L.V. sophomore shines at Gymnastics Championships

Locust Valley High School sophomore Celeste Field took home the National Champion Award for vaulting at the 2023 USA Gymnastics Women’s Development Program National Championships in Oklahoma City in May.

Field, 15, prepared a new vault with her coaches for the competition over the past few months and was not sure what to expect going into the championships.

“I was so happy it paid off and I think my coaches’ reactions were probably the best part of the experience,” Field said. “I’m really proud of myself, my coaches and my parents for all the work and dedication we put into the process.”

Field has spent the year preparing for the competition with coaches Kevin Budney, Amanda Depaola and Rob Wing at Apex Athletics in St. James. She travels to the practice facility every day, leaving school around 1 p.m. and getting home close to 8 p.m. most nights.

“All of my teachers have been very helpful,” Field said. “I miss a lot of school during meet season, and they’ve empowered me to go for it. The school has been very accepting of what I’m doing, and everyone has helped me a lot.” Field makes up her work and studies often when she’s on the road to events.

After placing ninth in the country in her age group, Field is going into college recruitment with an open mind.

“With my other teammates that have gone through that, it seems like a cool experience,” Field said. “Right now, I’m just excited and grateful that any school might have interest in me.”