With fall sports coming to an end, the admirable Masco Varsity Gymnastics team is preparing for this winter season, fighting to add yet another state championship title to their belt.
MVG has been an amazing program with ongoing success each and every year: four-time MA Sectional Champions, NEC Champions since 2017, undefeated regular season since 2017, and 5 time State Champions. As they move onto their 2025-2026 season, they are working hard to defend last year’s state title.
With many years of coaching experience, MVG’s head coach, Vasko Vetzev, is going into the season with a strong and open mindset.
“My approach is the same as last year and previous years, I want the girls to be happy and healthy,” said Vetzev. “Work hard and enjoy every moment of their high school season. The results will come if we activate that.”
The gym is never silent, but instead filled with the girls talking, laughing, and cheering each other on.
“When you see us at a meet, we’re always enjoying ourselves rather than stressing out,” said senior captain Janey Young. “We find that this positive mindset helps us in the long run by getting people excited to compete and also helping us perform better.”
The girls look up to each other and are always there for their teammates no matter what.
“We have an incredibly close team that is more than a team, it is a family. We support each other through every routine, and the atmosphere is always filled with laughter,” said senior captain Sarah Aldrich.
Granted, with last year’s success, the approach to the season has not changed much, more so, the program is working to continue with the same focus.
“The goals stay the same: be as good as we can be, and have fun,” said Vetzev. “In my country (Bulgaria) we have a saying, if something is not broken, it doesn’t need to be fixed.”
Looking back, Vetzev recalls last year’s season when the team was unstoppable and their chemistry was at a high.
“Last year, as far as I remember, everything was working just great. The girls had fun, the captains were on top of everything,” said Vetzev. “Made my work as easy as it can get.”
This season’s captains, seniors Young, Aldrich, Kate Mugge,and Carly O’Heir are leading the team, with high expectations from their coach.
“I am hoping the captains will stay on top and make sure the new girls get confident and enjoy their high school experience,” said coach Vetzev. “They are expected to help in any way they need to.”
Young has been on MVG since her freshman year, using her 12 years of experience to help the team in practice and competition.
“Thinking back now on every MVG season, my favorite seasons have been the ones where we won the state championship title, but they have also been the seasons with the most team bonding…the better bond we have, the stronger the team is when competing,” said Young.
In her four years on the team, Young has had many captains to look up to and take notes from.
“Being captain this year is definitely a big change, especially having such great senior captains in the years before,” said Young. “The most important thing is making sure everyone is having fun and feeling included…while also ensuring that we are not slacking off and making sure we are getting done what we need for the team.”
Taking on the role as captain, Aldrich is hoping to make her last MVG years last before she takes on George Washington University in their D1 gymnastics program.
“During stressful times, we will lead by keeping things light and reminding everyone not to overthink it and continue to do the same gymnastics they practice,” said Aldrich.
With her skill and mindset, Mugge is hoping to lead the team by example, especially for the underclassmen.
“Each of the captains bring something new and different to the team, I bring a positive attitude, and motivation for the underclassman,” said Mugge. “I want everyone to have the experience I had freshman year.”
Team members never fail to describe the program’s positive and accepting environment that has helped the team and individuals aspire throughout the years.
“Even as the manager, I have never felt more connected and involved with a team,” said senior manager Genevive Clapp. “I can’t wait to see the upcoming talent from the freshmen and can’t wait to see them make an impact within the team and on the score sheets.”
As Masco’s Gymnastics season begins, the program is ready to prove once again that hard work, heart, and unity are the true foundations of a championship team.