In Virginia Beach on Feb. 21, freshman Rebecca Degnan and senior Elisabeth Chang were the first Mustang gymnasts to compete at the State Competition. Over the course of the competition, Chang received an average score of 9.2 on her performance on vault. Degnan received an average of 8.275 on bars, despite the fact that she could not dismount properly due to an injury.
Coach Marissa Gradei spoke about the progress that the Meridian team has made.
“We started as a team who was scoring pretty low and this season we were constantly hitting team PRs not only individually but also as a team.” Gradei said. “We went from lower scoring teams placed in invites to the higher scoring bracket and placing.”
The team continued to progress over the course of the entire season, and their season ended by making coaches and teammates proud at states.
“It has been such a joy and privilege watching these girls grow and push themselves year after year.” Gradei remarked. “It was the perfect way to end the season and a good push for the girls who were just shy of making it to get the skills needed for next year.”
When asked what making states as a freshman meant to her, Rebecca Degnan voiced her overwhelming happiness and gratitude for her supportive team.
“I felt very excited to compete in states as a freshman because I wasn’t expecting to make it to states with my knee injury that I am dealing with right now so it felt incredible.” Degnan said. “To be able to make it to states with everybody cheering me on was awesome. Even coaches and other gymnasts from other schools, they were all cheering for me.”
Unfortunately, the team has logistical issues that will persist past their successful season. Arlington County made a public statement that the facility that the Mustangs practice at will be closed due to budget issues.
The Barcroft Community Center gym is used by both the Mustangs and the Arlington Aerials Club team, and closing it down will cause relocation for both squads. This would involve the Mustangs driving further and paying more for a new practice facility.
However, the decision may not be final. The community backlash has been strong among local gymnasts and their supporters, creating instagram accounts and public protests in an attempt to prevent the closing of their gym.
With any luck, the community center will remain open, and Mustang Gymnastics will continue to improve and grow.
