Despite injuries and absences, the girls gymnastics team has completed yet another successful season.  Throughout the year, they placed first in a meet against Springbrook, second in meets against Blair, Gaithersburg, Springbrook, Blake, and B-CC, and placed fourth overall in the MCPS Championship, where freshmen Grace Leslau and Guillemette Bodenreider and sophomore Emily Newcomb even earned spots as All-Star team participants at the State Championships. 
     This year, the team was plagued by many obstacles that they had to overcome, including the absence of a major contributer.
     “We lost junior Shannon Mitchell, so she was unable to compete this season, and she would have been a big help to our team scores,” said coach Ursula Bright. 
     However, the team was able to make up for her absence with an abundance of freshman talent, particularly from Leslau and Bodenreider, whose skill and experience were a key part of the gymnastics team success this year. Leslau was even voted the Most Valuble Player by her fellow teammates for her adept gymnastics talent.  In addition, senior captain Michelle Baretto won the Wildcat award for her leadership skills and support, and sophomore Deanna Sipes was awarded the Sportsmanship award for her great attitude and spirit at the meets.
     Compared to past seasons, the team’s record may not be as impressive, however Baretto is still proud of the team and hopeful for the future. 
     “My freshman and sophomore years we won second in counties and states.  We lost some really good gymnasts after that, but these past two years we have still had a great team,” she said.  “This year we got fourth in counties, but I’m sure the team will do much better in the future.”
     Bright was very pleased with the girls this year, especially their great leadership, sportsmanship and support. 
     “Their sportsmanship brought everyone together and they all had a great time no matter what the turn out at the end of the day,” said Bright. 
          Although they agree that the team did well, both Bright and Baretto agree that there is always room for improvement, and next year Bright hopes improve their record and strengthen their team. 
     “I am hoping next year with Shannon Mitchell back, some new freshmen and the rest of our current team, we should come back hard, and I will try my best next year to get our team back to the top where in the past the team was,” said Bright. 
     Baretto has greatly enjoyed being a part of WJs gymnastics team the past four years, especially this last season.
     “Personally, I have had a pretty good season, but I couldn’t have done it without the support of my teammates. They have made this the most fun season that I’ve ever had,” said Baretto. 

ADDITIONAL REPORTING DONE BY PETER LANGER