As the gymnastics season came to a close, Junior Kacie Kohler and her teammates found themselves reflecting on the ups and downs of their season. Kohler recalled the goals the team worked hard to reach.

“I think our goals were achieved in that we have had a fun season, and even though we have had our ups and downs at competitions, we have powered through the struggles and given it our all at every meet,” Kohler said.

Senior Brittany Hancock said it helped that they challenged themselves throughout their season.

“On many events we were able to add some more difficult routines to our competition line-up this year and we consistently improved throughout the season,” Hancock said.

The team is coached by Charles Aydt, who is in his first year of coaching gymnastics at Gustavus. Senior Paige Dieleman thought Coach Aydt brought a positive change to the team.

“Charlie brought technique and structure to the team which was good. We were pushed to work hard, do our best, and strive to perform beyond our own expectations. He encouraged us to be brave and at the same time taught us how to make our gymnastics as perfect as possible,” Dieleman said.

Consistency is another trait considered to be held by their coach.

“One strong point of Charlie’s is that he really emphasizes routines during workouts, which helps us to be consistent at meets,” Kohler said.

Motivating one another during practice and at meets is a common goal for the entire team.

“We cheer for one another and encourage everyone to be confident because we have put the time and work, the only thing left to do is do what we do best,” Dieleman said.

Supporting one another during meets is critical for the team.

“We are all very supportive of each other and we cheer loudly for everyone’s routines. At practice, we are still supportive, but we aren’t always watching everyone’s routines, so the cheering level isn’t as loud. At meets, the team really comes together as a whole,” Kohler said.

Hancock said the emotions are always stirring during meets right before a routine.

“The atmosphere on the competition floor is exciting and nerve racking at the same time but knowing that your teammates support you no matter how you perform helps with the nerves that come with the sport,” Hancock said.

While Kohler admits the season might have started off rough, record-wise, she says the team has really improved as a whole.

“Last weekend, we had an awesome meet and the best team score of the season. We have definitely gotten more consistent throughout the season,” Kohler said.

Their consistency showed by the end of the season, where the team ended up increasing their team total by ten points from the first competition to their last.

On Sunday, March 2, the University of Wisconson Whitewater hosted the WIAC Championships, which is the largest gymnastics meet of the season and the only meet that all eight of the Division III teams in the Midwest attend. The Gustavus gymnastics team accomplished their best performance of the season with a score of 177.8 at the meet, to put them in eighth place.

As for next year, the team hopes for all members to stay healthy and continue to work hard during the off-season so they can meet the high goals they have already set for next year.

“I want the team to work hard during the off season so they are ready to go next year when the season starts in October. I also would like to see the team get a total score of 180 at some point next season. That is a major goal and it would feel great to accomplish it,” Kohler said.

While Dieleman and Hancock are graduating this spring, they still have high hopes for the team next season.

“I think there is a lot of talent that will be joining the group of talented girls we currently have and I think they will continue to improve their skills and scores next year,” Hancock said.

Both seniors believe this season was a great start to what could be a year full of success.

“I hope next year the team gains more depth on all four events and that the girls will maintain the great routines and skills that they have competed with this year. I think this season was a great stepping stone to build an even stronger team off of next year,” Dieleman said.