By Maya Markowitz – Social Media Editor

The Jonathan Law gymnastics team is looking forward to diving into the 2023-2024 winter season. 

Last season, the team was very successful with a 10-4 record. Led by senior captains Natalie Morrell, Claire Moulton, Bailey Seaburg, and Dani Matist, the team has been working hard in the pre-season to prepare for their upcoming schedule.  

“I am looking forward to getting back out on the competition floor, and seeing how far the team can get,” Matist said. “I am most excited to compete against teams we never had before, including teams from Fairfield and Trumbull.”

The team will compete for the first time this season on Tuesday, December 19 against Oxford and Pomperaug. They will be competing against teams likeTrumbull and Fairfield for the first time ever this year. 

Along with practicing technique and skill for meet days, the team has been working on bonding to ensure a smooth transition for the underclassmen and new members. 

“My all time favorite meet day ritual is when we all get our sandwiches and eat together before our meet,” sophomore Charlotte Baldeiri said. “I think it gets us closer while having a fun time before a stressful meet.”

Going into this season, many girls have personal goals as well as goals for the team as a whole. 

“A personal goal of mine is to make it to Senior Nationals and as a team we would like to come in the top two at SCCs and top four at States,” Moulton said. 

Moulton has been on the team for four years and been a captain for two. 

“My hope for the team is that we are able to be consistent throughout the season and into the postseason meets,” Morell said. “I’m also hoping that everyone gets to compete and see consistent growth across the season.”

Each of the four seniors captains have been competing since their freshman year. With the expectations of making it to states this year, many returning athletes are excited to see this goal come to fruition. 

“I am looking forward to states the most,” junior Gina Lombardi said. “It is a high energy fun meet with so many great gymnasts with such good energy.”

Team members are ambitious to improve their skills and events as they continue to work hard at their practices everyday, and incorporate pre-meet preparation into their daily lives. 

“As a team, we are looking to expand our experiences and score higher than any other year,” Matist said. “If all goes well, we will be able to compete in the SCC and state meets later in the postseason.”

Morrell recognizes the importance of mindset as well as athletic performance.

“I stay as calm as possible throughout the day so that I’m in the right mindset once it’s time to compete,” Morrell said.