For the first time since 2009, the varsity gymnastics team is headed to a regional competition. The team has been placing exceptionally high at meets this year; they received first place at all but one of their regular season meets, making this season’s current record 5-1.
If the team places at the regional competition on Thursday, for the third time in school history, Bulldog gymnasts will be headed to States.
“We’d love to make it to states, but I know that even if we don’t, we’ll still be happy with how we’ve done this season,” junior gymnast Cara King said.
History teacher Ms. Kelly Rosati has been coaching the team for 24 years, which is the length of not just her incredible career at Stone Bride, but also the complete history of the program. Ms. Rosati has been coaching and participating in gymnastics since her own time in high school, giving her a great deal of experience and love for the sport.
“I am so proud of [the team] for, number one, their camaraderie and that they look out for one another; it very much is an atmosphere where everybody is helping each other,” Ms. Rosati said. “I’m also really proud of them for setting goals and incorporating all of the requirements in being able to get better each week and to support each other individually as well.”
Rosati and a number of gymnasts made it clear that creating an atmosphere where there is support and encouragement for everyone is a huge component of being a part of the team. Having this dynamic bond between gymnasts has been, along with working hard toward team-set goals, the team’s key to success.
“Our goal for the rest of the season is to make it to states and hopefully win,” junior gymnast Krisha Gliponeo said. “I definitely think we’re more than capable of doing it, with the right motivation and support.”
I am so proud of [the team] for, number one, their camaraderie and that they look out for one another; it very much is an atmosphere where everybody is helping each other.
— Ms. Kelly Rosati
To see what successful teamwork looks like, attend the next meet for this record-setting team. The regional competition will take place on Thursday, Feb. 1 at Stone Bridge at 5 p.m. Any updates are available on the gymnastics Instagram page, @sbhs_gymnastics .
“I feel like Stone Bridge is really known for being just a nice group of people that is very encouraging with the entire program,” Rosati said. “Oftentimes at competitions you can hear cheering across other teams competing, it’s a super fun environment.”
