Stephanie Ouellette started to think 2008 wasn't her year.

The Elkridge resident had spent months battling back pains and shoulder tendinitis, which led to placing fourth in the state championships after three consecutive Maryland Level 10 state all-around titles. A USA Gymnastics Region 7 all-around championship seemed far-fetched for the Long Reach sophomore, who recently moved from the elite track to Level 10 to pursue her goal of a college scholarship.

"After I came in fourth at states, I just thought, 'Well, it's another person's time to be a winner.' I wasn't thinking of much because of my shoulder," she admitted. "It was a little tougher because the confidence level was not all there."

Ouellette shifted her goal to persimply forming respectably in the Newport News, Va. regional event April 26-27 in order to move on to the Junior Olympic Nationals in Kissimmee, Fla. May 16-18. So, it was a shock to herself and her coach/father, Bob Ouellette, when Stephanie tied for the overall Junior D title thanks to an all-around score of 37.30.

The 16-year-old took third in balance beam with a 9.30, third in floor exercise with a 9.45 while taking sixth place in the uneven bars (9.20) and 10th in the vault (9.35)

"Honestly, I was a little bit surprised," said Bob Ouellette, owner of Docksiders Gymnastics, in Millersville. "Not that she wasn't capable, but when you're not 100 percent healthy, it is tough. She modified her schedule after the state meet. She said, 'I'm not 100 percent and I need to be focused.' She knew she had to hit everything right. It was definitely a bonus to win."

For the younger Ouellette, winning meant embracing temporary physical pains. "It wasn't normal because I had been dealing with (the injuries)," Stephanie said. "I didn't have real high scores, but was consistent. Being consistent just helped the overall competition."

Her father now thinks she has a "real good chance," of being successful at the Junior Olympic national meet.

"This is my fourth year. Just being there before has really helped my confidence," Stephanie said. "It's fun to compete at a high level. Kids are just the same as you if not doing harder skills."

Still, father and daughter are ready to accept whatever happens. The young gymnast decided in the last year to put aside the perceived ultimate goal -- the Olympics.

"I tried that route for two years but that was never my dream," she said. "I need the social aspect of life. Getting a scholarship, that's my dream. It's not just about yourself out there. When you get to college, it's about how you can impact your team."

Her father says the move to Level 10 was "realistic."

"I think that's a really good decision," Bob Ouellette said. "Realistically, the Olympics comes around every four years. It's really a difficult road and not a very fun road. It's a lot of hard work and not a lot of rewards. I don't want to say the pressure is gone. The negativeness is gone. The stress that goes with the other program, it's a lot tougher on the body."

Stephanie said she has received letters from UCLA, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina State and Penn State among others, but wants to remain close to home so her parents can watch her perform. Her longtime coach can't wait to cheer from the stands.

"I think it would be kind of cool to see her be successful and to know she can do it with or without me," Bob Ouellette said. "I'm so proud of her."

E-mail Matt Palmer at howardcountysports@patuxent.com.

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