By Lili Romann ’19
She lands her back handspring layout perfectly; her legs are straight, her feet aligned on the beam, her arms in aligned position. Chandler O’Reardon ’17 feels confident for the season.
The Staples gymnastics team has high hopes for the upcoming winter season. They had multiple injuries last year, which had a significant impact on their results. Nevertheless, by the post season they were back in full force with all of their gymnasts, allowing them to face triumph in postseason competitions.
O’Reardon faces her fourth year on the team, as well as her first year as captain. “Last year’s season was a little rocky,” O’Reardon said. “This team is one of the biggest we have had in a few years, so I’m excited to see how this season will turn out.”
The Wreckers are looking to place higher than in previous seasons. The team now includes a handful of freshman, as well as a few notable returning gymnasts that faced injuries the past year. Lexi Wetmore ’17 is a returning gymnast serving as a captain, and she has confidence in the season ahead.
“This season we only lost one senior and have five new girls making the team,” Wetmore said. “Fifteen people is the biggest we’ve ever had, and as long as everyone stays healthy, we’re looking forward to FCIACs to possibly finish third or fourth.”
The team has already begun training for this season and has focused not only on building skills but also building bonds. Kylie Cohen ’20 has enjoyed her time integrating into the team of older, more experienced girls.
“I look forward to improving my skills and [becoming]closer with all of my teammates and coach,” Cohen said. She described the upperclassman as friendly and encouraging.
Head coach Kelsey Martin is facing her eighth season and encourages her gymnasts to push themselves.
“We also have done a lot more work this off-season, therefore I look forward to working new skills,” Martin said. “Our goal is to improve our meet average score and move up in placement at both FCIAC and states.”
Mary Fitton ’18 suffered an injury last year, preventing her from performing her significant floor skills until the postseason competitions. She is back this year and hopes for success.
“Last year I was injured and could only compete on the uneven bars, so I’m excited to get back out there,” Fitton said. “All of us cheer each other on and we’re all really close. We have a lot of fun at meets, and I love competing with them by my side.”
Coach Martin loves the time she spends with her gymnasts, as it allows her to form relationships and, of course, mentor them.
“Gymnastics is a very mental sport as well as physically [demanding],” Martin said. “The best advice during competition is to stay calm and let your body and training takeover.”
