THE MELROSE High gymnastics team kicks off their season this Friday evening against Arlington. Expect a very competitive 2025 squad this year. (photo by Raj Das, edphotos.com)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The talented Melrose High gymnastics team returns to 2025 with their season opener this Friday evening at the Saugus YMCA, when they take on Arlington at 7:15 p.m.
Having graduated just one senior last year, Melrose returns nearly fully staffed, blended with upper class leaders and youthful talent that should keep their win supply healthy in the coming years.
Thirteen gymnasts return, led by captains Abby Dennison, Maya Weissman, Bella Ferranti and Noah Williamson and senior Ella Ugino. Those making up the roster includes: Sumin Kang, Leila Contin, Caroline Lee, Aislin Savage, Yasmine Barce, Charlotte Blanchard, Hillary Bush, Sarah Moise and Ashley Muller.
Last year Melrose enjoyed a winning 4-3 record and qualified three gymnasts to post season, including Ferranti and Williamson.
Coach Denise Valdez likes what she sees so far. “We do have some returning gymnasts and should be competitive. Still have some work to do. We lost a week of practice with Thanksgiving being later this year.”
So far an early strength for the team may be beam. “Floor is getting there. We have a few new routines,” says the coach.
Melrose will rely on gymnasts with All-Around skills in order to be in the running to win a league title in an always-strong Middlesex League. There are certainly candidates. “We have a few gymnasts that have the potential to go all around but we can only compete 2 at a time so that may be difficult,” she says.
Unlike many years she isn’t faced with a team battling any injuries or limitations. (knock on wood)
Valdez, assisted by coach Alicia Valdez and Jessie Roh, predicts a once again strong Middlesex League. There will be no nights off this winter. Reading, Burlington and Wilmington will likely pose the same challenge this year as last. “And I believe Arlington will be pretty good also,” she adds.
Melrose will want to start the season off strong, and like last season, they open with Arlington. They will be ready for sure. “We are definitely doing well. My hope is to add new elements and bonus where possible as the season goes on. We have some talent its just a matter of them performing,” she says.
Season Schedule
1/5/2024 Fri 7:15 PM v, Arlington
1/11/2024 Thu 6:30 PM @ Burlington
1/19/2024 Fri 7:15 PM v. Stoneham
1/22/2024 Mon 4:30 PM @ Woburn
1/26/2024 Fri 7:15 PM v. Wilmington
1/26/2024 Fri 7:15 PM v Wakefield
2/9/2024 Fri 4:30 PM @ Winchester High School @Woburn HS
2/12/2024 Mon 5:00 PM @ ML Championships @Burlington
