Morgan Township HS gymnasts optimistic about future with small team
VALPARAISO, Ind. — Contending alongside bigger schools with larger teams, two local gymnasts proudly represent Morgan Township High School. The duo of Emma Spears, a sophomore, and Kaitlyn Whitaker, a junior, began competing in IHSSA gymnastics in 2021.
Two years ago, while taking classes at the Valparaiso Gymnastics Club at VHS, Emma saw the VHS team practicing and was inspired to form a team at Morgan Township. Her mom, Fawn Spears, volunteered to coach. When Kaitlyn, who trained at The Courts of NWI, heard about the team, she eagerly jumped on board. Kaitlyn’s mom, Destiny, also volunteered as assistant coach.
Because a team consists of three or more gymnasts, at this time, Emma and Kaitlyn compete as individuals. They’re hoping to add more girls to their squad for the 2022 season and compete as a team. In the meantime, Emma says, “I’m so thankful to have Kaitlyn with me. I could never imagine doing it by myself.”
2021 was a time to get used to the format and dynamic of high school meets. “Last year we were just trying to get the jitters out,” says Emma. “This year we were more calm, more collected and performance wise, we’ve done a lot better and gained new skills.” Kaitlyn agrees. “I can see we both have more confidence on each event and our scores are going up.”
Every meet provides new experiences and challenges. Kaitlyn likes the camaraderie. “I love meeting new people and making connections with girls from big schools and small ones. I wouldn’t have known the New Prairie girls without the meets.” Emma admits that the pressure of competition can be difficult. “Even though I’m physically able and conditioned, I struggle sometimes with mental blocks. But by closing my eyes and visualizing the routine, everything feels familiar again.”
Each girl has goals for next season. Kaitlyn says, “Since it will be my senior year, I’m hoping it’s my best year. I want to perfect the giant and cast handstand on bars so I can get all my requirements and make it out of sectionals.” Emma also will continue working on required skills. “I want to keep enjoying what I’m doing and not take everything so seriously. I want to strive for my goals and have fun doing it.”
Coach Fawn appreciates what gymnastics does for the girls. “I love to see them persevere, be strong, resilient, and believe in themselves.” Coach Destiny seconds that adding, “I’ve been really proud of the girls for getting over their fears. I can see their confidence growing with each meet. I appreciate the sportsmanship at the meets where they’ve accepted us and cheer us on. They’ve been very welcoming.” The team is also thankful for the crowd of supporters cheering them on during meets, the support of their high school’s athletics department and administration, and the community at large for coming out to their fundraisers.
The team of Emma Spears and Kaitlyn Whitaker may be small, but they are mighty and they’re looking forward to what the future holds. And for those girls in smaller schools, coach Fawn encourages them to not give up the sport. “Just like Emma and Kaitlyn, they too can compete in high school. It can still be done.”
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