Most people graduate from Cornell happy to have earned a degree –– perhaps even honors. Others, like the members of last year’s gymnastics team, will leave Cornell as national champions. Do they think they can win the USAG title again in 2010?

“Absolutely,” said junior captain Maddie Pearsall. “I don’t think we would go into the season thinking anything less.”

The team has a lot to live up to after last season, as it became the first-ever non-scholarship school to win the USAG title. Cornell has its sights set on another title after only losing three gymnasts to graduation.

Leading the way this year will be senior captains Erin Brosy and Molly Parker, as well as Pearsall. Brosy is returning after missing two seasons with an injury, but as a freshman the Reno, Nevada native was a regular in the vault competition. Parker –– a two-time USAG All-American on bars –– will likely split her time between the vault and bars.

The final tri-captain for 2010, Pearsall has already built an impressive resume after just two seasons. Pearsall finished in the top 10 in all five events at last year’s USAG Championships, including second place in bars and all-around. The former ECAC Rookie of the Year should again compete in the All-Around this season.

Leadership will be much needed for the Red, as the team has a loaded schedule with several big-name schools looming. Cornell opens the season with Maryland and will face Penn State, Rutgers and Western Michigan before the ECAC and USAG Championships.

“I wouldn’t say [the schedule] is necessarily tougher than usual, but a lot of the teams we’ll see are full scholarship teams,” Pearsall said.

“I think the entire team is really excited for this season,” she added. “We want to carry [last season’s success] into Maryland and then George Washington. We’re going to see big teams right away.”

With the season just under two-months away, the rosters are still in flux. There are, however, some returning gymnasts who should make a splash this season. Junior Kerry Lavallee, last year’s Ivy and ECAC champ in vault, will spring right back into her spot, jointed by classmates Emily Santoro and Sun assistant design editor Irene Leung, as well as All-American Tiffany Chen.

The bars will be performed by Parker, junior Gabby Sanguineti and sophomore Bethany Neczypor. Seniors Brittany Howse and Emily Lenk will join Lavallee in floor.

Led by reigning Ivy Champ sophomore Melanie Standridge, the Red has depth in the beam competition. Senior Sarah Zelek and juniors Kim O’Donnell and Danielle Scott will join a rotation of gymnasts on the beam in 2010.

But until the new year, all the Red can do is wait –– and practice.

“That’s the trick with gymnastics, there’s never really a down period,” Pearsall said.

Especially when you’re busy winning national championships.