What is TOP?

TOP stands for Talent Opportunity Program.  The TOP program falls under the women's elite program in USA Gymnastics.  The program is designed to identify talented young gymnasts in the country and to also identify deficiencies in fitness and skill levels and communicate these back to the coach and athlete.  The TOP program is also dedicated to educating the gymnasts and their coaches in order to help them reach their goals.  The TOP program can be used to enhance early preparation of skill level or to serve as a "fast-track" for young athletes from the early years of training to the international level.  

However, TOP is not only good for the elite hopefuls.  TOP is a program based on proper conditioning, flexibility, posture, dance, and optional basics.  The skills and conditioning worked on in the TOP program will benefit any gymnast and program.  You do not have to be an elite level program to be a part of TOP.  Even if you only have JO compulsories in your program you can participate and benefit from the TOP program.  Think of it as a conditioning and flexibility contest for your young gymnasts.  Most gymnasts like a challange.  Challenge them to improve their gymnastics by participation.  Encourage them to set strength and flexibility goals, and then have them compared to other TOP athletes across the country.  There is no event skill level required to participate in state testings.  The Physical Abilities portion is the only thing tested.  If your athlete excells in the Physical Abilities portion and qualifies to National Testing, then event skills will be tested.

You can get your Physical Ability and Physical Skills information from the TOPs manual. 

Kathy Semok -This site is designed by Kathy Semok to help those clubs interested in USAG's Talent Opportunity Program get information, updates, and answers to questions.  Kathy Semok is the  North Florida TOP Manager.  Kathy has been involved in gymnastics for the past 33 years.  She has been coaching in Florida for 16 years.  She is employed by Park Avenue Gymnastics www.parkavenuegymnastics.com of Cooper City, Florida were she is the Team Coordinator. Kathy has been involved in the TOP program since 2000.  She has attended the National Testings and Training Camps over the past 8 years.

My goal is to simplify participation in the TOP program in order to encourage more Florida clubs to become involved.  The conditioning, flexibility, and attention to basics will help enhance the level of gymnastics in Florida, helping the state to continue to thrive at Regional and National competitions. 

Kathy is a graduate of Bowling Green State University were she competed in gymnastics from 1988 to 1992.  She was the captain of the squad in 1992 and held the school uneven bar record.  She studied sport management and graduated with a BS degree in education. She is also a NATA Certified Athletic Trainer and is licensed by the state of Florida.  She is KAT and Safety Certified. 

Kathy's passion is her son, Michael (7 years old) and of course gymnastics!