On top of competitive gymnastics, sophomore Hailey Dao excels in track, pole vaulting, and flag football. This rigorous schedule keeps her busy, with multiple afternoon practices followed by late nights doing homework.
Dao practices six days a week, often engaging in two or more sports on the same day. To kick off her athletic career, Dao began ballet lessons at the age of 3. However, she quit ballet to focus on gymnastics, which has been her main sport since.
“I quit ballet to focus on competitive gymnastics, which I’ve done for eleven years now,” Dao said.
Although her dance career was short-lived, her background in ballet allowed Dao to seamlessly transition into gymnastics.
Dao practices gymnastics at Peninsula Gymnastics five days a week, for three hours each day. Her practices include warm-ups, conditioning, and preparing for spring and winter competitions. She competes at the highest level of the Xcel gymnastics program, the Diamond division.
Burlingame sophomore Ella Ding has been Dao’s teammate for three years, growing close through similar schedules.
“Hailey always brings a fun spirit to practice whilst being concentrated and focused on her skills,” Ding said. “Whenever anyone’s injured or doubting themselves, she’s always there to support you during practice.”
Dao’s gymnastics coach, Cherise Mostajo, has also noted Dao’s capabilities and accomplishments throughout the last decade.
“She makes a great gymnast that the younger generation looks up to, which makes me very proud to have her as a part of our gymnastics community,” Mostajo said.
Dao’s hard work extends beyond gymnastics, as she has dedicated her high school career to perfecting other sports as well.
“Gymnastics is super fun, but it is also applicable to other sports, like track and pole vaulting,” Dao said.
Dao joined the track team at the start of high school, mainly to learn how to pole vault. Despite not having a pole vaulting team at Carlmont, Dao continues to pursue the sport.
“During the season, since we don’t have a team here, I go to Sequoia or Aragon once or twice a week to practice pole vaulting,” Dao said.
In addition to extracurriculars, Dao maintains an athletic presence at Carlmont, having led the JV flag football team for two years.
As a star player, Dao is the junior varsity running back and often motivates the Scots toward victories, especially during league-winning games.
Dao has flag football practice five days a week, developing various skills, including strength, speed, and leadership.
Practicing multiple sports after tiring hours of school is difficult, but it has taught Dao a valuable lesson.
“Despite the hard schedule, I like it. It’s tough to balance school and multiple sports, but it’s taught me to plan out my time and manage myself wisely,” Dao said.
