12 Gymnasts Advance To Nationals From Morris's North Stars Academy

BOONTON, NJ — Four Morris County athletes will represent North Stars Gymnastics Academy at the national level this year, out of 12 total qualifiers from the Boonton-based gym.

Six Level 10 gymnasts and six from Level 9 will advance in the USA Gymnastics Women's Development Program competition, North Stars announced in a news release. The development program uses these levels (1-10) to guide athletes through their training, and gymnasts must be able to demonstrate the necessary skills to advance.

Level 10 national qualifiers include Leah Higgins, 13, of Boonton who took fifth place in the all-around at the USAG Region 7 Regionals earlier this month.

Local Level 9 gymnasts qualifying for the Region 7 National Team include 15-year-old Lia DiNapoli of Butler, 12-year-old Ashlyn Cummings of Oak Ridge, and 14-year-old Olivia Cuff of Denville, who will serve as first alternate.

“We are proud to have so many of our talented athletes qualify to compete at these prestigious events,” said Ashley Umberger, CEO, part owner and head coach at North Stars Gymnastics Academy. “Their hard work, dedication and perseverance have paid off, earning them an opportunity to compete and showcase their skills on a national level.”

The Level 10s will compete in the USAG Development Program 2024 National Championship from May 9-12 in Daytona Beach, Fla. The top four all-around athletes from each age division will make up the USA Development Program National Team.

Level 9 gymnasts will compete individually in their respective age groups, and as
part of the Region 7 National Team from May 2-5 at the USA Gymnastics Women’s Artistic Level 9 Eastern Championships in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Pictured above are, from left to right:

Level 10 National qualifiers — Top row: Olivia Kelly, Mahwah; Alana Walker, West Orange; Kai Mattei, Melville, N.Y. Stella Fischer, Bridgewater. Second row: Leah Higgins, Boonton; Sophia Rocca, Blairstown (All-Star Session/event specialist-beam)

Level 9 Eastern National qualifiers — Second row: Mira Kalra, Basking Ridge; Sh’Nai Thompson, Dunellen. Bottom row: Lia DiNapoli, Butler; Keira Schwarz, Basking Ridge; Ashlyn Cummings, Oak Ridge; Olivia Cuff, Denville (alternate).