As winter sports come to a close, Masco Varsity Gymnastics leaves yet another successful season behind them. MVG ends the season with the NEC/CAL League Champions title, the Sectional Champions title, and runner-up at the State Championship tournament.
As the four senior captains say their farewells to MVG, they look back on their last high school gymnastics season and the memories and friendships they made along the way.
“My favorite part of the season has definitely been our competitions because of our relationships with teams from other towns, and how much fun we make our meets,” said senior captain Kate Mugge.
For senior captain Sarah Aldrich, the most memorable parts of the season were focused on specific competitions rather than the season as a whole.
“My favorite part of the season has been Sectionals. It is such a fun meet that really brings the team together, and the energy we bring is truly an amazing feeling,” said Aldrich. “This meet is always filled with some stress and anxiety, but we were able to stay calm and focus on each routine ahead without being too serious.”
On the other hand, the success didn’t come with such ease; the team, as well as individuals, faced all sorts of challenges.
“The most difficult part of the season is trying to learn new skills, it’s always a difficult thing to do for a team, but individually it is harder,” said Mugge.
With the enormous amount of pressure the team faced after winning the State title the year before, the captains explain how the team’s mindset was key to its success.
“This year we approached states with a positive mindset and confidence in our skills and teammates,” said Aldrich. “Everyone worked so hard to get where we did, and we went into the meet with fun attitudes and loud music.”
Though the season didn’t end how they had hoped, there are still things that they experienced that they will forever be thankful for.
“I’m happy with the way the girls competed, but on the other side, not so happy with second place at States,” said coach Vasko Vetzev. “I will never forget all of the competitions and how the girls were cheering for each other.”
The season overall was full of many wins with a few losses, and the team explains that a huge part of this was because of the guidance and coaching from the team’s leaders.
“I am incredibly happy with this season and could not be prouder to be one of the team’s captains. We have focused on supporting each other throughout every routine, and seeing the underclassmen and newer teammates gain confidence in their skills is amazing,” said Aldrich. “I just love the culture we have built this year, and I hope it will continue on for years to come.”
The end of the season also meant saying goodbye, as both athletes and coaches reflected on the people who made their time with the program memorable.
“I will definitely miss the captain’s help with the freshmen and newcomers,” said Vetzev. “I couldn’t be more happy with the way the girls competed.”
As this may be senior captain Kate Mugge’s last year competing as a gymnast, she expresses what the team has meant to her over the years.
“I will definitely miss my teammates and my coaches, they are the biggest part of my gymnastics life,” said Mugge.
With another successful season behind them, Masco Varsity Gymnastics continues to leave a strong legacy, while also looking ahead to the future of the program.