? What does the team do during practice in terms of precautions?

EN: Everything is so much different due to COVID. We have to wear masks (obviously) which is different, and we can only take them off while performing on an event. We also need to be extra cautious of always keeping six feet between ourselves and our teammates during set up, clean up, practice, and meets. We are not allowed to have any spectators so our meets are unusually quiet, and our access to necessities such as chalk, bandaids, spray bottles, tape, etc. are all in individual portions instead of being out for everyone to use. In terms of team spirit, the team is no different. If anything, it is stronger because we are now the only source of physical support during meets, we need to cheer louder than every in order to give everyone the same meet feel that we have always had.

SS: What did you do to prepare for this unusual season?

EN: To prepare for this unusual season, Mr. Simon and Coach K. held virtual conditioning three times a week for a number of weeks. I feel this definitely helped our team get into the headspace and physically ready for the season. When we were finally allowed in person practices, we did our usual ice breakers, but in different formats so it was all COVID-friendly. This season may be unusual but that doesn’t mean it will be any less important. 

SS: What is your favorite part of being on the Law gymnastics team?

EN: My favorite part of being on the Law gymnastics team is the atmosphere it provides. Everyone is friends and we have hard working practices, but are also able to goof around a little bit and have some fun. Mr. Simon and Coach K. are great at making sure everyone is prepared for the upcoming meets and changing routines accordingly so everyone can score the highest they possibly can. I love the support we all give each other, and the rush that we all feel at the meets. Being a part of Law Gym is such a nice experience and if you have any gymnastics experience I urge you to try out for the team next year!

SS: What skills have you gained since last season that you think will help you and the team win more?

EN: Some skills that I have gained for the upcoming season are some new jump connections on beam which bumped up my score by over five tenths from the year before, a new vault from the year before, a new vault that has a higher start value from the one I competed last year, and some more consistent tumbling passes with higher difficulty. Everyone else has also come in with new skills this year as well, and it amazes me how much our team continues to improve from year to year.