Sr. Gymnast Jolie Bellaff
Name: Jolie Bellaff
Sport: Gymnastics
Grade: Sr.
Team Record: 3-2
Recent team results: The team has been on a roll, winning their last three meets against Ramapo, Wayne Valley, and Clifton.
Expectations for the current season:
“For the team, [our expectations are to] continue to increase our scores with every meet. As for me, [I just want to] keep doing whatever I can to help the team win. [As] the younger girls [keep trying] new things and we all come together as a team, [I know] we can keep growing our scores.”
Coach’s comment:
“[Jolie Bellaff] is a 4-year veteran of [the PV Gymnastics team],” Coach Alison Petaccia said. “When she first started competing as a frosh, she only competed on [vault]; however, this season she is now competing on all four events which means she is an all-around athlete as a gymnast. [Bellaff pushes her teammates] to do their best because when she comes to practice she [works very hard and excels] at everything she [puts] her mind to…Because Jolie competes in all four events, her scores are always contributing to our overall team score.”
“[Bellaff] is pushing [her teammates] to do their best because when she comes to practice she is also working very hard and excelling at everything she is putting her mind to.” — Coach Alison Petaccia
Other sports she plays:
Bellaff also participates in winter cheerleading and spring lacrosse. Her favorite sport is gymnastics due to all the time and work she has put into it.
“I’ve been doing gymnastics since I was 5, so I just have the biggest connection to [gymnastics].”
What she likes most about her sport:
“I like that you feel like you’re flying even though you’re not actually flying. [Gymnastics] also gives you a lot of skills that not a lot of other humans have. It gives you great spatial awareness, balance, and fun party tricks.”
How she got into gymnastics:
“I started doing [gymnastics] when I was 5 and I’ve been attached ever since.”
Best gymnastics memory:
“We won counties in Freshman and Sophomore year [and] we were very competitive with [Academy of Holy Angels]. Being able to edge them out in those two years to be county champions felt great.”
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Petaccia (Gymnastics coach)
Pregame meal/snacks: a sandwich and grapes
Favorite pro athlete: Kerri Strug
Future plans:
“Doing college gymnastics isn’t my top priority, but if the college I end up attending does [have a gymnastics team, then] there is a big possibility I will end up doing [college club gymnastics].”