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Last updated: July 10, 2009

Elise Ray was born in Tallahassee, Florida on February 6, 1982. She is the daughter of Ellen and Bill. Elise has one brother, Taylor. She began gymnastics in 1988. She trained at Docksiders Gymnastics until 1995. Elise then switched to Hill's. She stayed at Hill's until she went to college.

Elise saw her first elite competition in 1994 at the US Classic in Palm Springs, California. She finished sixth all-around and second on bars. Elise did not compete elite in 1995. At the 1996 US Classic she finished fifth all-around, second on bars and first on beam. She moved on to the National Championships. Elise finished third all-around and was selected to the Junior Pan Am Games team. In Guatemala City, she finished second all-around, third on beam and first on bars and floor.

1997 was her last year as a junior. Elise competed at the American Cup and International Team Championships. At the American Classic she finished third all-around. Elise had a disappointing finish at the US Classic. However, she bounced back for the US Nationals. In Denver, she placed fourth all-around, first on bars and beam and third on floor. Her final meet of the season was the Junior International in Japan. Elise finished second on floor.

1998 was her first year as a senior. At the American Classic she finished fifth all-around. Elise competed at the Pacific Alliance Championships and Goodwill Games. She finished second on bars at both events. Elise then traveled to China for the China Cup. The highlight of the meet was earning the silver on floor and bronze on beam. At Nationals, Elise finished fifth all-around and first on bars.

In 1999 Elise helped the USA team finished second at the International Team Championships. At the US National Championships she finished sixth all-around and first on bars. Elise had a much better meet at the World Trials, finishing first. She helped the USA team win a meet against Canada and finish sixth at Worlds. At Worlds, Elise was eighth all-around and seventh on bars.

In 2000, Elise won the all-around title at the Aussie Haircare Invite and the Pacific Alliance. She went on the win the National Championships and Olympic Trials competing at the Olympic Games. Elise went on to lead the University of Michigan's gymnastics team for five seasons.