Tumbling Toward Nationals: 27 Gem City Athletes Head to South Dakota!
We are proud to share that 27 athletes from Gem City Gymnastics & Tumbling are headed to Rapid City, South Dakota to compete at the 2025 USTA National Championships, taking place June 16–21.
This is an exciting milestone in what has already been an outstanding season. Each of these athletes has put in countless hours of hard work—training up to four times a week in two-hour practices focused on developing power, precision, and consistency in their tumbling. Their efforts paid off at the USTA Southern Illinois State Championships on April 27 in Decatur, Illinois, where 33 Gem City athletes earned spots at Nationals. After all registrations were finalized, 27 will make the trip to represent our program on the national stage.
These are athletes who go above and beyond. Our team includes a mix of honor roll students, multi-sport athletes, and participants in other Gem City programs, such as gymnastics and all-star cheer. That kind of balance requires real drive—and we see it in their commitment every day.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible support systems around them. Families have logged hours on the road, made financial sacrifices, and shown up again and again as their athletes’ biggest fans. We also want to recognize our coaches—Zeke Cernea, Sydney Sherman, Anne Nash, Josey Miller, and Lydia Roth—who’ve guided this team with skill and care all season long. Learn more about Gem City’s Tumbling Team.
Follow along! We’ll be sharing daily updates on Facebook and Instagram throughout Nationals week, so be sure to follow along. A full recap of our results will be posted the week of June 23.
Athletes Representing Gem City at the 2025 USTA National Championships:
- Ruby Akerson, 17, Palmyra
- Mia Alexander, 10, Quincy
- Audrie Baker, 11, Quincy
- Sierra Bergman, 17, Quincy
- Dorothy Boehmer, 15, Pittsfield
- Kya Ellefritz, 15, Quincy
- Ava Freesmeyer, 14, Pittsfield
- Kayden Hill, 12, Bowen
- Maelyn Hoener, 10, Mendon
- Kashley Hunter, 9, Edina
- Honor Kilburn, 9, Camp Point
- Christain Klingele, 18, Plainville
- Vivian Kuchy, 8, Winchester
- Liza Maguire, 11, Hannibal
- Payton Palmer, 11, Clarksville
- Ella Parker, 11, Hannibal
- Divya Sangoi, 13, Quincy
- Sarah Shumake, 22, Fowler
- Grace Stokes, 12, Quincy
- Ellisyn Stratman, 13, Quincy
- Elle Ufkes, 9, Quincy
- Isla Ufkes, 11, Quincy
- Esther Vazquez-Epperson, 9, Columbus
- Kaylin Vazquez-Epperson, 12, Columbus
- Niah Vazquez-Epperson, 9, Columbus
- Morgan Venvertloh, 10, Mendon
- Ryli Zahringer, 13, Bethel
We’re excited for what’s ahead and confident this group will represent Gem City with focus, heart, and pride. Good luck to all of our athletes—you’ve already accomplished something great.
