When Kelise Woolford’s recruiting process began on June 15th, she didn’t know much about college gymnastics. Her priority for the past two years had been her elite career, leaving little time for anything else.
At the end of a successful level 10 season, and her first year training at Buckeye Gymnastics, Woolford qualified elite. Her season culminated in a gold medal performance on bars at nationals, where she also posted career highs on three events and in the all around. In her first summer as an elite, she competed at the junior U.S. classic, where she finished fifth in the all around, second on floor, and qualified to compete at the national championships.
One year later she was back, competing for the first time as a senior alongside her club mate Shilese Jones. Competing with Jones was one of the “most rewarding experiences” of Woolford’s young career. “She has been the reason I was even able to start my elite journey and my motivation as well,” she said of Jones. “Without her guidance and support, I would not have achieved what I have today, and I am forever grateful for that.”
For level 10 gymnasts, the recruiting process begins at the end of their competitive season. As an elite, Woolford’s phone began to ring in the midst of her…
