Gymnastics is widely seen as a solo sport, but senior Sophia Rossa believes her teammates and the support she receives from them to be the most important part of her success.
“I learned that your team is everything,” Rossa said. “Even though you are performing all alone, knowing you still have the support of your team is so important.”
Teammates can also help reduce stress and add fun, Rossa said. Some of her favorite moments in the sport come from the bonding that happens on team bus rides.
“My favorite memory with my team is all of the bus rides to and from meets, no matter how nervous you are or how you did. It’s nice that you can forget about it for a moment and listen to music with them and have fun,” Rossa said.
Because of the time they spend together and the support they give each other, the sport has created strong bonds among the gymnasts.
“It strengthened my relationship with my teammates because of all the time we spent together and knowing that they are going through it with me,” she said.
While teamwork is important to Rossa, she also has her own personal favorite moments from this season. One came in the Kiski meet earlier this year.
“My personal best moment at a meet was this past meet at Kiski, where I got third all around in the diamond division,” she said. “That was such an accomplishment because that division has a lot of good girls.”
Rossa has participated in gymnastics for a large part of her life. Watching the sport at an early age sparked her interest in gymnastics.
“I started gymnastics in about second grade but did not start competing in third grade,” she said. “I have always watched the sport and thought it was so cool.”
Rossa does not fear any outcome during her competitions. She credits her parents’ constant support for this strong state of mind.
“My parents have helped me the most through gymnastics. They constantly tell me how proud they are of me, no matter the outcome of a meet,” Rossa said.
Her teammates also acknowledge how well Rossa competes and the impact she has on the team.
“At competitions her performances are consistent and you can always count on her to finish her routine and bring forward a good score,” senior Abby Rexrode said.
Rexrode enjoys being Rossa’s teammate. She credits Rossa’s ability to create a positive space for the team.
“She brings joy to the team,” Rexrode said. “Whenever someone is down, she can always make them laugh at practice. At competitions, she’s really supportive by cheering everyone on,”
Rossa’s dedication to perfecting her skills and adding to her routines is a big part of her success.
“She’s one of our top five gymnasts who contribute to the team’s final score,” Rexrode said. “She has excelled in her floor routine.”
Senior Addie Holmes agreed with Rexrode.
“We always know that when we need a good score from Sophia, she will deliver,” Holmes said.
Rossa’s talent and knowledge help her fellow teammates.
“She has a lot of experience and can help when someone needs it,” Holmes said.
Rossa does not intend to pursue gymnastics outside of high school. She noted that not doing gymnastics next year will represent a big change in her life.
“It definitely feels weird that I don’t have another season,” she said. “I grew up doing this sport, and don’t know what I’m going to do without it.”
