Returning after a three-year break is challenging for athletes in any sport, especially in physically demanding ones like gymnastics. But senior Sophie Pittman last year was able to overcome the obstacles of her injuries to compete again in gymnastics and revive her love for the sport.

Pittman first had to take a two-year break due to a serious arm injury that ended her eighth grade season. After finally being cleared to compete after ninth grade, Pittman chose not to return her sophomore year because she was doing dance, cheer, and track.

Pittman came back to compete in her junior year season, but afterward she tore her ACL during track. But she was cleared this fall to compete in gymnastics again for her senior year.

“Returning to a sport like gymnastics after serious injuries and long breaks is extremely difficult and has been my biggest challenge,” she said.

Last year, Pittman had some worries about returning to competition.

“Coming back was scary – not because I was afraid of being injured again, but because it’s hard to trust your body again after that long of a break,” Pittman said.

But it was a great year. Pittman was able to help the team become section champs, place second at WPIALs, and second at states.

“Being a part of a winning team was so exciting and I am so incredibly proud of my teammates and everything we were able to accomplish,” she said.

Sophomore Sophia Rossa admired Pittman’s dedication.

“Sophie inspired me and the team when she came back with motivation after an injury that bad,” Rossa said.

Junior Katie Oneill, who has been competing with Pittman for two years, agreed.

“Returning from a long break is hard, especially when it comes to gymnastics, since you have to regain your strength and the skills you lost,” Oneill said, “Sophie picked up right where she let off. Her dedication to get back and better was very inspiring.”

Pittman also impacts the younger girls on the team in other ways.

“She is a great role model because she is so much fun and is always doing something entertaining,” Oneill said, “She lifts us up by being positive and trying to see everything with a positive outlook.”

Rossa agrees that Pittman provides a strong influence for the team.

“Sophie always helps us with many things outside of gymnastics as well with gymnastics-related things. She is always giving us advice and is listening to what we have to say,” Rossa said.

This season, Pittman hopes to end her senior year on a high note.

“I am looking forward to the entire competition season this year and making the most of my last season with these teammates,” Pittman said, “I hope that we continue to hold our section champion title and win both states and WPIALs.”