Abbey Tsao

-School: Potomac Falls
-Club: Gymini Gymnastics
-Favorite event: Floor exercise
-GPA: 4.38
-School activities: National Honor Society, Leo Club, PEER, Senior Advisory Board

Abbey Tsao gained her first exposure to gymnastics at age 5 when she attended a birthday party at a gym. The Potomac Falls High School senior admits it was love at first sight.

“I just fell in love with it then,” Tsao said. “I started practicing in the family room and begged my parents to put me in a class.”

More than a decade later, Tsao’s fervor for the sport remains as strong as ever. “It’s my passion. I absolutely love it.”

Tsao has developed into a Level 8 gymnast. She is in her fourth season at Potomac Falls and also competes for Gymini Gymnastics in Herndon.

“If I’m out of the gym for a week I go a little crazy,” said Tsao, speaking of a summer vacation that was absent of gymnastics-related activities. “I get ants in my pants.”

That passion and drive has led to many stellar performances. Tsao qualified for the Virginia AA/AAA state competition in three or more events in each of her three varsity seasons. She won the all-around in her division at the Glory Days Grill Invitational last winter and recently placed first in the all-around at a six-team meet featuring Dulles District teams.

Tsao also excels in the classroom and is involved with several school activities.

Her current GPA is 4.38, ranking among the top five percent of seniors at Potomac Falls. Tsao is the Vice President of the National Honor Society and participates in Positive Experiences in Education Relationships, Senior Advisory Board and the Leo Club, a volunteer group sponsored by the Sterling Lions.

Potomac Falls has been one of the top gymnastics teams in the Dulles District in recent seasons. Tsao hopes the Panthers - coached by Misty Keller - will continue that trend this winter.

“We have a pretty strong team this year,” Tsao said. “It would be really great if we could win districts or at least place top three. That would be a big accomplishment.” 

Tsao plans to continue with gymnastics at the club level in college. With the conclusion of her varsity career looming, Tsao aims to excel and enjoy her final campaign.

“I definitely want to go to states. That is probably my main goal. I just want to go out there and have fun and enjoy each meet since this is my last year, take it all in.”