Another year, and another leap into the season for Gymnastics. OA’s gymnastics team finished out their regular season with a season high of 136.45 and placed 4th at the Hockomock Championships last year. This year they are ready to compete with a stronger mindset.
Courtney Waugh, senior, is one of the captains for gymnastics. Waugh has been doing gymnastics for her whole life and continued to do it for 3 years at Oliver Ames.
“My biggest personal goal for this season is to step into my role as a vocal leader for the team,” she said. “I have done gymnastics for my whole life and tried to lead by example throughout my 3 years so far on this team, but being captain gives me the unique opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills and confidence.”
Mia Picanzi, junior, is also the other captain. Picanzi also has done gymnastics her whole life. As a new captain this year she has new priorities for herself and the team.
“Being a captain of this team means that I will be there for my teammates as much as I can be and carry a lot of responsibility. Our team seems very bonded together and pushes each other to work their hardest” Picanzi said. “I personally think it will be a challenge to adapt to the way our meets go and how we practice but once we reach comfortability we will all feel more confident”.
Picanzi believes that this year will be a better and successful season.
“We all work very hard to maintain routines and get new skills every time we practice,” she said. “Going into this season I hope that we all keep the energy super high for meets and I think this is very important because it strives us to work hard and be excited to compete.”
As the new season starts, there have been lots of students who’ve signed up this year. The team expands with a variety of personalities and skills.
“I am so excited about this team as a whole. We have so many new faces this year and the largest team in a very long time, so it has been really exciting to see the program grow,” Waugh said. “With this larger team, the dynamic has begun to change and become much more inclusive for all. We also have a ton of talent this year, so between that and the positive team dynamic, I see this being a great season for us!”
