The mass of judges and spectators come to a hush as junior gymnast Noel Taylor gains momentum and speed for one of the most difficult skills performed in high school gymnastics: the back layout full twist. Making her way across the mat in a matter of seconds, Taylor’s body is in the air, completing one full rotation while remaining completely vertical. The tension builds as onlookers concentrate on her finish. She sticks the landing with perfect precision as the crowd goes wild.

Winning 4^th place at the 6A South Regionals Competition and placing a well-deserved 2^nd at the Coastal Conference Championships, the school’s Gymnastics team ends their season victoriously once again.

Endless practices consisting of bar performances, beam, and floor culminated the necessary scores and spirit for the girls to win. Despite their natural talent and hard work, the real success of the team can be attributed to the girls’ enthusiasm for the sport.

Providing an excellent precedent of leadership and drive, senior captain Bailee Adams describes the season as one of commitment and discipline.

“From our first meet to our last, our team pulled it together for a winning season. Determination, positive attitudes, and strong work ethic brought this team to victory. I am proud to have been a lady falcon the last four years,” Adams said.

The team’s effort was especially evident in the eyes of the Head Coaches Jaudon Felch and Melody Hartranft, who gave tirelessly to ensure the positive development of each and every member.

“The season was quite successful overall. Each girl who competed showed improvement from the first meet to the last,” Felch said. “They were a hard working group of girls who rarely complained and were always willing to learn new elements to add to their routines.”

Two of the team’s very own, sophomore Jackie Garrett and sophomore Mary Munitz, qualified for the 6A and 5A Virginia State Championships. With Munitz placing 4^th overall, the girl’s triumphs were a praiseworthy and admirable manifestation of a history in elite athletics.

“We’ve learned so much in one season and can’t wait to see what’s ahead. Hopefully our hard work will bring the team even greater wins and successes at competitions in the future,” Taylor said.