Back in the Swing: The girls varsity gymnastics team is focusing on strengthening their relationships to better the team

This fall, the girls varsity gymnastics team consists of only six members, two juniors and four sophomores. Despite the small number, the team members have discovered the importance of bonding and strengthening their relationships to better the team.

With the struggles of a limited number of team members comes the roles of leadership the gymnasts take part in. Every gymnast on the team sees this season as a time to put their competition strategies forward and reinforce their friendships to succeed.

Second year team member, sophomore Andi Prendville notices that her relationships with peers and teammates has never been better. 

“Gymnastics has given me a chance to be closer with upperclassmen,” Prendiville said. “They give me guidance on how to get through the experience of East and just general life advice as well. My teammates also showed me how to get more familiar with the sport just because school gymnastics is different from [Junior Olympics gymnastics].”

Prendiville is no stranger to the strenuous practice required for gymnastics. She’s been competing in the Junior Olympic category since third grade and is also a member of the varsity cheer team. 

Juniors Ashley Frend and Zoe Chaney are on the team as well, and Chaney is the captain of the gymnastics team. The three of them work together at practices and competitions, strengthening their leadership skills.

Freund has relished in watching the motivation and achievement of Chaney, as she dedicates her time and efforts to push the team toward success. 

“I definitely think [Chaney] stepped up a lot as being the new captain this year, and she’s done an immense amount of work to motivate us,” Freund said. 

Similar to Prendeville, Freund has been thankful for Chaney’s commitment to the team. 

“She does a very good job in getting everything that we need: all of our practice wear, leotards and merch.” Freund said. “She is even designing our merch this year. She does amazing at getting the little house-keeping things done so we can be ready to go.”

Chaney and Freund have been longtime friends, and gymnastics has only brought them closer. When seniors and former captains Caroline Gorman and Jill Rice graduated, the two knew it was their time to become leaders. 

‘’I definitely feel like last year, the seniors were in charge and they were very helpful,” Chaney said. “They organized everything and so as soon as they left, I was like, no one is going to want to do this for us, so I will.”