For the next few weeks we will be featuring our Level 9 Eastern Nationals Champions in our 20 Questions Series. Our first Level 9 Eastern National Champion not only captured the All-Around, but took home 2 event titles as well, winning the Bars and Floor Exercise. Regan, who is no stranger to Level 9 Nationals, improved on her 3rd place All-Around finish from 2018. Regan has always excelled at the Uneven Bars and the Floor Exercise, it was no surprise to see her take home titles on both those events this year. Let’s get to know Regan a little better as she heads into her 1st year as a level 10 and tries to make it to her first JO National Championships. Regan, for me, is definitely one to watch this season.

How did you get into the Sport of Gymnastics? How old were you? I got into gymnastics by just going there when I was 2 years old to get some of my crazy little kid energy out! I did mommy and me classes then from there I went to leaping lizards then to level 1. My family saw that I loved being in the gym with all my teammates and coaches so I stayed! 

What is your favorite event? My favorite event is definitely bars!

What is your favorite skill to train/compete? My favorite skill to train and compete would definitely be my one and a half front pike on floor! 

Dream Skill? My dream skill is a double Arabian on floor! Even though I am not the type to do one I LOVE watching them! They really do amaze me!

What is your favorite part of Gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is probably being able to do the things we can do! Most people definitely can’t do a back handspring layout on a 4 inch beam! I also like all the people who help me compete and do gymnastics! Like my coaches, teammates, and family!

What is your favorite meet to compete at? Why? My favorite meet to compete at I think would be the gasparilla classic in Treasure Island, Florida! I really like that meet because the venue is so cool! The atmosphere in Tropicana field is amazing!

What is your biggest accomplishment in Gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far would definitely becoming the 2019 level 9 eastern  national bars, floor, and all around champion! 

Who do you admire most in the sport of Gymnastics? In the sport of gymnastics I admire Kerri strug the most! 

What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? My favorite Region 5 insider series is Coaches wired!

What is your go-to play list or song before meets? My go to playlist of songs before a meet are definitely really upbeat pumped up songs! 

3 Things you could not live without?  3 things I couldn’t live without would be definitely my family including my pets! Then food! Got to have food! Then hmmm probably art!

If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? If I could be any animal I would be a monkey! 

The 5 Most important or Must have items in your gym bag? The 5 most important things for my gym bag would be tape for sure! Then healthy snacks, icy hot, grips, and my wrist guards. 

Do you have any pre-meet superstitions or rituals? I definitely have superstitions before my meets! If I have a good meet then the next meet I have to do the same thing I did the first meet! That includes eating close the same, the way I tape my ankles, the way I do my hair, and more! Another superstition is the hair ties I practice with HAVE to go in my competition hair! I could go on! 

What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? Outside of gymnastics I like to play with my pets, hang out with friends and family, and paint! Right now after practice I come home and relax with painting bird houses! 

What is your most embarrassing Gymnastics or meet moment? My most embarrassing gymnastics moment was in level 4 or 5 I was at a meet in Kentucky and I mounted the beam the WRONG WAY and just totally freaked out and started to cry! Then I just turned around so uncomfortably that pretty much everyone noticed! Then just carried on with my routine!

If you were not a Gymnast what sport would you try? If I wasn’t a gymnast I think I would be a diver! 

How does it feel to be the 2019 Level 9 Eastern National Champion? It feels so absolutely amazing to be a level 9 eastern national champion!

Most memorable Nationals Moment? My most memorable Eastern Nationals moment was when I finished my last event (bars) and I stick my double back dismount! I saluted and everything I was stressed about or freaking out about just went away! I then hugged and high fived my coaches and it was the most amazing feeling! On top of that Region 5’s rotation A from the other side came to cheer us on and when I stuck my dismount I heard all of their cheers along with my teams cheers! When my score popped up I saw that judge 3 had given me a 9.900! I got so proud of myself! Then after that when we were at awards hearing my name called first for all around I went up there and saw everyone who helped my get to this point! My coaches who were taking pictures of me along with my mom taking pictures. Then I looked at my grandparents, who help me through absolutely everything, cheering louder then ever before! Then last but not least my level 9 teammates going crazy cheering who mean so much to me!

What is the most valuable piece of wisdom or advice you have received from you coach? The most valuable piece of wisdom or advice my coach has ever gave me was from coach Nathan when he told us you get what you put in! So if you work hard you will get great results. Or if you work hard you get the skill!