GYMNASTICS COMPETITOR: Georgia bound

Green Valley senior signs letter of intent to attend top school

Green Valley High School senior Cassidy McComb chose to become a bulldog when she had her pick of a litter of colleges seeking her talents this year.

The 17-year-old gymnast signed a letter of intent Nov. 8 with the University of Georgia, whose mascot is, of course, the grimacing canine.

McComb, a 12-year veteran and four-time national-level competitor, said that out of more than a dozen schools that pursued her, she chose to head south because Georgia ranked first for the past two years at the national championships.

"I had many choices, but I narrowed it down to UCLA and Georgia," McComb said, as her mother, Darla McComb, taped her feet before practice Nov. 20 at the Gymcats training facility in Henderson.

On Aug. 16 of next year, the Gymcat-turned-gymdog will embark on the next leg of her career, which she admits has been unusually long for a gymnast. Not everyone in her sport has the opportunity to compete beyond high school, she said. Meanwhile, she'll enjoy a full ride scholarship as the fruit of her labor.

Ranked from four to 10 based on skill levels that cast gymnasts into competitive classes, McComb is at the top of her game at the 9-year-old east Henderson gym. Level 10 is the highest these athletes can attain, until they reach the elite status.

McComb once achieved that title, but a shoulder injury that left her out most of last season led her to be downgraded.

McComb's trainer, Cassie Rice, said that last year, there were just 15 women gymnasts in this region at her skill level.

Rice said McComb is a conscientious, hard worker, praising her, most of all, for her dedication.

"This sport is so grueling, most kids don't stick it out through high school," she said, calling her protégé a good competitor who doesn't crack under pressure.

"We had 28 schools waiting to visit her," she said, explaining that Georgia had just two scholarships to offer. "We literally had two people here every day. It was ridiculous."

While McComb knows where she is going athletically, she is taking her academic plans one day at a time as she finishes up this season, which ends next spring. She remains unsure what her major will be as she ponders her freshman year.

"It changes every day," she said, adding that she is nervous about the move. "I know once I get there, it will be the time of my life.

"I love competing. I love the pressure, constantly learning how to be a hard worker and dedicated to something I love. I set the bar, ultimately, and I decide how far I want to go."

Rice said it will be tough to lose McComb, who has taken over as the team leader. However, it's never a total loss when her athletes move on, she said.

"We like seeing them when they come back for break, following their career online. We don't lose touch," Rice said.