Taelynn Rodeghero never would’ve thought a mother-and-daughter gymnastics class would blossom into over eight years of competition in the sport, but the young fourth-grader has enjoyed every second of her time on the mat.
One of five local gymnasts who recently competed in the 2017 Illinois State Series through Illinois USA Gymnastics, Rodeghero’s favorite things about the sport include putting her talents on display and getting to know other youth competitors.
“You get to show off your skills to the judges and the routines that you have worked so hard on,” said Rodeghero, who placed seventh on the floor and 10th all-around at the Level 4 State Meet in Bourbonnais from March 10-12. “You have to work really hard and sometimes you have to work hard for a long time to gain new skills.”
Fifth-grader Macy Belmonte also showcased her talents at the Level 4 State Meet in March, finishing seventh on the balance beam and ninth on the floor. Belmonte, who has been doing gymnastics for six years, got her start when she did cartwheels in her living room as a little kid.

“It has helped me meet new people because of the girls don’t live in Rochelle so I met them through gymnastics,” Belmonte said. “It’s hard and fun at the same time, and I gain new skills that I have been working on forever.”
Ellie Carmichael, the oldest of Rochelle’s “Fab Five,” placed in three different areas at the Level 6-7 State Meet in Grayslake from March 24-26. Carmichael, a sixth-grader who began gymnastics nearly 10 years ago as a 3-year-old, took second on the bars while finishing third on vault and fifth all-around. She will be traveling to Michigan to compete in regionals on April 21.
“The best part about competing is seeing all your hard work pay off,” Carmichael said. “I also love meeting new people and encouraging others. Gymnastics helps you become stronger, have good balance and better flexibility.”
Rounding out the bunch are second-graders Elise Manning and Taylin Watson, who both participated in the Level 3 & 5 State Meet at DeKalb High School from March 31 through April 2. Like Carmichael, Manning was 3 years old when her parents signed her up for gymnastics.
“My parents thought I would like it and I was always doing gymnastics stuff around the house,” Manning said. “I have so many fun memories with my teammates and I’ve met a lot of great girls and great coaches.”
For Watson, earning her best vault score and qualifying for state are her two greatest achievements throughout her six years of gymnastics.
“I’ve spent so many hours practicing with my teammates and they have become my best friends,” Watson said. “I also love my coaches because they push me to do my best.”