Sarie Morrison has come out of her shell.
The humble, quiet kid Richardson ISD girls coach Addi Ledford first met last year has blossomed before her eyes with a more outgoing demeanor.
"She has the kind of personality that makes her gymnastics shine," Ledford said.
That comfort helped her successfully defend her all-around title at last month's state meet.
Morrison, who is orally committed to LSU, also won the vault and uneven bars at state. She scored a 10 on the uneven bars during the optional round.
"Last year was my first year in public school," said Morrison, who attended Spring Creek Academy in Plano through her freshman year. "I'm more comfortable school-wise and gymnastics-wise. I felt like I was a lot stronger because I was able to compete a lot more this year. It was amazing to win state again."
Recent winners
| Year | Athlete | School | | 2004 | McKenzie Parrack | Rich. Pearce | | 2005 | Renee McEntire | Hurst L.D. Bell | | 2006 | Ashley Herman | Hurst L.D. Bell | | 2007 | Heather Kiser | Hurst L.D. Bell | | 2008 | Sarie Morrison | Lake Highlands | |
Girls first team
Team based on performances at the state meet.
| Name | School | Cl. | At state | | Chelsee Abbey | Keller | Jr. | 4th on vault | | Sarah Beasley | Rockwall | Fr. | 9th in all-around | | Maile Kendrick | Arl. Martin | So. | 10th in all-around | | Shelby Ferguson | Euless Trinity | Sr. | 2nd on vault | | Breanna Fields | Irv. MacArthur | Sr. | 5th in all-around, Tied 7th beam | | Margaret Mayfield | S. Garland | Jr. | 4th in all-around, 2nd on floor | | Brandi Rust | Hurst L.D. Bell | Sr. | 3rd on floor exercise | |
Girls coach of the year
Denise Hedges, Rockwall: A season after finishing eighth, Rockwall surged to a third-place finish at last month's state meet behind San Angelo Central and Humble Kingwood. Sarah Beasley (ninth in the all-around) and Lindsay Loy (15th in the all-around) paced Rockwall's effort. Rockwall finished second on the uneven bars and third on the floor exercise to secure the bronze.
