In Focus: Northey And Metcalf Are 'The 50 Percent'
December 30, 2015 | General, Gymnastics
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
Allie Northey and Sheridan Metcalf looked at each other and started to laugh, while they tried not to cry.
The two Washington gymnastics seniors had yet to take the time to let it sink in that this is their final season with Huskies. The only two members of a four-gymnast recruiting class that arrived on campus four years ago, this duo calls themselves “the 50 percent.”
This was the reason they were laughing. When it comes to Washington seniors, Northey and Metcalf make up the entire class, and they are enjoying every moment as they prepare for the season-opening meet at home on Jan. 9 against Ohio State.
“There is an incredible bond you share with your class coming in,” Northey said.
But, while the duo works to make this last season their best, the seniors are approaching things from a different perspective. Northey is looking to set personal bests in each event, while Metcalf shares her knowledge as a student coach.
“It's been a journey, a long, hard one,” Metcalf said. “Four people came in our freshman year. She's the only one left doing actual gymnastics, but we're both still here, so we have a special bond. We know we're the two people who stuck it out.”
As a sophomore, doctors told Metcalf her body would no longer let her compete. She loved the sport. She didn't want to let it go, so she embraced a new role.
“I still wanted to be involved in this team and every aspect of it without physically contributing,” she said. “It was who I am. It is still who I am.”
Northey added, “For me, it was hard when she stopped and I had to continue on my own as a senior, but she's still at practice every day. She's still my best friend on the team. It doesn't feel that different, as long as she's around, but things have definitely changed.”
These days Metcalf is adept at toeing the line between coach and teammate. She is a conduit between the coaching staff and the athletes.
“I try to balance being a teammate and a friend to these girls,” Metcalf said. “In the gym I wear the coach's hat, but I still do everything with the girls that I would if I was on the team with them every day.
“The only challenging part is trying to put aside those friendships in the gym.”
With more than a year of experience, Metcalf now understands her role.
During practices, if there is a light moment in the gym, it is typically Metcalf and Northey who are doing most of the laughing. They have been around long enough to know when to have fun and when to be serious.
“I want to make Allie's last year the best it can be,” Metcalf said.
Northey set out this season to have her best year in the program. But, as a senior, she has added a new priority, a new goal focused on helping younger teammates.
“I want to fill in that senior captain role as best I can,” she said. “That's something that's a lot different for me than in years past, realizing since it is my last year, I am the model – I guess you could say – the other girls might want to follow.
“I tend to lead by example, so pushing myself will push the team and help the team see the standard I try to hold myself to.”
This season, Northey considers herself to be a “Mama Bear.” She wants to make sure everyone on the team is having a positive experience in the program.
“Putting the team first is something I've really started to do more lately,” Northey said.
Two seniors. Two friends. Two teammates. Northey and Metcalf arrived at Washington together and they will leave together. And, while they have embraced different roles in this final season, they share a similar goal, to make their senior year their most enjoyable.
“I don't know if I could do it without her, honestly,” Northey said. “I love my girl Sher.”
The two seniors looked at each other and, as they have so often the past four years, they started to laugh.
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