BOONTON, N.J. (Morris County) — North Stars Gymnastics Academy is sending the largest group of athletes from Region 7 to national competitions after a strong showing at last weekend’s regional meet in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
The Morris County-based gym qualified eight Level 10 athletes and three Level 9 competitors, the most in the region, which includes teams from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
“Each of these exceptional athletes have trained consistently —for years — to reach this point in their careers,” said Ashley Umberger, owner and head coach North Stars Gymnastics Academy. “They are relentless in their pursuit to achieve their absolute best. I am so proud of their commitment, drive and work ethic. I am excited to watch them deliver at the national level.”
Among the Level 10 competitors, Maxine Cometa, a 15-year-old sophomore from Leonia, and Stella Fischer, a 16-year-old junior from Bridgewater, captured regional titles. Cometa won the uneven bars with a score of 9.775, while Fischer took first place on floor exercise with the same score.
Other Level 10 national qualifiers include Mariyah Aranbayev, 17, of Jamaica Estates, Queens; Sophia Betz, 13, of East Hanover; Lexi Miller, 11, of Montville; Emma Roppatte, 17, of Essex Fells; Teneil Turnbull, 15, of Fairview; and Jamie McDonough, 17, of Palisades Park. Maria Verrone, 14, of Parsippany, was named a second alternate.
Aranbayev is a two-time national qualifier and Rutgers University full athletic scholarship recipient. Betz is also a two-time national qualifier and will compete for another region as a first alternate. Cometa, Fischer and Turnbull are three-time national qualifiers, while Miller and McDonough are first-time qualifiers. Roppatte, who has committed to Arizona State University, is a two-time qualifier, and McDonough, an Alabama commit, will compete as an All-Star on uneven bars.
The Level 10 athletes will compete May 6-10 at the USA Gymnastics Development Program National Championships in Oklahoma City.
In Level 9 competition, Ingrid Kim, 11, of New Hope, Pennsylvania; Mia Rogers, 12, of Scarsdale, New York; and Taylor Schlow, 13, of Warren, qualified for the Eastern Championships, scheduled for April 30 through May 3 in Savannah, Georgia.
Rogers also earned a regional title on balance beam with a score of 9.675.
At the regional meet, hundreds of gymnasts competed across multiple age groups, with only the top seven all-around finishers and one alternate per division advancing to nationals.
North Stars athletes are coached by Umberger, a former two-time USA Women’s National Team member, along with coaches Melissa Jones, Crystal Doherty and professional dance coach Miguel Solano of Complexions Ballet in New York.
Officials said the strong showing reflects years of training and dedication, with athletes now preparing to compete against top gymnasts from across the country.
