Niwot gymnastics leaps into 2024 season

The Niwot High School gymnastics team is kicking off this season with exuberance and optimism for both its new and returning talent. Led by Coach Marisa Purcell, who is entering her ninth year with the team, and Assistant Coach Maddi York, the gymnasts are freshly prepared to compete.

After landing in fourth place at last season's 4A state meet by less than half of a point from a position in second, the gymnasts are bringing an ambitious attitude.

Senior Maeve Flentie has challenged herself on the team since her freshman year and has placed impressively in all-around competitions. Kylee Schlepp, a junior returning to the team, is also expected to stand out this fall after securing the vault state championship in 2022 and taking second last year.

Seasoned upperclassmen will not be the only ones contributing to the team's success. Purcell noted, "We have a lot of incomers with a lot of talent, and so my team looks a little different." She said she looks forward to watching the younger competitors in action.

One such newcomer is Evie Saunders, a sophomore participating in the all-around who is predicted to perform well this year. Even with these individual athletes, it is the group as a whole that creates impactful connections.

Niwot is focused fully on a team effort, as the gymnasts' collective execution will ultimately determine their results this autumn. Each and every team member "is going to have to play a role in order to be successful," Purcell explained. "I think the athletes are excited to be back and competing and getting to know their new teammates."

Cooperation and commitment will be critical in the coming months. For many newcomers, this will be the first time they compete as a team. The coach detailed the important connection between new and returning athletes, describing how the challenging transition to high school gymnastics can be made easier by older gymnasts who help move gymnasts mentally from an individual focus to a team focus.

The gymnastics program at Niwot has a special role within the school district, so the idea of unity is especially important to its athletes' success. "We have the whole district," Purcell shared, "so they are kind of all on their own, and then we come together and compete for that team score."

While the team is based out of NHS, it represents high schools from throughout the St. Vrain Valley School District. Team members attend any of seven district high schools, but cheer one another on as a single team throughout the season. Purcell was clear about what it is that Niwot strives to accomplish. "Our goal for this year is just to do what is our best, and continue to look at those scores every week and try to get better and better," she said.

The Cougars will be participating in their first meet of the year on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the small gym at Niwot High School. Team members have high hopes for their progress this year, with gymnasts and coaches alike enjoying the excitement that comes with the start of a promising season with depth of talent.