Girls gymnastics over the years has been a lesson in marketing. In a crowded high school athletics field, the gymnastics team has had to partner with other schools and practice at other facilities to keep the program going, as Alexandria City High School does not have appropriate equipment.
The team’s ”Senior Night” was held last month at Thomas Jefferson High School. Titan family and friends gathered to support their senior athletes achievements on the mat.
This year caps one of the only times where the sport has seen a senior participate for all four years. That senior is Lola Jeanne Carpio, who is team captain.
“Becoming friends with my former and current teammates and my honorary teammates from the schools we practice with [is my favorite memory],” Carpio said.
After Carpio graduates, she plans on attending a four year university and majoring in Journalism and she’s possibly considering joining a college club gymnastics team.
“Gymnastics has taught me to overcome challenges and persevere always.” she said. “It also taught me the value of friendships and hard work.”
In addition to Carpio, this year’s seniors were Lillian Sharnweber, Sophie Alyn, Bella Sarai, Demeria Hannah and Mia Amaya, though the team also celebrated with Yessenia Holzer, Myra Clark and Penelope Clark — seniors from Thomas Edison High School, ACHS’s practice and competition buddies. As the music began to mellow, the seniors nostalgically warmed up for their last “home” performance.
The Titans finished the evening in second place for only the second time in ACHS gymnastics history. Thomas Jefferson finished in first place and Hayfield placed third.
Senior Demeria Hannah shared her favorite memories from the gymnastics team after the event: “My favorite memory from gymnastics is during practice when we didn’t have a lot of people and we started to play games on the different events like beam, we tried to rotate all around it without touching the floor.”
She said that being on the team has impacted her life for the better, as it helped her learn new skills such as communication and showed her that things don’t always have to be serious. After graduation, Hannah plans to attend a four-year university pursuing a career in criminal justice.
“Gymnastics has prepared me by showing me how important all people are in each role because without them we wouldn’t have a team,” Hannah said.
Head Coach Peter Norvgrod recognized his seniors for all their hard work and dedication.
He said: [It’s been great] seeing them grow into amazing students that are ready to tackle whatever the future has in store for them.”
Lola Jeanne Carpio is a Theogony photo contributor. This has not biased Imani Sanders’ reporting.
