Kayla Williams: one to watch

The 16-year-old from West Virginia is the first I’ve seen to do a triple full — as a side pass. Hard to believe she’s still a Level 10 (she’ll be going for elite this summer) with tumbling and vaulting like that. Granted, some of her dance elements could use a bit of work. Still, the tumbling!

Vault:

From the Charleston (West Virginia) Gazette:

The 16-year-old Williams, who trains at Bozhi’s Gym Nest in Huntington, received the exclusive invitation to the Karolyi’s 500-acre ranch in New Waverly, Texas, after Steve Penny, the president of USA Gymnastics, saw Williams’ performance on the floor exercise and vault during nationals…

Williams, who maintains a 3.80 grade-point average, is also drawing attention from the top colleges around the country. She has been contacted by 20 of the top 25 gymnastics schools and has already taken unofficial visits to Michigan ant WVU.

“They’re like tripping over each other now,” said Hrabrina Spencer, Williams’ coach at the Gym Nest. “They’re all interested. They all want her. At nationals all the college coaches are there. They were all piling up at the gym where she was performing.”

Georgia, the 10-time NCAA Division I champion, visited the Gym Nest last week while Arkansas and Florida are set for visits Friday. Alabama and UCLA have scheduled visits next month while Auburn, Michigan and WVU have already made appearances.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Williams. “I like to have my options open – who’s going to best fit with my personality? I don’t have any favorites as to where I want to go.”