Sports
New Coach Takes Helm of Gymnastics Team
The Hornets hope to build around last year's state entrant Emily Guimont during competition this winter.
First-year coach Elizabeth Hammar is still getting to know the gymnastics team, but said the future is already looking bright for this year's squad.
Hammar inherits a gymnast who placed seventh in the Class AA All-Around a year ago, and with seven juniors and seniors on the roster Edina should have the experience in place to help their younger athletes develop this winter.
“There is a lot of potential for the Edina team this year,” Hammar said.
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It all begins with senior , who placed seventh in the All-Around category at last year’s state meet. Her 38.075 mark made her the lone Lake Conference state participant to earn a top 10 spot.
Guimont placed third in the beam and 11th on the bars at state a year ago.
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“She’s a very strong gymnast,” Hammar said. “She has a very good background where she learned all her skills.”
Fellow seniors Olivia Arnold and Nikki Yoerg will also be leaders on the team this winter.
Junior Courtney Peter will be joining the Hornets high school team for the first time this season, Hammar said. Peter, who previously competed for a club program, also competed for Edina’s girls diving team in the fall.
Hammar said Peter, as well as 8th-grader Kelly Johnson, will be pivotal additions to the squad.
Johnson has the skills to be a solid member of the club, Hammar said.
“She’s very willing to try new things for me right now,” Hammar said. “We’ve already learned a new series on the beam. She’s excited to be part of the team at 8th grade.”
The Hornets begin competition on Dec. 8 against Hudson, and their first Lake Conference showdown will be on Jan. 12 against Hopkins.
Within the conference, both Eden Prairie and Wayzata reached state a year ago. The Eagles placed fifth overall and the Trojans took eighth.
Hammar said the beauty of the Lake Conference season is that it has the same teams as Section 6AA, meaning Edina will know who it's up against come playoff time.
“We get to see the section competitors all year long, which is really helpful,” Hammar said. “I can see the whole team doing very well together.”
