Fresh off of a conference championship, the gymnastics team is preparing to compete at sectionals after a few weeks of unexpected challenges and facing injuries.
Their season started with improvement with many members on the team upgrading their routines. The team focused on making effective changes that would help them level up throughout the season. Overall, their scores improved, helping them win one of the earliest competitions.
“Every year we host the Straus Invitational with 12 teams and we ended up winning, which was the first time in program history to win this competition. This was one the biggest successes of our season thus far and it is all due to our team morale,” said Philips.
As the season progressed they faced some challenges; injuries became a major challenge for multiple members of the team. With both Asha Patel out for a foot injury and Lyla Drowne out for a broken elbow, this forced the rest of the team to step up.
“The past month we have had 2 girls out with injuries, which was a setback, but that hasn’t stopped us at all. People stepped up for the team and it was incredible to see every single person striving to contribute their very best,” said Philips.
Despite the changes Lyla has faced this season, she continues to cheers on her teammates from the sidelines and holds faith that the team will perform no matter the difficulties they face.
“The team has stepped up to the occasion and still brought us to big wins like being conference champs,” said Drowne.
This reliance has not only shone through in the varsity athletes but to all levels. Jasmine Scott, a first year gymnast, joined the team this year because of the very welcoming teammates and environment. She highlights that this energy has affected the entire team, in a very positive way.
“One of the turning points was some of our top gymnasts getting injured. The rest of my teammates really stepped up to fill those shoes,” said Scott. “I think we all took it really well and adapted. The team morale is still high which is awesome and people have stepped up and shined to fill the shoes of our injured teammates.”
Since the first meet of the season this team has really made big strides. Not only did they all become close outside of practice, but they supported each other both on and off of the mat.
Now with sectionals ahead, the gymnastics team wants to carry this same energy and momentum forward. As they are entering the postseason, they continue to support each other in their close knit group.
