10 gymnasts to watch for 2022 fall season
Hannah Hughes of Middle Country stands atop the podium after taking first place in vault (9.70) during the NYSPHSAA gymnastics state championship meet at Kenmore West High School in Buffalo on March 5. Credit: James Escher
Meet Newsday's 10 gymnasts to watch for the fall 2022 season, listed alphabetically. (Note: Nassau gymnastics competes in the winter)
1. Aspyn Alfaro, North Babylon, So.
She was 13th in the All-Around (31.825) at the Suffolk Individual Championships and tied for 14th on the beam (8.15).
2. Julia Ciurleo, Commack, Sr.
She was 14th in the All-Around (25.875) at the Suffolk Individual Championships and placed eighth on vault (8.9).
3. Adison Eisenberg, Half Hollow Hills, Jr.
She placed sixth in the All-Around (35.05) at the Suffolk Individual Championships last fall. The Half Hollow Hills East standout was fourth on vault (9.2) and fifth on bars (8.55).
4. Isabella Field, Bay Shore/Islip, So.
Isabella Field of Bay Shore/Islip performs on the floor during the Suffolk girls gymnastics team championships at West Islip on Nov. 2, 2021. Credit: Brad Penner
She placed fourth in the All-Around (35.525) at the Suffolk Individual Championships last fall. The Islip standout placed second on floor (9.25).
5. Hannah Hughes, Middle Country, So.
She won the state championship on the vault as a freshman, scoring 9.7 with the Yurchenko layout last March. The Newfield standout was second in the All-Around (35.9) at the Suffolk Individual Championships last fall.
6. Alex Melchiona, Connetquot, Sr.
Alexandra Melchiona of Connetquot performs on the floor during the Suffolk girls gymnastic team championships on April 17, 2021 at Smithtown East. Credit: Dawn McCormick
She’s the defending Suffolk individual All-Around champion after scoring a 37.125 last fall. She won on floor (9.275), beam (9.4), and bars (9.15). She finished 10th in the state in the All-Around (36.275).
7. Avery Melchiona, Connetquot, Fr.
She was ninth in the All-Around (33.5) at the Suffolk Individual Championships last fall. She placed fifth on floor (9.025) and sixth on bars (8.525). Younger sister of Alex Melchiona.
8. Emily Picone, North Babylon, Sr.
She finished 12th in the All-Around (32.6) at the Suffolk Individual Championships last fall and tied for 13th on vault (8.5).
9. Madisyn Rodriguez, Middle Country, So.
Madisyn Rodriguez of Middle Country performs on the beam during the Suffolk girls gymnastics team championships at West Islip on Nov. 2, 2021. Credit: Brad Penner
She placed 10th in the All-Around (33.425) at the Suffolk Individual Championships and was ninth on the beam (8.575).
10. Makayla Turpo-Barbero, Babylon, Fr.
She placed 11th in the All-Around (33.175) at last fall’s Suffolk Individual Championships. She tied for seventh on the floor (8.925) and eighth on the bars (8.45).