BY SAPNA PATHAK

Perhaps it’s because she’s been a gymnast since she was 3. Maybe it’s because her mother and father were collegiate gymnasts. But it’s probably because she’s had three personal coaches who’ve attended to her since day one.

Leeann Vadala has three coaches who critique, compliment and offer unique perspectives, making her one of the best gymnasts on this year’s Salem High roster.

Those three mentors are also her older sisters.

Now that they’ve all left Salem High, Leeann has been busy trying to step out from Kristen, Tracy and Jenna’s shadows as she enters her second year on the Blue Devils girls gymnastics squad.

“It’s weird,” said Leeann. “I’m always ‘the little Vadala,’ but I deal with it because I’ve always been known as that. It’s harder being the youngest because you have to live up to their reputations. It’s easier because they’re always there to advise and help me.”

Kristen is 9 years older than her, so Leeann shared a roster spot only with Jenna, who graduated SHS last year. While Jenna, a freshman at the University of New Hampshire, has traded time on the mats for practice on the softball diamond, both Kristen and Tracy have continued their involvement in gymnastics.

“It just wasn’t the love of my life,” said Jenna. “It’s kind of weird being the only one not in it, but I still go out and see my sisters coach or Leeann compete. Leeann will come to visit me sometime soon, and I’m planning on taking her to see the UNH team, so that should be fun.”

Kristen is the head coach at Andover High in Massachusetts. Younger sister Tracy serves as her assistant coach,  helping balance Kristen Vadala’s competitive nature.

“It’s funny because Leeann and I are competitors,” said Kristen. “But Jenna and Tracy are really laid back. They have other sports they did, and it was more of one thing they did along with a bunch of others.”

Having won the individual state title her senior year, Kristen said her experience being on a high school team helped her understand how to coach at that level.

While all four sisters trained privately at Interstate Gymnastics and Dance in Salem, Leeann’s resume most resembles Kristen’s. Tracy, who graduated Salem High in 2003, two years after Kristen, agreed, saying Leeann is on pace to surpass Kristen’s accomplishments.

“I like to think that me, Kristen and Jenna have helped develop Leeann,” said Tracy. “Leeann can do gymnastics. I mean really do it. She’s so similar to Kristen in that they both have that drive, that motivation.”

Now a senior in college, Tracy’s time is split between coaching at Interstate and setting a structured system with her older sister.

Using the discipline learned in private gyms and tactics from Ginny Lavallo, who coached all four sisters in high school, Tracy and Kristen have revamped Andover’s program.

Though each sister has found a way to stay connected with the sport, the last Vadala receives support on Saturday, Feb. 10, when she competes in the NHIAA state gymnastics finals on her home mats.

And, she’ll do it in front of her three biggest fans.