Noelle Mallinger, a sophomore student at North High School, has excelled in gymnastics, leading her to the Minnesota state finals gymnastics tournament.

Noelle competed in two events, the floor and the vault. Only being a sophomore, she placed 18th for vault and 21st for the floor. Considering this is only her first year on the high school team; this is a big accomplishment not only for herself but for the school also. The story of Noelle Mallinger making it to state and sharing her experience is one to tell.

During an interview I had with Noelle, when asked how she felt when she got into state, she was overjoyed with excitement. “I was really excited and happy that I got the opportunity to go to state for two events and represent for North,” stated Noelle.

Some of you guys may wonder, how did Noelle prepare for state? Well this is personally how Noelle prepared for state, using her own words; “The week leading up to state I practiced just myself and the coaches, just doing the events I was going to compete, and trying to practice them the best that I could, so I would be ready and prepared to compete.” Practicing the events Noelle was assigned to do for state, was how she prepared herself for state.

 This was Noelle’s first year on the gymnastics team, but how long had she actually been doing gymnastics? This is Noelle’s answer when ask how many years has she been doing gymnastics, “this was my first year on the high school team, I been in club gymnastics for ten years before.” Ten years is a lot of practice and room for improvement; no wonder Noelle made it to state.

Noelle’s motives and ambitions during the season was to perform her best, and try to make it into state. That certainly has paid off for her. “I was just hoping to do the best that I could and I had the goal of going to state, but wasn’t sure that I would make it.”

On the final question, when asked what advice would Noelle give to younger

people who look up to her, this was her response was, “gymnastics takes a lot of hard work and dedication like many sports, keep pushing yourself past your limits and you can accomplish a lot.” Such wise words from the great Noelle Mallinger. Hard work and dedication will bring you far in life.

Noelle Mallinger has really made her school proud of her and her accomplishments. Knowing that she is only a sophomore and has competed in state, it opens a bright future ahead of her for many years to come.