Well as Corona Quarantine continues, here at the Region 5 Insider, we are still trying to bring you as much Gymnastics coverage as we can from our great Region! For me our next 20 Questions athlete literally came out of nowhere! She exploded on the gymnastics scene by winning the Junior 6 Level 9 Eastern National AA & Floor Titles, until then I had never heard of this talented young lady. After that National win Laci moved to JPAC and begin to pursue Level 10. The first time I saw Laci I was completely blown away at here level of talent! She was definitely a “one to watch” leading into Nationals, there was no doubt in my mind that she would not make the team. What I love most about Laci, besides her incredible gymnastics, is that she seems so confident and cool as a cucumber on the competition floor. In 2019 she qualified to her first JO National Championships placing 5th among an equally talented group, however Laci did not have the JO Nationals she would of hoped falling from the Uneven Bars, but she did walk away with two individual medals on the Balance Beam (7th) & the Floor Exercise (4th). Laci’s Floor routine medal was even more special because during the warm-up & competition we were filming a coaches wired feature with her coach Autumn! So, for an athlete who was in her first JO National Championships to go up and place on Floor all while having her coach mic’d and a camera in her face the entire time definitely shows the kind of athlete Laci is, the face that she can handle the pressure of the competition and the camera is incredible. It was extremely unfortunate that this season had to end to so soon. I definitely was seeing big things in Laci’s future this year especially with the upgrades she had made to her routines, but as with everyone and everything else we will have to wait til next year to watch greatness unfold. So, as we all sit at home watching hours of gymnastics on Youtube and on tv as we perfect our Tik Toks, let’s get to know Laci a little better. 

How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you?  I was Eight years old and my mom gave me the choice between dance or gymnastics, I choose gymnastics.

What is your favorite event? My favorite event to compete is bars.

Favorite Skill to train/compete. My favorite skill is a pike jaeger.

Dream Skill? My dream skill is a double double on floor.

What is your favorite part of gymnastics? I love the competitive side of gymnastics as well as having teammates to grow with who encourage me.

What college do you plan on attending? I’m a freshman this year so still deciding.

What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why? My favorite meet so far is JO Nationals, it’s my favorite because it’s an amazing experience to get to hang out and get to know the gymnasts in my region.

Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? I won all around and floor at level 9 Eastern Nationals.

What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? I like staying in tune with all of them.

What kinds of things really make you laugh? My friends make me laugh.

3 Things you could not live without? God, Gymnastics, and family

If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? I would be a dolphin because they are intelligent, funny, and do flips.

5 Most Important or Must have Items in your gym bag? The most important items in my gym bag are hair ties, Leo, deodorant and lotion.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? I always pray before I compete at every meet.

What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? I like to volunteer which I do weekly at the hospital in the OB department, and I have a biblical youth group I attend.

Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment? My most embarrassing gymnastics moment I would have to say would be level 8. I was doing a pike on and missed my feet and landed on my back while competing.

Do you have a nickname? If so what Is the story behind it? My nickname is Lace, because its short for Laci.

Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I respect Ally Raisman because she is strong and bold.

Something you learned from Gymnastics that you will take with you. I have learned to most important always be humble and to believe in myself always.

Most Memorable Gymnastics or JO Nationals Moment? The energy of Jo nationals with all our region coming together as one supporting one another.

What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given you? My coach told me “If you want it bad enough you will work harder than anyone else’’.

 Bonus Question:   Tell me something interesting about yourself…. I have traveled to 17 states.