By Morgan Kogan, Assistant News Editor

The gymnastics team began its season last month and already appears to be on the path to success. The eight gymnasts, along with coach Leah Cariddo, won their first competition on Sept. 27 against Manchester High School and followed it up with another win against Shore Regional and Toms River East in a tri-meet on Oct. 11, ending the program’s inaugural season with a 3-3 record. 

The creation of a gymnastics team has been a goal for Trinity Hall gymnasts for years, according to members of the team. “We all wanted the team to form so that we could represent Trinity Hall through what we are most passionate about,” sophomore Claire Mikulski said. 

Sophomore Claire M. competes for the Monarchs’ varsity gymnastics team during its successful first season. (Photo by Isabella Giallanza)

So far, the gymnasts have found joy in the program though they have experienced challenges as well. As a new team, they often compete against more experienced and prepared groups; however, the gymnasts proved that they are up for the challenge in their first competition.

 “It was challenging to try to throw together routines in such a short amount of time, but we were able to get everything done,” sophomore Kira Newbert said.

Being members of a brand-new program has its perks, the girls have noted, because competing together in the school’s first gymnastics season has united the team towards a common goal, led by seniors Vanessa Lambrou and Violet Lambrou.

“My favorite thing has been how close the team was able to become in a short period of time and how supportive we all are of each other,” junior Maggie Jordan said. 

As the program becomes more well-known and develops a reputation, the team expects more girls to join and represent the school. “I see the team progressing into one of the best teams in the state,” Mikulski said. “We are already attracting great gymnasts that will help us continue turning Trinity Hall gymnastics into a force to be reckoned with.”

Although regular season competition has ended, four gymnasts – Vanessa Lambrou, Jordan, Mikulski and freshman Sophia Almeida – have achieved the qualifying standards for State Sectionals, which will be held on Nov. 2 in Manalapan.