Whether it is through displaying artistic talent on the balance beam, flipping through floor routines, soaring on the uneven bars, or landing vaults, the girls gymnastics team has shown that they have the talent and teamwork to succeed.
With two overall victories in the first three meets, the team is off to a strong start. Led by head coach Ms. Jeanine Fallon, assistant coach Ms. JoAnn Patterson, and captains seniors Carly Grieco and Ashley Berliner, the team is on its way to a successful season.
“We’ve been playing hard, and have been working hard together as a team,” said Coach Fallon.
During the first meet of the season on Dec. 11, the team beat Cold Spring Harbor’s team 133 to 100.1. In the second meet, a week later, they won in a very close match, edging out Valley Stream High School by a score of 129.70 to 121.95.
Although they lost their third and most recent meet against North Shore High School 145.7 to 140.15, the team scored its highest point total this season.
“Everyone performs to the best of their ability and always gives it their all,” said Greico. “When everyone on a team puts in their best effort, the results usually show. We want our team to move up to Division I. Right now, we’re fourth place in Division II, and so we will need to be at the top of the Division this year to succeed. Short term, for our next meet, we hope to score 140 points.”
So far, freshman Eleni Kouvaras has proved to be a valuable asset to the team. In each of the three meets, she has led the team in scoring, having all-around scores of 29.8 and 30.2 in the first and third meets, respectively.
“As long as I contribute to the team, I’m happy with my performance,” said Kouvaras. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes in the gym to help my team win. Even though I’m only a freshman, I already feel comfortable with the rest of the team, and I believe that this team has a good chance to continue our success.”
Another freshman, Sera Ellerson, echoed this idea.
“So far, the team has been very welcoming and the coaches have been really nice and helpful,” said Ellerson.
Thus far, the team has described themselves as close-knit on and off the mats, despite being laden with new underclassmen.
“Even though it’s early, we’re doing really well this season. It’s really great, and we’re having a fun time. Our team is amazing; we’re best friends, were a family, and it’s just great,” said Berliner.
The gymnastics team’s next meet is the Nassau County Invitationals on Feb. 6. Three representatives from each team compete in each event.
Coach Fallon has a positive and balanced outlook for the rest of the season. “We’re going to keep working hard, to score more points, and of course to have fun while doing it,” she said.