The 2024-25 high school gymnastics season is officially starting, and both the girls’ and boys’ teams at Highland Park are approaching the new season with enthusiasm and optimism.

For the girls’ team, much of the focus this season revolves around creating a strong sense of unity and support among teammates. Girls team captain Eva Madden is committed to bringing her teammates together and creating a positive, fun environment. 

“My goals for the upcoming season are just to unite the team more and to create a more fun environment,” Madden said. 

As a leader, she aims to build close relationships with every gymnast, ensuring each person feels valued and supported, especially those who are either new to the sport or recovering from injuries.

“I plan on trying to create a friendship with every single person on the team, so they can feel like I’m someone they can always come to,” Madden said.

Her goal is to foster an environment where gymnasts feel comfortable and encouraged, both on and off the mat. However, with a roster of 14 gymnasts this season, managing such a large group presents challenges. Madden acknowledges that getting injured athletes and new team members into the competitive lineup and helping them feel like a part of the team is key. 

“The biggest challenge will be getting all of the injured people and all of the people who are just starting gymnastics into the lineup and making them feel a part of the team more,” Madden said.

Girls’ team Coach Justin James shares Madden’s vision of building unity and confidence across the roster. With the team’s performance last year ending in a 5th-place finish, James is determined to help his athletes improve this season.

“The biggest thing I want this year is to have six gymnasts in every event, last year, we didn’t always have a full lineup. This year, we want to make sure everyone is contributing, even if they’re not scoring in the nines.”

James is particularly focused on helping the less experienced gymnasts step out of their comfort zones. 

“Getting them to compete, even if they’re not scoring in the nines, helps the team overall,” James explained. 

Beyond individual performance, James also has a long-term vision for the growth of the entire program.

“I want to expand the program, not just for the high school athletes, but for younger kids too,” James said.

On the boy’s team, gymnast Avner Magilow shares a similar outlook for the season. . 

“I think it’s important to be open to new people joining,” Magilow said. “We need to enforce the community aspect of the sport.” 

As the team works on more advanced skills like handstands, press handstands, and giants on the high bar, Magilow believes that creating an environment where everyone feels equal will be key to success.

“The team dynamic this year is a lot more equal,” Magilow said. “Last year, it felt a lot more like a hierarchy, but this year, everyone feels a lot more equal, and I think that helps create a stronger, more supportive team.” 

As for the boys’ team’s skills progression, Magilow is eager to see how the newer gymnasts perform.

 “I hope a lot of the newer guys on the team start scoring really high,” he said, showing optimism about the team’s potential.

Both teams understand that success in gymnastics is about more than just physical ability. Mental strength and maintaining a balance between school, personal life, and athletics are just as important. Madden has found a routine that helps her manage everything.

 “I try to always put school first, and then next is gymnastics,” Madden said. “If I need to take time off from practice to finish a school assignment, I’ll do that.” 

For Magilow, making sure that everyone on the boys’ team is staying in good physical and mental shape is a top priority. 

“I always make sure everybody’s conditioning well and that their mindset stays efficient,” Magilow said. “It’s important to make sure everybody’s doing well individually.”

Maintaining a positive team dynamic is also essential for both teams’ success this season. Madden reflected on the lighter atmosphere this year compared to previous seasons. 

“This year, the team dynamic is a lot more positive and lighthearted,” Madden said. “We’re more like playing gymnastics than we have in the past.” 

Both teams have set their sights on achieving great things this season, including the ultimate goal of reaching the state competition. Magilow is confident that the boys’ team can make it if they continue to work together. 

“If we keep working together and supporting each other, we can definitely make it to state,” Magilow said.