Channahon Girl Grabs 2 Top 10 Berths at National Tumbling and Trampoline Event

Lindsay Freese, 12, seventh grader at Minooka Junior High School

Her family doesnʼt own a trampoline. But where there is a will there is a way. Lindsay Freese finds one.

Whether it be a neighborʼs or one at the I&M Gymnastics & Sports Training Center in Channahon, one can find Freese jumping and performing dynamic aerial tricks on a trampoline.

Last week Freese and her teammates of the I & M Elite Stars Tumblers and Trampoline traveled to West Virginia to compete in nationals.

“I felt nervous, excited and wanted to do good,” Freese said. “ I wasnʼt used to the equipment because the warm-up time is very short. I was afraid to fall and have the judges deduct points.”

For only her second time competing in a national tournament, Freese placed eighth in tumbling and 10th in the trampoline.

“It was a great experience,” Freese said.

She said she also met knew people and will become best of friends.

Freese said her coaches are wonderful and they donʼt push her into things quickly.

“They help me work up to my level,” Freese said. “I like that I have to learn new skills and tricks. I also get stronger by conditioning.”

Freese likes to challenge herself.

“People donʼt realize that it takes the mind and body to tumble and be on the trampoline,” Freese said. “Lots of the boys at school try to tell me that this isnʼt a sport. I have to lift my own body weight and control my tricks.”

Her greatest accomplishment is that she has advanced so quickly in tumbling and on the trampoline. Come November, Freese will have completed two years with her team.

“My friend Alexa Aspan is always there for me and never lets me down,” Freese said. “At nationals she supported me via texting. My parents and grandparents are really proud of me too.”

She will begin working on new routines for competition in October. This summer, when not tumbling or jumping on a trampoline, Freese plans to go swimming with her friends at the

Freese has no favorite genre of music. She likes to listen to it all. She tunes into ''Spongebob Squarepants'' when itʼs on. She may even eat her favorite meal; macaroni and cheese while Spongebob and Patrick explore Bikini Bottom.

When school begins, Freese will be cheerleading at the MJHS boys and girls basketball games. She also wants to get involved with the drama club.

Her favorite subject in school is math and she plans to continue her honor roll status.

Her plan is to become a veterinarian and continue with her sports in college. She would love to become a professional in tumbling and on the trampoline.