In the 2019-2020 season, the Independence Gymnastic team had a roster of four. Over the three years, the team has grown quickly and now has a roster of 12 in the 2021-2022 season. This new roster of girls are determined to grow and compete better as a team. 

With all the Independence sports teams moving up to the 5A division in the 2021-2022 season, Head Coach Lori Barthlow says, “We prepare the same with the intention of putting out the best routines possible and showcasing our strengths and development from meet to meet.”

The first meet they went to proved their development by breaking their team record by 14 points, and they ended up placing third overall out of six teams. Mallory Smith, 9, placed seventh on beam, Mariam Dunn, 10, placed eighth on beam, and Lucy Rood, 10, scored fourth on vault. 

When asked about the team’s accomplishments, Rood said, “It was so cool to be able to do that at just our first meet and I hope as the season goes on we are able to keep up the energy and continue to amaze the schools around us.”

In their third meet the team broke many school records; Smith placed fifth on the balance beam, Mel Carl, 12, placed eighth all around, and Dunn placed eighth on bars.

In their most recent meet, Aloha Classic, the Tigers took their first ever first place win. Carl won all around champion and the floor gold medal went to Jania Suitte, 10. 

Overall, Coach Barthlow has one goal in mind for the season. “We are set on crushing our season team score from 2020-2021 which was 103.77. Stay tuned. We are aiming towards placing in the top three at districts [as well as] qualifying athletes to regionals and states. That is a tall order, but I believe in these girls and I know with hard work they can do it.”

The Independence Gymnastic is now preparing for regionals that will take place on February 12, 2022.