The Valdosta YMCA gymnastics team will send 19 gymnasts to the national meet in Tampa, Fla., which begins today. Team members are, front row from left, Vanay Bryant, Sierra Barlow, Payton Rowan, Alyssa Turner, Hailey D'Andrea; second row, Madison Croft, Lily Tywon, Ansley Griffin, Lindsey Marshall, Rylie Parham, Harper Glas; third row, Samantha Lancianese, Emily Hiatt, Taylor Tolliver, Greta MIkell, Leigh Wood, Samantha Folarin; and back row, Clara McCard, Taylor Eakin, Hannah Dickerson, Grace Perry and Caitlyn Scott.

Nineteen gymnasts from the Valdosta YMCA’s gymnastics team will be competing at the YMCA National Gymnastics Championships in Tampa, Fla. The 76th annual YMCA National Gymnastics Championships will be held from today through Saturday.

The prestigious competition includes 102 teams from 22 states with more than 2,000 attendees.  Today, opening ceremonies will be held at Raymond James Stadium with a Grand March in of the athletes — much like on the Olympics. Competition will be held Thursday and Friday, with the level 8-10 finals held on Saturday.

In 2013, Taylor E (level 8) qualified for the finals session and placed 10th in the nation.

The gymnasts have performed in events throughout the Southeast during the year. In order to qualify for nationals, they must have at least one score of 33 in the all-around competition (floor, balance beam, vault and uneven bars) at one of the meets.  These gymnast train six to 14 hours per week depending on their competitive level.

The following gymnasts will compete against the nation’s top athletes: level three — Madison Croft, Hannah Dickerson, Payton Rowan, Harper Glas, Hailey D’Andrea and Lindsey Marshall; level four — Alyssa Turner, Lily Parker Tywon, Rylie Parham, Vanay Bryant, Leigh Wood, Sierra Barlow; level six — Clara McCard, Samantha Folarin, Caitlyn Scott; level seven — Greta Mikell, Samantha Lancianese, Taylor Tolliver, and level eight — Grace Perry.