az grown community
Arizona Sunrays boasts two
OLYMPIC HOPEFUL GYMNASTS FINGERS CROSSED, Arizonans could be
University, which she has deferred in
cheering on two local gymnasts at this
order to train full time for the Olympics.
summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. Jade
McCusker, 19, is a five-time member
Jade Carey (above) and Riley McCusker (inset).
emotionally abusing gymnasts. A selection committee will determine who is competing at the Olympic
Carey and Riley McCusker, who are training
of the United States Women’s National
Trials following the U.S. Gymnastics
at Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics & Dance
Gymnastics Team. She is the 2019 Pan
Championships June 3-6 in Fort Worth,
Center in Phoenix, are expected to compete
American Games and 2017 United
Texas, where both Carey and McCusker
at the June 24-27 Olympic Trials in St.
States National Uneven Bars Champion.
are competing. Arizona Sunrays is taking
Louis, Missouri, and may go on to Tokyo.
She was also a 2018 World Champion
donations to help these young women cover
Team Member. McCusker was offered
the cost of flights, hotels and meals on their
Ridge High School in Glendale and is
a full-ride scholarship to the University
Olympic journey at arizonasunrays.com
best known for her powerful and high-
of Florida, but has also deferred in order
difficulty vault and floor exercise. On
to train full time for the Olympics.
year in business in the Valley; it offers
vault, she is the 2017 and 2019 World
McCusker was born and raised in
gymnastics, dance and NinjaZone classes
Silver Medalist, 2019 World Champion
Connecticut and moved to Arizona in
for all ages, as well as classes for children
Team Member, 2018 Pan American
2020 to train with Carey at Arizona
with special needs, an accredited preschool
Champion and 2017 United States
Sunrays. Her former New Jersey coach,
and a summer day camp. The gym has two
National Champion. Carey was offered
Maggie Haney, was suspended for eight
locations: 15801 N. 32nd St. and 3923 E.
a full-ride scholarship to Oregon State
years by USA Gymnastics for verbally and
Indian School Road in Phoenix.
Carey, 21, graduated from Mountain
10 June 2021 RaisingARIZONAKids.com
Arizona Sunrays is celebrating its 30th
