Gymnastics: Two former Section 1 gymnasts return to coach
A gymnastics coach doesn't have to have previous experience as a gymnast, but they do need to know the sport.
Former Suffern standout Lexi Calandra and former Croton-Harmon standout Lucy DeMichele both have a lot of experience in the sport. Both were club gymnasts at Galaxy Gymnastics in Orangeburg under Jamie Winkler.
Both competed in college. Calandra, competed at the Division 1 level for the University of New Hampshire. DeMichele competed for SUNY Cortland.
Once both graduated from college, they knew that the pull of their previous life as gymnasts was still in them. So they looked to coaching as the next step.
"After graduating college, I knew that I wanted gymnastics to still be apart of my life," Calandra said. "So, becoming a coach felt like the most natural fit. It's incredibly rewarding to see my athletes grown, succeed and develop both in and out of the gym."
Which brought both of them back to Section 1 gymnastics, where both have their own storied histories.
DeMichele was a multiple-time member of the NYSPHSAA Section 1 team with Croton-Harmon, and Calandra was the Section 1 all-around champion in 2012.
Calandra and DeMichele are the first year coaches of two storied programs in Section 1 high school gymnastics in Clarkstown (Calandra) and DeMichele (Tappan Zee).
Like Calandra, DeMichele knew that her post-competition career would include coaching.
"Honestly, I've always loved gymnastics," DeMichele said. "I could never imagine myself not being a part of the gymnastics world. I've wanted to coach so that I can also help young gymnasts find their full potential."
Both credit Winkler as an inspiration in all aspects of the sport.
"Jamie has been one of the greatest influences on my life," Calandra said. "She's been there for me every step of the way, pushing me to be my best and supporting me through everything. Her guidance, mentorship, and belief in me have shaped me into who I am today."
"I believe she saw potential in me when I didn't see any in myself," DeMichele added. "She was the first person who gave me an opportunity to try coaching gymnastics. It was her gymnastics facility that I got my first coaching job and have been there ever since."
At the Section 1 championships in February, both DeMichele and Calandra had gymnasts qualify for the NYSPHSAA championships.
More: Lakeland's Marricco wins three Section 1 gymnastics championships
Bella Alcruz of Clarkstown was named to the 15-member Section 1 NYSPHSAA team as an uneven bars specialist. Isabella Durso and Julia Clarke of Tappan Zee were named as specialists on the floor exercise.
"As a first-year coach, having one of my athletes make it to the state championships is incredibly fulfilling," Calandra said. "It's a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the progress (Alcruz) has made throughout the season. Seeing her achieve such a milestone brings so much joy and pride."
DeMichele is equally thrilled for Durso and Clarke.
"These girls all work incredibly hard and I am thrilled that their efforts have been recognized at this level," DeMichele said. 'However, as much as I would love to take all the credit for their achievements, I was not the one doing the routines. All I can do is hope my experience, enthusiasm, energy and coaching were part of the reason they did so well at Sections and were able to qualify for States."
Alcruz gives a lot of credit to both Calandra and DeMichele for the season she's had.
"She's (Lexi) the best coach ever," Alcruz said. "They're (Calandra and DeMichele) great to have around. Whenever I'm about to go for a routine, they know exactly what to say to calm me down."
Both are grateful for their respective first seasons.
"I had the opportunity to work with a talented group of girls and witness their growth and development throughout the season," Calandra said. "There were challenges along the way, but seeing them team come together and achieve success made it all worthwhile."
"I really enjoyed working with Tappan Zee's athletic department, the gymnasts and even the other coaches," DeMichele said. "I wouldn't have been able to get the gymnastics program started without the school's athletic director, William Pilla, he was a huge help throughout the whole season. I also loved how welcoming and supportive the coaches of the other teams were. They were so willing to answer any questions I had. Overall, it was unreal to be back in the varsity gymnastics atmosphere. I couldn't be happier."
The NYSPHSAA Championships begin at 10 a.m. on March 2 at Clarence High School near Niagara Falls. They will begin the competition on the floor exercise in the second half of the rotation, competing alongside Section 5.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Gymnastics: Calandra and DeMichele return to Section 1 to coach
