DeNova and Riley Lead Shorewood Gymnastics

The Shorewood High School Gymnastics team, competing in 3A for the first time in years, has high hopes for its success in this season. Led by Co-captains Tyanna DeNova and Kyla Riley, Shorewood enters the 2010-2011 season with a young, but strong varsity squad. 

Co-Captains:  Junior Kyla Riley and Senior Tyanna DeNova

“Our captains are hard working and lead by example, and are ready to help their teammates in any way they can.” Head coach Susan Riley said. “Our varsity may be as talented, top-to-bottom, as we’ve had in many years.”

DeNova, a senior who competes well in all four events, is Shorewood’s top competitor on the Uneven Bars. “I am looking forward to being competitive with the 3A schools this year. I want to work hard and hope I can qualify to State for my senior year.” DeNova said. About her senior co-captain, Coach Riley remarked, “Tyanna is one of those gymnasts that gives 110% all the time and is willing to listen and make changes needed for her to become a better gymnast.”

Kyla Riley on Floor Exercise

Junior Kyla Riley, who was a top performer on all four events her Freshman year, began her Sophomore year showing even greater promise, until a broken fibula suffered in January during warm-ups, sidelined her for the season. While her leg still isn’t 100%, Riley looks to return fully to the lineup and once again help the team on every event.

“After eleven months my leg is still not fully healed. I am starting to get back into full practices, but it’s been tough. I am hoping that by the end of this year that I am fully back, if not better than I was when I was injured.” Riley said. According to Coach Riley, “Kyla is one of those gymnasts that practices like she competes and competes like she practices, which makes for consistent scores that the team can count on.”

Shorewood’s talented varsity team is rounded out by Senior Stacia Martineau, Junior Yvonne Chan, Sophomores Alex Ashleman and Megan Ransom and Freshmen Juliet Fisher, Stephanie Spee, and Mandy Thorsen-Hansen. “With a young team, I am looking forward to the skill progression and seeing us reach our potential of being a strong team.” DeNova said.

Tyanna DeNova on Uneven Bars

Shorewood’s move to 3A this year is good news for the Shorewood gymnasts and a reason for optimism. “For a long time, Shorewood has been 4A, which made it nearly impossible for the team to advance past Districts.” Coach Riley said. The number of individual and team allocations to state in 4A favored teams with numerous high end club gymnasts, such as Woodinville, Bothell and Newport. It was a numbers game in which Shorewood couldn’t compete. This season could be different. There are more allocations to the State 3A competition. “Even if we don’t make it to state as a team, Shorewood has a very good chance of advancing 3-5 gymnasts to the State Meet this year.” Coach Riley said.

“This year, the team is looking stronger than it has been in years. Without losing a lot of talent from last year, there is a very good chance of a successful season. This season is definitely going to lead to many wins, especially against our rival, Shorecrest.” Riley said.

Shorewood's first meet is Friday, December 10 at Bainbridge High School; Shorecrest and Nathan Hale will be competing as well.