Local youth gymnast vaults into state competition next month

A La Conner Elementary School second grader is already a first-class gymnast.

Lailoni Edwards, 7, who practices four times weekly at Ground Zero Gymnastics in Mount Vernon, placed second all-round and first in vault in her division at a youth meet in Shelton.

That performance qualified her for state trials April 9-11 in Tacoma.

She is proof, at such a young age, that dedication and discipline can equal success.

“I think the most important aspect of her accomplishments in gymnastics is it is truly her passion and drive,” Lailoni’s mom, Anna Young, told the Weekly News.

“Her dad and I both have no background whatsoever with gymnastics. It’s really 110% her choice and her commitment to want to compete at the highest level she can. That’s truly incredible.”

“Her dad and I,” Young added, “have both said if she wants to try and do other things, she can.”

Lailoni’s dad, Jesse Edwards, is an assistant coach with the La Conner High School girls basketball program and was a standout Braves’ hoops and baseball player in the early ‘90s.

Lailoni’s older sister, Nakiya Luna, played basketball collegiately for the Skagit Valley Cardinals after starring at La Conner.

Other family members across the generations, including Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Senate Chairman Steve Edwards, have excelled in sports. Now they are all a part of Lailoni’s fan club.

“Lailoni is blessed with a huge family and much community support,” said Young.

“She has been so accustomed to being raised in a loving, caring, and sharing family that I don’t think she knows any different. She has great respect for her elders and takes treating others very seriously.”

Lailoni started gymnastics four years ago, at age three.

“She has always enjoyed gymnastics, from day one,” Young said.

Only a global pandemic has kept her out of the gym.

“She has had a few long breaks in between due to COVID,” said Young, adding that Lailoni also missed two meets this year due to pandemic protocols.

While she stands out in terms of sheer talent, there’s another factor that makes her unique on the youth gymnastics circuit.

“She is one of the few native girls who compete at gymnastics,” Young said.

That could change very quickly, though, thanks to her impact on the community.

“I think Lailoni’s encouraging spirit would definitely help other Swinomish youth to take up gymnastics,” Young said. “She is the type of girl who would encourage them all the way.”

Now, Lailoni will be in Tacoma next month with a couple teammates who also qualified for the state contests.

“Gymnastics is a huge commitment,” Young conceded, “and a lot of missing out on other things most kids are doing. I am continually impressed by her passion and dedication to this sport.”