Our next Region 5 athlete hail from Branch Gymnastics in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Anna Grace McCullough (AG) has been in the sport of gymnastics her entire life starting in the typical way with mommy & me classes. Anna has qualified to the National Championships every year she has been eligible with this past year being her first time as a first year Level 10. AG who was nominated in the “Best Form” Yahtzee Award category, sets herself apart from the rest with her long lines, beautiful form and eye catching presence on the 
competition floor. AG is a bit taller than the other athletes, so everything she does appears a bit bigger and more sharp. She showcases effortless gymnastics on many events. Being only a sophomore in high school Anna Grace has a few more years left with us here in Region 5, having watched this athlete grow I am personally looking forward to the next few years. I believe AG has not yet hit her peak and has so much more amazing gymnastics to show us! Let’s get to know Anna a little better as she begins her 2nd Level 10 season with Branch Gymnastics and Region 5.
How did you get into gymnastics? How old were you? I started with mommy-and-me classes when I was about two years old. Ever since then I have loved the sport!
What is your favorite event? My favorite event is bars or beam.
Favorite Skill to train/compete? My favorite skill to compete is my jaeger on bars. I love the rush of just “flying”.
Dream Skill? My dream skill is a double double on floor. Those just amaze me so much 
and I would love to be able to compete one or train it one day.
What is your favorite part of gymnastics? My favorite part of gymnastics is competing. I love all the butterflies and showing off what I have worked so hard to accomplish.
What college do you plan on attending? I am currently not committed, but i hope to go back down south to carry on my gymnastics career.
What is your favorite meet to compete at? My favorite meet to compete at is the Bahamas, Atlantis meet. Being down there with all my teammates is so much fun. We all have a blast.
Biggest accomplishment in gymnastics so far? My biggest accomplish in gymnastics is making nationals in all my years of being a level 9 and 10.
Who do you most admire in the sport of gymnastics? I admire my mom, who was
a former gymnast at Southeast Missouri. Also, my coaches who worked so hard in their gymnastics career and now are pushing me to be my best.
What is your favorite Region 5 Insider Feature or Series? I love when Region 5 does the “Gymnasts Eye” videos. I love figuring out what skills they are doing.
What is your go to playlist or song before meets? I have my own playlist before meets. It’s really just pump up songs that get me excited to compete.
If you were trapped on a deserted island what 3 things would you take and why? I would take a sleeping bag (for shelter), a knife (to help defend myself), and some extra clothes and shoes for protection.
If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why? I would be a turtle, because I don’t have any expectations to be anywhere from people because I am so slow.
Who is your favorite superhero? Wonderwoman
Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions? Before meets I do my hair the same way and use the same hair bands. I also wear the same sports bra to every meet.
What do you like to do outside of Gymnastics? I like to hang out with my friends and do water sports.
Most embarrassing meet moment or gymnastics moment? My very first real gymnastics coach, I was scared to death of him. Whenever he would try to spot me, I would run and hold on to my dad’s leg. I would not let go.
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If you weren’t a gymnast, what sport would you do or try? I would try to do basketball because my brother and dad have always wanted me to play. Also I would try volleyball.
Which athletes (any sport) do you respect the most and why? I respect Michael Phelps a lot because was in his first olympics when he was 15. He has been in 4 more since and never given up.
What is the most valuable piece of advice or wisdom your coach has given you? Enjoy it while you have it. This won’t last forever.
Bonus Question: Tell me something interesting about yourself…. When I lived in Alabama I hunted all the time, and I’m actually really good at it. There is something about getting up early and cuddling up in a tree stand while the sun rises. Nothing better.
Check out AG’s Floor Performance from the 2017 JO Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana
Our next 20 Questions athlete holds a special place in my heart because she will be heading off to the University of Arizona in the fall of 2018. Arizona is like my 2nd home and my favorite place to be, so I feel a definite connection to anyone heading out to the Grand Canyon State to continue their gymnastics careers and education. Perfections Alivia Kendrick is just that athlete! Alivia recently signed her National Letter of Intent to compete for the Lady Wildcats in the fall of 2018. Alivia, who is spunky and full of energy, caught my eye as one to watch a few years ago at a Region 5 camp. She has a great personality, she was always laughing, singing and dancing between her turns. she completely made the camp experience a great one for everyone around her. Alivia who calls the floor exercise her favorite event, was nominated for a 2017 Yahtzee Award for her floor exercise. Let’s get to know Alivia Kendrick a little bit better as she begins her final season with Region 5 & Perfection Gymnastics before she heads out west to join the Wildcats in Tucson, Arizona.
r my coach told me to get back on the floor, I ran back up and finished the routine.
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