New coach breathes life into Scots program

  • Tony Dondero<br>Enterprise writer
  • Monday, March 3, 2008 11:42am

By Tony Dondero

Enterprise reporter

SHORELINE

Shorecrest’s new head coach, former University of Washington gymnast Carly Dockendorf, has injected her enthusiasm and passion for the sport into the Scots’ practices this season.

She tailors the individual workouts of each gymnast so they are in tune with goals they have set.

“My main coaching philosophy is that each girl is different in what they’re capable of doing and each girl is different in what their goals are for the season,” Dockendorf said. “Hopefully each girl can achieve what they want to achieve.”

For some that could mean a trip to the state 3A meet at the Tacoma Dome in February, for others the goal may be to simply improve their skills.

The Scots top gymnast back from last season is junior Megan Farris, who competes in all four events the uneven bars, balance beam, vault and floor exercise.

A club gymnast, Farris “has the most background in gymnastics” of all the Scots, Dockendorf said.

Senior CC Finnoy, an exchange student from Norway, also is expected to be a big contributor in all events.

“She’s outstanding,” Dockendorf said. “She hasn’t done gymnastics for quite a few years, but she’s learning her skills back.”

Sophomore Heather Pence and junior Sarah Jacobson also are poised to make an impact as all-around gymnasts.

Thirty-six girls tried out for the team and 21 made the cut. The majority of the girls on the team are newcomers and some are brand new to the sport, Dockendorf said.

“I think there’s only eight returning girls on the team,” she said. “Our JV group, I’m so impressed with our JV group. Each week I’m seeing improvement within them.”

As far as evaluating the team’s strengths in a particular event, Dockendorf said the Scots are fairly balanced, although the beam, considered the hardest event, needs the most work.

Dockendorf replaced Bonnie Carr who resigned after four years as head coach. Shorewood coach Susan Riley, who has coached gymnastics at Shorewood and Shorecrest for 17 years, said Dockendorf “has brought life back” to the team.

“She’s doing a great job with the girls over there, the core of (the team) is really good,” Riley said, whose T-birds travel to meets with the Scots. “The better they become, the more it pushes my team.”

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