A new era within the gymnastics community has arrived, as tryouts were flooded with eager, new gymnasts. Previously, gymnastics participation was lacking, but the wave of new freshmen has really increased the number of members this year.

“In all the years I’ve done [gymnastics] we’ve never had to do cuts,” said junior Bridget Hill, the current head captain. “There [were] 22 girls trying out.” The growth of the team also comes with a swell of excitement for the competitions just around the corner. Even though the large number of cuts led to some disappointments, Hill said, “A lot of the girls are really dedicated…”

This is Hill’s first year being a captain, and she already has gotten into the groove of practicing and leading her new team. Regardless of her minimal captaining experience, the gymnastics members are already looking up to her. “It’s really fun [and] inspiring,” says Hill. “Lots of girls ask me for help… In gymnastics, I help lead.” She loves to be relied on by the team and to be looked up to.

Natalia Schweitzer, a sophomore, has been selected co-captain of the gymnastics team. “I’m most excited about meeting new people and developing new skills I’ve never learned,” she said. For Hill, she is the most eager to perform in competitions. “I love competitions,” Schweitzer said.

Now that the team has nearly doubled in size, competitions this year are going to be very competitive and exhilarating. Hill loves to prepare for competitions during practice, especially further into the season. “I like when we get into the groove of… practice,” she said. Further along, each member will be able to individually work on what they want during practice in order to bring their best to competitions.