Three-sport athlete glad to be healthy for gymnastics

Hannah Perry is a three-sport athlete at Columbus North, a good student and an accomplished bow hunter and singer.

But when Perry sustained three avulsion fractures in her knee last summer, she was forced to miss her junior volleyball season, and making a full recovery for gymnastics was a question mark.

Fortunately for Perry, she was able to recover and has helped North to an undefeated season and a berth in Saturday’s Gymnastics State Finals.

“It’s been great,” Perry said. “I was really looking forward to this year since we have two very strong freshmen that have truly shaped our team into a really big state competitor, and I wouldn’t want to miss this season for the world. So it felt really good to come in the beginning of November and go at it with all my might.

“(Missing volleyball) was pretty tough,” she added. “I hadn’t had a big injury like that in a couple years, so it was definitely a mental burden. But when I heard the news that I could be well for gymnastics season, it made it all worth it because gymnastics is truly my love. It felt good that I was able to compete all this season.”

Columbus North’s Hannah Perry competes on the vault against Bloomington South and Edgewood Jan. 30 at Columbus North.

The Republic file photo

Perry has been an all-around competitor the past couple years and has been a consistent contributor to the Bull Dogs’ score on the vault, beam and floor this season.

“Bars has been a little bit of a struggle for me this year,” Perry said. “Skill-wise, I haven’t been strong on some of the event requirements. So it just makes me work harder, and hopefully next season, I bump up to competing all-around.”

All-around has been a key theme for Perry. In addition to competing in volleyball, gymnastics and track, she sings at her church and has sung the national anthem prior to several Bull Dog games. An Academic All-State selection in gymnastics, she also bagged a 9-point buck while bowhunting with her father and brother this winter in Brown County.

“It’s a lot on the mind, but I think even more on the body,” Perry said. “I find myself trying to dig deep and get all of that extra strength that I wouldn’t have otherwise. But it makes me mentally stronger, as well, because I feel like I’m a part of three different families that I can share things with and have extra bonds with. Then academics-wise, I just use my resources wisely, so I don’t have any homework after practices and meets and games.”

“It brings new meaning to the word, ‘all-arounder,’” North coach Bob Arthur added. “All of her activities that she’s able to do, everything she does, she does very well. I’m very proud of her and very happy to have her on the team with us.”

Perry, who plans to go to cosmetology school after graduation, is happy with how her gymnastics season has gone.

“It couldn’t be better,” Perry said. “We’re undefeated. I’m just really proud of all my teammates. I feel like we’ve grown so much as a team, and I don’t think a single person on this team takes full credit for anything. I think we all just lean on each other and pick that first person up for getting the ball rolling.”

Hannah Perry

North will be one of nine teams competing in the state finals beginning at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Ball State’s Worthen Arena.

“I’m really excited,” Perry said. “It’s by far my favorite meet, especially with my teammates. We always have a good time together, and I think we have a really chance to do very well at state. I feel like me and the rest of the juniors and the two seniors can give the freshmen a little bump of, ‘This is what we’re expecting, and try to keep your head screwed on straight when you walk into Ball State,’ because it is is truly a terrifying experience, but it’s also a really fun one if you put your mind to that.”

Arthur realizes Perry’s contribution to the team goes beyond how she performs in her routines.

“She’s been great, not only just from an athletic standpoint, but the leadership quality that she brings, the positivity she brings,” Arthur said. “When our kids are at a competition, if they have a successful routine, she’s the first one to pop up and give them a big hug. She’s definitely a positive influence on the team, a good leader.”

“I really try to bring my relationship with Jesus in everything I do,” Perry added. “That truly is very important to me. Everything I have and everything God has given me truly has shaped who I am, and I couldn’t thank Him enough for it.”