
JCC Mid-Westchester Gymnast of Scarsdale Wins First Place at Regional Competition
On June 2 in Westford, Massachusetts, Rachel Benson, a gymnast who trains at the JCC Mid-Westchester in Scarsdale, became the USA Gymnastics Xcel Platinum Regional Champion. She received first place on bars and floor, second place on beam, and first place all around. “She received her personal highest floor (9.825) and all around (38.05) scores to date, and produced the highest individual event score of the entire Platinum competition,” reported Serina Cirillo, Gymnastics Director of the JCCMW. “The tears rolled down my face as she held her final pose with poise, confidence, and grace. That one pose embodied everything Rachel is as a person and a gymnast. It was an exclamation point at the end of a beautiful, stressful, and ever-rewarding season.”
Rachel just completed her junior year at Leffell High School. She began doing gymnastics eleven years ago at the JCCMW when she was in elementary school. Her coach Serina Cirillo noted, “We knew from the moment we first saw her that she had natural talent and an ability to understand gymnastics at a young age.” Cirillo immediately invited her to the JCC’s pre-team, and then to their competitive team just one year later.
Rachel’s mother could not be more proud of her daughter’s dedication, hard work, and resilience in the face of challenges. Messages from other parents and coaches praised Rachel’s strong work ethic and passion for the sport, as well as her respect for the coaches, fellow team members, competitors, and herself.
Through the years, Rachel and her family have navigated the additional challenges that come with being observant Jews. Rachel’s father acknowledged the challenges but explained that they have received a great deal of help and support. “The coaches and gyms have been very accommodating,” he said. On Shabbat, Rachel couldn’t carry the equipment with her to competitions, so they made arrangements to get it there before Shabbat, and we stayed in hotels nearby. Twice this year, there were competitions on Fridays. If it was close to Shabbat, they would move her along through the different disciplines so that she could complete her part before Shabbat.”
Rachel is an excellent student and takes great pride in her many leadership roles and extracurricular activities. This summer Rachel will continue to follow her passion as an Assistant Gymnastics Coach at the JCCMW while she trains with their Competitive team.