Local Gymnasts Soar to State Competition

Two young athletes from Port Angeles and Sequim qualify for Washington state gymnastics meet

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Two promising young gymnasts from Port Angeles and Sequim, Elyse Brown and Emily Bair, have qualified to compete at the upcoming Washington state 1A/2A/3A gymnastics meet on February 19-20 at Sammamish High School. Elyse Brown, a freshman from Port Angeles, qualified in three events - floor exercise, vault, and uneven bars - while Emily Bair, a freshman from Sequim, secured her spot on the beam. The success of these athletes is attributed to the dedication of their coaches, Laura Blevins and Elizabeth DeFrang, and the strong gymnastics programs in the region.

Why it matters

The qualification of these young gymnasts signals a positive trend for gymnastics in the Pacific Northwest, highlighting the growth of youth programs and high school gymnastics. Strong community support and investment in local sports can help sustain these programs and provide opportunities for aspiring athletes to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.

The details

Elyse Brown, a freshman from Port Angeles, qualified for the state meet in a remarkable three events: floor exercise, vault, and uneven bars. Her impressive performance also earned her fourth place in the all-around competition at the district level. Joining her will be Emily Bair, a freshman from Sequim, who secured her spot on the beam. The success of these athletes is a testament to the dedication of their coaches, Sequim/Port Angeles assistant coach Laura Blevins and head coach Elizabeth DeFrang, who have played a crucial role in nurturing the talent of Brown and Bair.

  • The Washington state 1A/2A/3A gymnastics meet is scheduled for February 19-20, 2026.
  • Elyse Brown and Emily Bair qualified for the state meet through their performances at the district competition.

The players

Elyse Brown

A freshman gymnast from Port Angeles who qualified for the state meet in three events: floor exercise, vault, and uneven bars.

Emily Bair

A freshman gymnast from Sequim who qualified for the state meet on the beam.

Laura Blevins

The assistant coach for the Sequim/Port Angeles gymnastics team, who has played a crucial role in the success of Brown and Bair.

Elizabeth DeFrang

The head coach for the Sequim/Port Angeles gymnastics team, who has also been instrumental in the development of Brown and Bair.

Sammamish High School

The host of the Washington state 1A/2A/3A gymnastics meet, which emphasizes strong leadership and a positive learning culture in its athletic programs.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The state gymnastics meet on February 19-20 will provide a competitive environment for athletes from across Washington, including Elyse Brown and Emily Bair, to showcase their skills and compete for state titles.

The takeaway

The qualification of Elyse Brown and Emily Bair for the Washington state gymnastics meet highlights the growing strength of gymnastics programs in the Pacific Northwest. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of local coaches and the support of the community, which can help sustain and expand access to quality sports programs for young athletes.