Hit The Mat: Book 1

By Veronica Hoss

Hit The Mat follows four Olympic Gymnasts as they struggle and learn how to grow in themselves as athletes and as romantic partners. Jessica Albright comes from a conservative town in Texas where she has been overcoming a haunting past concerning her sexual identity. Michael Wellinger is a male gymnast and Jessica's best friend at UCLA, and he struggles with coming out on his own terms. Tatiana Golubeva is from Russia, who struggles with her country's acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, and learning to trust herself and her sexual identity. Shota Takahashi is from Japan, who struggles with his image, his sexuality, and a family history that holds him back from his dreams. These four gymnasts find themselves intermixed with one another, and learn and grow with each other through their time together. It is a rollercoaster ride of overcoming fear, shame, identity, and pride.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H7KQRCSH
• ISBN13: 9798259978270
• Release Date: July 2026
• Publisher: Blurb
• Length: 444 Pages
• Weight: 1.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.0" x 8.0"