Gymnastics has gained a lot of popularity this summer following the success of the United States women’s gymnastics team. Senior Jordan Hoydick, a leader of Baldwin’s gymnastics team, is inspired by the Olympics team’s success.
“My favorite gymnast to watch this year was Laurie Hernandez. She was the underdog but showed her consistency and had a fun floor routine,” Hoydick said.
She also appreciated Hernandez’s good sportsmanship.
“She always had a smile on her face and cheered on her teammates,” Hoydick said.
Hoydick was inspired by the Olympic gymnasts’ dedication, camaraderie, and talent. As a leader on the Baldwin gymnastics team, she exemplifies the same commitment as the Olympic gymnasts do in order to encourage her teammates.
“I motivate my teammates by always working hard and staying optimistic,” Hoydick said.
Junior Hanna Kalwarski is another member of the team who feels Hoydick’s leadership and everyone’s teamwork allows the team to triumph.
“Jordan is a great leader, and as a team we all work together to become the best we can be,” Kalwarski said.
Hoydick began gymnastics at a young age. She continues the sport because she enjoys challenging herself to learn new tricks and tumbling passes.
“I started gymnastics in kindergarten because I thought that dance was boring and I wanted something more fast-paced,” Hoydick said. “It’s rewarding every time I master a new skill.”
Hoydick practices diligently in order to improve her skills and become a more well-rounded gymnast.
“When I begin learning a new skill or routine, I practice it repetitively until I am consistent,” Hoydick said.
All of her hard work paid off last season, when she placed fourth in the all-around portion of the state competition. She competed in the gold division, the second-highest division in gymnastics.
Her ultimate goal for this season is to score as high as possible at her competitions and improve her skills.
“I want to place at WPIALs and states, and continue striving to be the best I can be,” Hoydick said.
As a whole, the team’s goal is to make it to WPIALs. A new rule change made getting to WPIALs more difficult, and only the top four teams get to compete.
“I’m super excited to start this season. I live for this time of year,” Kalwarski said. “I hope this year will go as well as every other year and we can make it to WPIALs.”
Hoydick agrees that the team has the potential to achieve this goal.
“We all work well together and push each other to be our best, so we have a good chance” Hoydick said.