As the 2022-2023 girls gymnastics season is on its feet, the athletes are ready to leap through their season with success. The first invite of the season took place on Nov. 29 at Deerfield High School, and the second meet was here at West against Glenbrook South High School this past Thursday, Dec. 8. Friday, the team competed at the DeKalb invite as well, starting the season off strong.

Over the summer, the gymnasts worked on improving their skills to prepare for the winter competitive season. As the athletes attended open gym sessions, they had the opportunity to strengthen up during their off-season. They took place at the end of June and throughout the entire month of July. Where the sessions started at 3 p.m. and ended at 5 p.m, from Tuesday to Thursday, for five weeks.

Now that the season has started, the team practices every day after school from 3:30-6 p.m. as well as Saturday mornings from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

“Our first meet at Deerfield went so well and it was a really hard team that we competed against. Although it was challenging, we supported each other and had such a fun time,” senior Sofia Sriver said.

As for being a leader, senior and one of the team captains, Alexandra George, looks forward to the rest of the season. “The season has been good so far. We haven’t won anything, but the support the team brings to each individual is the most important thing,” George said.

After competing at three meets so far, the gymnasts are able to set goals for themselves for the rest of the season. The girls have to learn and compete in all four events, floor, beam, vault, and bars.  “One of my goals is to get a half on floor,” junior Alyssa Khamoo said.

Aside from individual goals, many of the gymnasts have established goals for the entire team.  “Our main goal is just to work on improving our skills and motivating one another to keep pushing. We haven’t had much bonding experience, but so far the team chemistry has been so amazing and everyone has been there for one another,” George said.

Something senior Alina Andrews says to the girls on the team is, “It’s not about winning this season, it’s about learning new skills and having fun,” Andrews said.

As for the rest of the season and the future, the next meet for the team will take place this Thursday, Dec. 15 at Evanston Township High School at 5:30 p.m.