Buckeye Gymnastics' Makarri Doggette closed out her 2017 J.O. season as the Senior B national all-around champion after scoring a 38.75 in Indianapolis last month. She also soared to a 9.85 and 9.75 on vault and floor, respectively, to secure the national titles on both events. Doggette is committed to Alabama for 2019-2020.

In our ongoing series celebrating the 2017 J.O. all-around champions, we caught up with Doggette to hear about the fairytale ending to her season:

FloGymnastics: What was your favorite event to compete at J.O.s?

Doggette: Floor because I had the most fun doing it, and everyone cheering for me made it 10 times better.

Video via USA Gymnastics

What was the first thing your coach said to you when you found out you won?

"Congratulations! You are the first person from Buckeye to be an AA national champion."

What was the best part about this year?

Being able to overcome all of the obstacles and minor injuries that came my way and ending the season the best way possible!

Do you have any particular upgrades you're excited to learn in the offseason?

Yes, I have a few upgrades I want to get: a double layout on floor, Shaposh on bars, and improving my Yurchenko double on vault.

What is the best part about becoming a national champion?

Seeing all of my hard work pay off.

Rapid-Fire Questions

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Yes, soccer, flag football, track, and horseback riding.

Do you have a history of gymnastics in your family?

Yes, my mom was a gymnast and went to West Virginia on a full-ride scholarship. My oldest sister went to West Virginia on a full-ride scholarship, and my other sister was a gymnast until she was a level 9.

How old were you when you started gymnastics?

I started classes as soon as I could walk but started competing when I was 6 years old. I got involved because my mom was a gymnast and all my sisters were doing it too.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?

Not exactly but I know I want to do something with kids… maybe a nurse.

What is the biggest sacrifice you have made to be in gymnastics?

I homeschooled a couple years to try and do elite gymnastics. I decided to go back to school and stick with J.O., because it made me happiest.


We look forward to seeing Doggette continue to impress with big skills and beautiful routines!


Related:
Haleigh Bryant Achieves Big Gymnastics Goal, Wins J.O. All-Around Title