2023-24 OnFocus Season Preview: Medford Raiders Gymnastics

OnFocus Season Preview- Raiders Gymnastics

Coaching staff: Andrée Brushaber and Megan Yanko

Key returners:

We have 7 returning veterans that are strong, graceful, and hard working athletes. Kyla Krause, Ellison Carbaugh, Kayleigh Mientke, Veronica Mateer, Shayla Radlinger, Delaina Meyer, and Bridget Cloud. Each individual strengthens the team. They lead by example by influencing the newer gymnasts to work harder and expand their skills set.

Key newcomers:

Raylin Rothmeier and Lindsey Kauffman are our two freshmen. They are an excellent addition to the team and I look forward to seeing how they develop throughout the season.

Conference outlook:

 We have a strong group of 9 girls for the season which is considerably smaller than the previous year but they are a solid 9. We have a positive outlook for the conference. I prefer to focus on the present while preparing for the future. Staying healthy is important since we have a limited number of teammates.

Keys to your success this season:

I believe a positive attitude, a flexible and buildable mindset is key to the girls continued improvements which leads to personal and team success.

Behind the scenes: Who are some of the people that help your program succeed?

Heidi Krause has been essential in getting the year started right. She has been there supporting me right after I was named coach. Margaret Mateer and Heidi Krause have been doing the score sheet data collecting last year and will do so this year as well. Kari Wanke and all the coaches at Rainbow that share the facility with us have been so supportive. I cannot say enough about the crew at Rainbow Gymnastics! Jaylene Lannet and Steve Cain have reached out on numerous occasions to help assist with the transition of Megan and I. I am so grateful for them all. The community members and parents that donate directly or purchase items from our various fundraising efforts directly support our program. We were blessed with a couple of generous donations this year when we needed it. Getting those funds so that we can be on warm coach buses for far away meets to minimize sprains, strains and provide overall comfort along with space to bring equipment (mats and springboard) safely is very important to me as a coach. We also use the booster funds to purchase our posters, flowers for special nights (Senior/Parents Night, and state), and snacks for the judges.

Coach’s comments: anything else you’d like to share?

I just want to thank the community for supporting us! We would love to see fans come to our home meets and cheer the girls on! We may be a small town but the skills these athletes possess are entertaining indeed.

Athlete of the Week and Team of the Week:

Nominate an athlete or team: HERE

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