Jessica Jones qualifies to Nationals

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Neighbors | Submitted.Jessica Jones of Canfield has qualified to Level 10 USA Gymnastics national team competition in Jackson, Miss. May 9.

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Neighbors | Submitted.Jessica Jones of Canfield qualified to Level 10 USA Gymnastics national team competition in Jackson, Miss. on May 9.

Jessica Jones of Canfield has qualified to Level 10 USA Gymnastics national team competition in Jackson, Miss. on May 9.

Jones qualified to this competition by competing in the Regional Qualifier in Lansing, Mich. She placed second in her age group to qualify for the Sr B national team. You must place in the top six in your age group to qualify for the national team. Jones was one of only nine gymnasts from Ohio who qualified to nationals of all age groups.

Jones began gymnastics at the age of 3 at Youngstown Gymnastics Center. She began her competitive career at age 8. Jones’ coach saw something special in her as they began training her for competitive gymnastics. Jones wanted to do everything perfect. Her consistent daily efforts allowed her to advance very quickly through the levels of gymnastics and also allowed her to participate in a special program conducted by USA Gymnastics national staff called T.O.P.S. (Talent Opportunity Program Selection). This program tests young athletes on their physical abilities at a young age and allows them to advance to special training camps in Houston, Texas to work with the USA Gymnastics national staff. She qualified to these special camps at ages 9, 10 and 11.

Though Jones spends more than 20 hours a week in the gym, she maintains a 4.25 GPA. She is just as conscientious about her school work as her gymnastics. Jones trains gymnastics year round, attending summer practices and special training camps in the off season. She also enjoys teaching the younger gymnasts at camps and clinics. Outside of gymnastics, Jones participates in Canfield High School’s Leo’s club and activities at St. Christine’s Church.

Jones’ accomplishments in gymnastics include many state, regional and national titles. She is a level 10 gymnast, the top level of the Jr Olympic USA Gymnastics program. This is her fifth season competing at the top level. The past two seasons have ended in disappointment when she suffered from ischial tuberosity injuries both years around her state meets. These injuries kept her from competing in her state, regional and national meets. She is doing well and has made a come back with a great attitude and has set some high goals to reach this season, including making the Level 10 National team and making the Region 5 All Star team. These accomplishments would allow her take an international trip with 12 of the best level 10’s in the country should she qualify.

Jones has been offered and has accepted a verbal full ride scholarship to Penn State University for the fall of 2015. She will be eligible to sign this contract in November 2014. Jones plans to study Kinesiology and Exercise Science and plans to become a physical therapist.