All season, the women’s gymnastics team has been spearheaded by the talents of Allison Buckley, the freshman standout who has captured numerous event titles and Big Ten honors. However, in the biggest meet of Buckley’s young career, most of her Illini teammates will be absent.

“It’s going to be different … I definitely wish our own team could be there,” Buckley said about qualifying for the 2008 NCAA Gymnastics Championships as an individual.

At the South Central Regional Competition on April 12, Illinois took third place, behind No. 4 Alabama and No. 10 Oklahoma, falling just short of punching a ticket to Nationals. Though the entire team will not be making the trip to Athens, Ga., for the competition, the Orange and Blue will still be adequately represented.

Buckley and fellow all-around qualifier Nicole Cowart left Champaign-Urbana on Tuesday and will compete Thursday during event preliminary competition. How Buckley performs in the afternoon session and how Cowart competes in the morning session will determine whether either advances to Saturday’s finals.

The top four finishes in each event – vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise – will be named first team All-Americans. Places five through eight in the various events will receive second team All-American honors.

Although the two gymnasts feel this competition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the experience has also been bittersweet.

“To be honest, (competing as an individual) is definitely not something any gymnast would like to do,” Cowart said. “We all had it in our hearts to make Nationals this year. For me, I would love to have my whole team there. It’s not the same thing to go to a competition and knowing you have to do well because it’s for yourself. I like to see us flourish as a team and see how we do together. But it’s obviously an opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m very excited about it.”

Head coach Bob Starkell believes Buckley and Cowart will find personal success at the meet.

Knowing how much it takes to prepare for a national competition, Starkell has also been pleased with the progress the two underclassmen have been making.

“They haven’t shown any signs of stress or nervousness,” Starkell said. “They’ve been going away like they have all season. Both of the ladies are true competitors, and it would take a lot to shake them.”

As the condensed team travels from Illinois to Georgia, everyone is remaining very optimistic. Buckley, Cowart and the coaching staff are excited to see “some really good gymnastics” and plan to bring more home from the experience than just memories.

“I was really super excited (to qualify to Nationals), especially being a freshman,” Buckley said. “It’s a huge experience. I was ecstatic to make it. I wish the team could have come, but making it individually is a huge accomplishment. I’ll just bring everybody with me next year.”