Cameron Overstreet could be a good vaulter (VA)

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http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news/comm ... -0005.html

Atlee freshman Overstreet found her niche early

Friday, Dec 28, 2007 - 12:06 AM Updated: 10:15 AM


Freshman Cameron Overstreet is new to Atlee, but not gymnastics. Last spring, she won the state USA-Gymnastics Level 8 title. She now competes at Level 9. Photo By: JOE MAHONEY/TIMES-DISPATCH

By FRED JETER
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
She's such a natural, it's hard to imagine Atlee High freshman Cameron Overstreet when she wasn't performing gymnastics.

You almost can visualize a cooing Overstreet using the crib rails for a balance beam . . .

Swinging from the mobile . . .

Back flipping from mom's lap to dad's arms . . .

Doing splits across the living room rug . . .

Requesting leotards instead of foot pajamas . . .

A grand exaggeration, you insist? Well, not by much.

In the beginning: The daughter of dentists Susan and Doug Overstreet was a toddling 2½ when mom enrolled her at Hanover Olympiad.

"She needed something to do," Susan said. "We were lucky. She was good at the first thing we got her involved with."

By age 6, Overstreet was competing.

"Since she was a baby, Cameron had a personality that outshined everyone," said her then-and-now coach Donna Koehler. "You could tell how much she loved it. She never wanted to go home . . . always wanted more."

Raiders rule: With a best score of 36.95, the 5-5, 120-pound Overstreet has earned top all-around honors in each of her first three Atlee meets.

Under Koehler, who doubles as Atlee and All-Smiles Gym coach, the Raiders have captured 12 of the past 14 Central Region titles.

"I was really excited to become a part of the team," the 15-year-old said. "I went to states with the girls last year just to watch. I've always wanted to compete for Atlee."

Koehler has long awaited Overstreet's arrival.

"I knew from the beginning I'd stay as [Atlee] coach at least until Cameron got here," Koehler said. "And now I'm sure to be here four years longer."

Last spring, Overstreet won the state USA-Gymnastics Level 8 title. She since has graduated to Level 9. Her next private-sector meet will be Jan. 6 at VCU's Siegel Center.

Raising the bar: Overstreet practices gymnastics five days a week -- yet still makes time for Atlee track and field.

She recently took up the pole vault and cleared 8-0 in a meet at Christopher Newport. The Atlee track and gymnastics squads are joined at the hip.

Gymnasts Emma Dejarnette and Rachael Hawks each have cleared 11-0 in the vault, under the tutelage of Kyle Bishop.

Ultimate compliment: "Cameron is another Emma Cross, to the tell the truth," Koehler said.

Cross, now teaching at Kersey Creek Elementary in Mechanicsville, was a four-time region overall champion from 1998-2001.

"Emma was always one of my heroes along with Emily Jeremiah [former Atlee star now at William and Mary] . . . and really all the girls on the team now," Overstreet said.

Going pro? The truth is out. Overstreet has let it leak that she's been competing for pay since way back.

"My father and I would have pull-up contests -- for money," she said with a laugh. "We'd bet a penny on it. He'd usually do one more, but sometimes I'd win."