Chalk clouds the air in the small gymnasium as the crowd anxiously awaits the next routine. Sequins and scrunchies adorn the athletes as they tumble through the air, their precision and technique enviable. Toes pointed and arms raised, the Varsity Gymnastics team has taken the Concorde District by storm.
From the uneven bars to the balance beam, these gymnasts have been extremely successful since the start of their season in November. However, their dedication and relentless commitment often go unnoticed due to the lack of popularity surrounding the sport on the local level.
The team is composed of 12 underclassmen and seven upperclassmen. However, despite the wide range of ages, the athletes have found immense success throughout their season.
“[The] year has gone really well,” Caitlin Holtaway (’27) said. “We’ve won most of our meets with 1st place and got 2nd at Oakton once.”
The Warhawk’s performance this season is notably better than in the past; last year, their highest score at a meet was 134.925. This year, they have already upped the ante with scores like 138.1 and 138.725. Yet their success isn’t only found in their athletic accomplishments — the gymnasts go out of their way to support their fellow teammates. Sitting in the gym during a meet, cheers of encouragement can be heard throughout all of the Warhawk’s routines. The entire team watches eagerly as one of their members performs, and immediately after they finish, it’s high-fives and hugs all around.
“I love the community and how much everyone supports one another,” Anna Vojta (’29) said. “… all of our gymnasts are incredibly talented.”
Overall, the varsity gymnastics squad is not a team to be overlooked. Their tenacity, perseverance and enthusiasm sets them apart from the average bunch.
“It’s been a great dynamic every year,” Holtaway said.
This year is no different. Although their regular season has come to an end, the gymnastics team is only beginning their post-season journey.
“The team is very supportive of one another and meets are very different from regular games,” the team manager Rhea Mogharbel (’26) said. “Our team dynamic is way stronger.”
