Shorewood gymnastics: rebuilding with a strong foundation

Shorewood gymnastic captains
Photo courtesy Susan Riley

Captains, Senior Emily Ramsden, Junior Stephanie Spee, and Sophomore Diana Catinas will help in rebuilding this year’s team after losing four top performers to graduation. Shorewood Gymnastic qualified to the State meet for the first time in 16 years and took 7th place last season.

“A lot of varsity spots opened up this year after we graduated so many great gymnasts. “In some respects we are rebuilding our team.” said Head Coach Susan Riley. “However, we have many gymnasts that have gained experience and confidence over the last couple years. These gymnasts will be our strong foundation, setting a great example of sportsmanship and leadership for this year’s team.”

Catinas, Spee and Junior Juliet Fisher are the top all-around returners from last season. Catinas and Fisher were named to the Wesco All League First Team last year. Spee and E. Ramsden were named to the Wesco All League Second Team. Also returning from last year’s State team is Sophomore Morgan Ramsden. “Morgan is starting the season off very strong, and I predict she will a key competitor this season” Coach Riley stated.

New to this year’s team is Senior Amanda Tran. Tran comes to the team after years of training Rhythmic Gymnastics. Tran finished off her Rhythmic Gymnastics career after competing as a member of both the Junior and Senior National Teams.

“Although it has been a long time since she trained all the events, Amanda is quickly regaining skills that she has not done in 9+years.” Coach Riley said. “Amanda will be a strong competitor and I expect she will be turning some heads when competing on Floor Exercise.”

Rounding out this year Varsity team is Freshmen Haley Day and Emily Merry as well as Sophomores Elly Anderson and Sophie Sando.

Shorewood’s first meet will be help at Cascade Elite Gymnastics in Mountlake Terrace on Saturday December 1 at 5pm.