J.O. Contender: Melissa Metcalf

May 2, 2013 by Jennifer Teitell

Gymnastike will cover the 2013 Junior Olympic women's National Championships, May 9-11, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. JO Nationals are the annual national championships for USA Gymnastics' level 10 athletes. The top seven gymnasts from each of USAG's 8 regions have advanced to nationals in 8 different age groups. Competition is hosted by USA Gymnastics and Twin City Twisters.

Over the next week Gymnastike will feature some of the top all around contenders heading into this year's competition.

Today's featured contender: Melissa Metcalf of Region 1

MELISSA METCALF

Club: Desert Devils Gymnastics

Coaches: Wes Jones, Geoff Eaton and Ashley Scwailb

College Choice: UCLA
Highlights:

2013 Region 1 Championships: 1st AA, 1st FX, 1st BB (T) and 1st UB

2013 Arizona State Championships: 1st AA, 3rd VT, 1st UB, 3rd BB and 1st FX

As a junior elite, Melissa Metcalf of Desert Devils tied for eighth on uneven bars at the 2008 Visa Championships. Injuries kept her out of competitions the following couple of years and she ultimately returned to level 10 where she has contintued to find success.

Metcalf has not competed at the J.O. National Championships since 2007 where she finished 4th all around and second on bars! Now, she looks to be in the best shape of her career and is having a phenomenal junior season.

Most recently, Metcalf posted the top all around score of the 2013 Region 1 Championships with a 38.50 winning bars (9.725), beam (9.600) and floor (9.650). Metcalf won the 2013 Arizona State all around title and posted the top scores on floor (9.8) and bars (9.625). Metcalf is a very powerful gymnast and opens her floor routine with a huge arabian double front.

Melissa is the younger sister of Sheridan Metcalf who just finished her freshman season for the University of Washington. Melissa will join her sister in the Pac 12 as she has verbally committed to UCLA for the 2014-2015 school year.