TOPS/HOPES/Elite
TOPS (Talent Opportunity Program Selection), is a talent search and educational program for female gymnasts ages 7-10 and their coaches. During the months of June and July gymnasts age 7-10 are evaluated on physical abilities at the state or regional level. These dates are set by your TOPS State Manager in conjunction with USA Gymnastics.
From there, athletes are invited to participate in the National TOPS test that is conducted in the month of October. Gymnasts will be evaluated on the same physical abilities tests along with some basic gymnastics skills. Athletes are then invited to participate in the National TOPS Training Camp which takes place in December of each year.
Physical Abilities Testing click here State Testing includes:
Flexibility (Series of Leg Kicks and Holds to the front, side and back. Flexibility is evaluated and scores of 0-3 are given for each totaling 36 points.
Rope Climb in pike position to 12 feet
5 Cast Handstands awarded 2 points each for handstands meeting the criteria (Height required for each age is set based on age 7,8 / 9,10.
Press Handstands: 7 & 8 year olds must perform 5 in a row. 9 & 10 yr olds must perform 10 in a row.
Handstand Hold for 30 seconds: Deductions are taken for any form breaks which reflects in a deducted time.
20 Leg Lifts performed with straight legs on the stall bars going from a horizontal position ( touching a stick or pole) up to the bar. Leg Lift is not counted if form is broken or gymnast does not meet the mark.
If Athletes qualify to National Testing, they also perform a sprint test. Gymnasts are timed on a 20 meter sprint in a 30 meter area. Two runs are given with the fastest time being recorded.
At the conclusion of state testing in July, The National Office calculates all results and invites the top 100 girls at ages 8, 9 and 10 to NATIONAL TESTING. From National Testing The top 50 overall ages comprise the TOPS NATIONAL TEAM, the next 55-60 comprise the TOPS B Team. Gymnasts are invited to attend a 3 day training camp under the direction of USA Gymnastics National Staff.
TOPS, has been the primary feeder program for the HOPES/Jr Elite Divisions of our National Teams.
NGC has participated in the TOPS program for over 10 years.
TOPS (current/former) Athletes (2014-present)
Cassidy Carn: 2014 Age 9, TOPS NATIONAL B TEAM
Emma Becker:
2014: Age 7, TOPS NATIONAL DIAMOND TEAM
2015: Age 8, TOPS NATIONAL TEAM
2016: Age 9, TOPS NATIONAL A TEAM
2017: Age 10, TOPS NATIONAL TEAM
Mattilyn Kitzmiller:
2016: Age 9, TOPS NATIONAL A TEAM
2017: Age 10, TOPS NATIONAL TEAM
Victoria Kitzmiller:
2019: Age 10 TOPS NATIONAL TEAM
2018: Age 9, TOPS NATIONAL TEAM
2017 Age 8, TOPS National B Team
2016 TOPS NATIONAL DIAMOND TEAM
Bridget Karl:
2017: Age 8, TOPS NATIONAL B TEAM
2018: Age 9, TOPS National Qualifier
Gabriela Ursu:
2017: Age 7, Participated in State Testing
2018: Age 8, TOPS NATIONAL B TEAM MEMBER
2019: Age 9, TOPS NATIONAL TEAM MEMBER
2020: Age 10, Began HOPES Competitions (Covid shutdown/ No Testing)
Makenna Araiza:
2017: Age 7, TOPS DIAMOND TEAM
2018: Age 8, TOPS NATIONAL TEAM MEMBER
2019: Age 9, TOPS NATIONAL B TEAM MEMBER
2020: Age 10, Began HOPES Competitions (Covid shutdown/ No Testing)
Leighton Woulfe:
2019: Age 7, Diamond Team Member
2020: Age 8, (Covid shutdown/ no testing)
2021: Age 9, TOPS NATIONAL B TEAM MEMBER