Amber, Courtnee, and Shylen scored in the top 12% in the country for TOPs, earning the right to compete at National TOPs Testing in Huntsville, Texas September 25-27.
TOPs (Talent Opportunity Program) is a talent search and educational program for female gymnast ages
7-11 and their coaches. Over 2700 athletes competed this year for 300 slots at the National Team Training Center.  

Shylen, age 9, Courtnee, age 10, and Amber, age 9 have been training TOPs for four years at Go For It.  They train 20 hours per week.  Perfector Head Coach Jessica Yaklin is incredibly proud, saying “Amber, Coutnee, and Shylen are very hard workers and a pleasure to work with. Qualifying to the National TOPS testing proves that their hard work is paying off. They have a tremendous love for the sport and will continue to succeed in every aspect of gymnastics as they grow.”

Coach Derek Yaklin has high hopes for Courtnee, Amber, and Shylen, saying, “This will be a new experience for the girls. They have handled pressure in the past with flying colors, but now they are going to be competing against the best in the country for only a few slots to make the TOP’s Team.” 

With the addition of skills testing in this round, as well as preparing for the upcoming competition season, the girls have plenty of hard work ahead of them.  According to Amber, “To be a part of something so special makes all the hard work worth it.”  Courtnee agrees, saying “It feels great to know I am going to national testing against all those other girls.”  Asked what she has learned from training and competing for TOPs, Shylen said, “Training for TOPs has taught me that anything is possible if you set goals and put your mind and heart into reaching them.” 

Keep up the great work, girls! Your friends, family, coaches, teammates, and community will be cheering you on when you head to Texas!