This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
01/31/2021 11:00 PMThe Valley Regional gymnastics squad featured an uncharacteristically young roster entirely composed of only sophomores and freshmen last season, yet the Warriors took home the Shoreline Conference title when all was said and done. In 2021, the Warriors have another year of experience under their belts, and despite the challenges of competing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Valley still has a great chance to be one of the Shoreline’s top teams.
Head Coach Monica Bauer owns and operates Flip Flop Gymnastics, which serves as the Warriors home gym. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered much of the day-to-day operation of the gym, and athletes have new guidelines to observe to remain safe and allow the gym to remain open.
“We’ve got numbers on the wall where each athlete has to put their stuff. Everyone has their own backpack, their own water bottle, even their own chalk bag. Everyone basically has their own traveling locker,” Bauer said. “We’ve marked out spots six feet apart with Velcro for their designated spots to stretch in. The equipment is all measured six feet apart. We have a limited amount of people in the gym, and we’re cleaning like crazy. The kids are all sanitizing their hands between events. They’re all pretty good about it, because they know if they don’t follow the rules, we get shut down.”
While much of the world has changed due to COVID-19, Valley’s roster has experienced little change with so many returning athletes. Last year, the Warriors were led by sophomore captain Erin Ward, who was sidelined for a significant part of the season. Nonetheless, Ward proved a competent captain who helped many of her teammates develop winning skills and routines. Coach Bauer expects Ward to provide that leadership again as a junior, while thankfully, also being able to compete this season.
“Erin did a great job while she was injured. It made it hard to be a part of the team on the floor, but she was so supportive,” said Bauer. “This is her first week coming back, and we’ll see how she does. I would say bars has been her strength. She’s very helpful. She knows what all the athletes need for requirements, and she’s good at making suggestions to help out the younger team members.”
Junior Grace Jacaruso also brings plenty of experience to share with the rest of the Valley team. Jacaruso provides versatility in scoring events as well since she competes all-around for the Warriors.
“Grace has been in the sport ever since she was a baby. She’s going to be a great leader this year. We haven’t finalized captains yet, but I think she will be a good role model. She’s very inclusive,” said Coach Bauer. “She competed all-around for us last year and will probably do the same this year. Her skills have really improved, and she has a great attitude. Everyone likes to be around her.”
Leah Frantz will be Valley’s only other junior gymnast this season. Frantz offers some solid scoring on the beam for the Warriors.
“Leah’s coming off a bit of an injury, but she’s been training a while. She’s made some good improvements over last season,” Bauer said. “She’s also really knowledgeable is able to help out the younger teammates. Her biggest strength this year will probably be beam.”
Another solid contributor returning this season is sophomore Kendra Cika. Coach Bauer is excited to see what Cika can bring to the Warriors this year. Like Jacaruso, Cika will offer a broad swath of scoring opportunities by competing in all events, and she may surprise some in the Shoreline Conference.
“Kendra is going to be one to watch this year, I think. She’s going to be able to compete all four events. I think we’re going to count on her for her scores this year. She has made plenty of improvement on skills from last season that we can add into her routines this year. Her tumbling especially has gotten stronger, but beam is probably her biggest strength. She was a big part of our Shorelines win.”
Other sophomores who have already made some serious strides over the past year are Julie Hartt and Isabella Giuliano.
“Julie’s great at building routines for the floor, and she is probably going to be at her best there. She’s also good at building routines with the other girls,” Bauer said. “Isabella is pretty strong in the beam and the vault. We have a good mix.”
Coach Bauer is eager to see the team hit the mats and really compete this season. Even though maintaining a safe environment has required some heavy lifting on her part, Bauer is just glad to offer somewhere for her athletes to pursue their passion. She’s also hoping that Valley repeats as Shoreline Conference champions once again.
“I think they have a strong chance to get Shorelines again. I haven’t been able to see what the Old Lyme team looks like yet this year, but we’re definitely going to be in the running,” said Coach Bauer. “Overall, I think they are grateful and thankful to be able to participate. I’m glad that we can provide that for them.”