BROCKPORT, N.Y. – Gustavus gymnast Alex Kopp (Jr., Wayzata, Minn.) etched her name among elite company in a decorated program Friday at the NCGA Championships. Kopp placed ninth in the all-around competition to earn All-America honors, becoming the 52nd Gusties to do so, while attaining the 94th All-America award in program history.
“It was such a fun meet and an incredible atmosphere to be competing with the best gymnasts in the nation,” Kopp said. “There was some ridiculous talent out there. It was my personal goal all year to place in the top ten all-around at nationals, and I am so happy that I was able to achieve that today. Next year I’m hoping to take the whole team with me to nationals!”
Kopp recorded scores of 9.625 on vault (career-high), 9.225 on bars, 9.600 on beam, and 9.650 on floor for a total of 38.100, placing ninth in the nation.
“Alex’s consistency throughout the season set her up for the success she had today,” Head Coach Aryn Bell said. “The night started off great with vault and continued right on through floor with another huge routine. It’s really tough to be an all-arounder. To do one event in college gymnastics is an accomplishment in and of itself. To do all four, and do them consistently at the high level Alex is, is an incredible accomplishment. It was really beneficial rotating with UW-La Crosse again this year. Having rotated with them last year, it was comfortable. They adopted her as one of their team members and supported her as such. Their energy and positivity was a big added bonus to Alex’s performance and the overall experience of the night.”
Kopp continues competition at the national meet Saturday as she competes in three individual events – vault, floor, and beam. Competition begins at 3:10 p.m.