Alyssa Al-Ashari has gymnastics in her blood, both of her sisters were gymnasts and pretty good ones. Alyssa, who has competed both in JO & the Elite Program, is a joy to watch with some extremely unique and original skills. When Alyssa is on the competition floor you cannot take your eyes off of her, she has huge a bar set that sets her apart from the rest of the field, as well as a beam mount you often do not see in JO Gymnastics. Alyssa, who has been a National Champion, All Star Team Member and P & G Qualifier, is also one of the nicest and funniest people you could meet. Alyssa has a few more years left with us here in Region 5, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this brilliant young athlete. Let’s get to know Alyssa a little bit better as she embarks on another JO Season.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? Both of my sisters were on
the competitive team, so my mom put me in rec classes when I was three and I ended up loving it!
What is your favorite event? my favorite event varies depending on the day but I would usually say bars.
Favorite Skill to train/compete? my favorite skill to compete would have to be my jaeger on bars and my favorite skill to train is a double twisting yurchenko
Dream Skill? double layout on floor
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part about gymnastics is all the life lessons you learn through your gymnastics journey.
What college do you plan on attending? The University of Michigan! Go blue!
What is your favorite meet to compete at? I would definitely have to say JO nationals. the way region 5 is like a family amazes is me. And it is an honor to be a part of it
Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? accepting a f
ull ride scholarship at the university of michigan or winning JO nationals.
Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics? I don’t admire one person in particular I admire all who work hard, don’t give up, and never stop short of trying to reach their goal.
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? my favorite region 5 insider series is the workout insider series. It is cool to see how every gym has a different process of how they do things and what works for them.
What is your go to playlist or song before meets? I don’t have a specific playlist but something to pump me up.
If you were trapped on a deserted island what 3 things would you take and why? A pilot and an airplane to fly back. and probably something to drink.
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? I think I would be a dog because they are happy just about all the time.
Who is your favorite superhero? iron man
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? No
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? I like to hangout with my family and 
friends, go shopping, cook, and sleep
Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment? There are too many to count!
If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try? soccer
Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I don’t respect any one person the most. I respect a lot of great athletes because of how much work they put in to what they do.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach 
has given you? I have been blessed by having such great coaches giving me so much amazing advice it is hard to pick a favorite. But I really like this: ”Practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes habit.” It really makes me think about everything I do, not just about gymnastics but about life and how every decision I make is going to affect me.
Bonus Question: Tell me something interesting about yourself…. I’m the youngest of six kids
