May 14, 2012
HAMPTON, Va. – Incoming freshman Shelby Edwards made her appearance at the 2012 Womens JO National Championship this past weekend. Edwards finished with a total score of 37.875 and took 8th place overall in the Level 10, Senior D division.
According Ryden, Edwards was one of the favorites to win the entire meet. However, for the past two weeks, she was unable to train to her full potential due to a minor injury. This, along with a fall on bars proved to be only minor setbacks for Edwards, as she was still able to perform well enough to place top 10.
“With all things considered, she is going to make a huge impact in all of our events next year,” says head coach Bill Ryden. “She was very valiant and had a big smile [during the JO meet].”
The highlight of the competition was vault: Edwards earned a score of 9.800 to win the national title on the event. She also placed 4th on the balance beam with 9.550, and tallied a 9.500 on floor. Despite her fall, Edwards was still able to post a 9.025 for her performance on bars.
“It’s very exciting to see Shelby compete because she has had a fantastic year. I think this proves that she will be good enough to make a line up on all four events, which is very rare for a freshman,” said Ryden.
Along with Edwards, incoming freshman Jessie Sisler was due to compete in the meet but withdrew due to an injury. Edwards, Sisler, Lexi Mills, and Krishna Yemeny are all set to come to Arizona this fall.
