
The Niles North Gymnastics team is having a great season, with a roster full of athletes new to competitive gymnastics. Many of these gymnasts are stepping up to Varsity for the first time, and despite their limited experience, they’ve already made impressive progress toward their goals. Their hard work, leadership, and determination have earned them major milestones. With their sights set on qualifying for sectionals, the team is proving that hard work and teamwork can lead to major improvements.
Most of these athletes were introduced to the sport through the school’s program, starting from the ground up. While this comes with its challenges, it has also created a strong culture of determination. The gymnasts have quickly learned and mastered the fundamentals, showing that even beginners can make great strides with the right mindset.
Their hard work is paying off as the team has already achieved a significant milestone this season, breaking the 100-point mark at two different meets. This accomplishment is a testament to the incredible progress these athletes have made in such a short amount of time.
What started as a team full of beginners has transformed into a group of athletes who are improving their skills, from mastering the basics of tumbling and balance to confidently executing routines. Their work ethic, fueled by a shared desire to succeed, has push them to achievements like reaching the 100-point mark, a goal for both the gymnasts and the coaches.
“I feel like the leadership this year was different than previous years in the sense that the whole team took responsibility into their own hands and made great efforts to bring everybody’s energy up and make us a more competitive team,” said junior, Lanna Juarez-Torres.
Looking ahead, the team hopes to continue the season without major injury but have also set their sights on a bigger goal: qualifying for sectionals. With their eyes on the prize, the gymnasts are focused on refining their skills even further, continually pushing their limits as they work together to reach this next step.
Their coaches Tori Chung-Swanson, Andrew Foerch, and Lynette Tutt, emphasize the importance of self-advocacy and leadership, teaching the athletes how to take ownership of their training, their goals, and their progress. This emphasis on personal responsibility has not only helped the team grow as gymnasts but also as individuals.
Head coach Tori Chung-Swanson and her staff, continue to be a source of support and guidance, encouraging the athletes to be leaders and self-advocated on and off the mat.
As the season moves forward, the Niles North Gymnastics team is nicely positioned to break even more barriers, proving that with hard work, leadership, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible. The next opportunity to support this impressive team is at their upcoming invite on Saturday, Jan. 25th, at Niles West, starting at 11 A.M. Be sure to come out and cheer them on!