An insight to BYU's five new gymnasts
PROVO, Utah – For the 2020 season, head coach Guard Young announced five true freshmen to join the roster. When scouting potential gymnasts, Young looks for two specific qualities.
“We look at their current skill level and what they’re currently competing,” Young said. “Second, we see if they can help us in multiple events and then we start looking at scholarships for them.”
Get to know the team’s newcomers below.
ELEASE ROLLINS
From West Jordan, Utah, Elease Rollins joined gymnastics at the age of three. The variety within the various events led her to continue throughout high school.
During her sophomore year, she committed to the Cougars. However, Rollins found herself still pursuing other options as a senior.
“I had other schools who showed interest,” Rollins said. “Eventually, I realized that BYU was the school for me because I like the environment, how I was treated at my official visit and the school’s values.”
Ultimately, Rollins chose BYU and hopes to make beam lineup in the upcoming 2020 season.
“She is fantastic on the balance beam,” Young said. “I see her making the lineup for the balance beam which would be very impressive for a freshman.”
ALLIX MASON
Allix Mason started her gymnastics career older than most at the age of seven. Early on, she set her sights on becoming a college gymnast.
“I knew that I wouldn’t go to the Olympics and the elite level didn’t sound as fun,” Mason said. “But, I would watch college gymnastics and loved the team spirit I saw.”
While in high school, Mason’s family moved from Rancho Cucamonga, California, to Saratoga Springs, Utah. Living closer to BYU and getting to know the university and the program, she decided to commit to become a gymnast for the Cougars.
“I would always come to the BYU camps,” Mason said. “I really love the campus, the gym and the coaches. I kept going to the camps and talking to the coaches, so I was really excited when I got accepted.”
In the gym, she hopes to eventually compete in the all-around competition. Currently, her specialties are bars and beam.
“I really like bars because I like swinging,” Mason said. “It’s a really good feeling. I love beam, even though it’s terrifying sometimes."
Even though she prefers these particular events, Young sees potential in Mason to compete in the all-around competition eventually.
“Allix was originally a bar and beam worker,” Young said. “Over the past few years, we have seen her develop power on vault and floor.”
MAYA PAGE
Back in December 2018, Young announced the signing of Maya Page, the first true freshman signed for the 2020 season. The Spring, Texas, native always knew if given the opportunity that she would commit to BYU.
“BYU was my first choice,” Page said. “I just love the culture and athletics here. It’s such a beautiful place.”
At the age of eight, she became serious about the sport, eventually being the 2015 JO National NIT Vault champion and a 2016 elite compulsory qualifier. With these accomplishments, she set her sights high for the upcoming season.
“Vault is my favorite,” Page said. “I’m hoping to get in the lineup for all four events.”
Not only does Page hope to compete in the all-around competition, but Young recruited her for that specific purpose.
“Maya is strong on all four events,” Young said “We want her to develop into a strong all-around athlete.”
ANYSSA ALVARADO
From Rancho Cucamonga, California, Anyssa Alvarado developed a love for gymnastics over the past 15 years, starting the sport at the age of three.
“I’ve always loved gymnastics,” Alvarado said. “I love how hard you have to train and how focused you have to be. Being able to show people that you have those qualities is pretty cool.”
After her first visit to campus, Alvarado decided BYU would be her future home.
“I like how strong the academics are here,” Alvarado said. “When I first came on campus to visit, I just loved the atmosphere. I’m excited to be on a team that is motivating and loving.”
Her form and performance style stood out to Young.
“She’s a big scorer,” Young said. “We’re excited about the basics and the elegance that she brings.”
For the upcoming season, she is focusing on bars.
LINDSEY HUNTER
At the age of three, Lindsey Hunter joined a gymnastics class. What started as an outlet for her hyper personality led to her passion.
“I started to get motivated every time I accomplished something,” Hunter said. “I just felt so proud of myself and wanted to keep becoming the best person I could be.”
As a young child, the Santa Clarita, California, native dreamt of competing in the Olympic Games. In junior high, she felt that goal was unrealistic.
“I thought, ‘that’s definitely not going to happen,’” Hunter said. “I thought college gymnastics would be fun and my parents went to BYU so I grew up always wanting to come here.”
Young recruited Hunter for not only her talent but also her strong character.
“Lindsey has gone through a lot of adversity,” Young said. “That shows a lot of grit to be able to come back her senior year.”
Currently, she is working on making lineup for bars and being a team player.
“I want to be the best gymnast that I can be,” Hunter said. “I’m going to work hard on supporting my team even if I’m not the one competing.”
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