Rumson-Fair Haven gymnastics team establishes themselves in the area
RUMSON, N.J. — In 2018, a dynamic group of four gymnasts entered Rumson Fair Haven High School as freshmen, with a shared goal of competing together and representing their school as scholar-athletes. Prior to their first season, there wasn’t a club or team to join; most local residents are surprised to discover that the now award-winning RFH gymnastics team didn’t exist for more than 20 years prior to the 2018-2019 season.
Notably, even without an RFH team to aspire toward, competitive gymnasts continued working hard at studios and gyms, growing into skilled athletes on the beam, bars, floor, and vault. But when the dream of representing RFH couldn’t be ignored any longer, a group of dedicated parents and gymnasts, led by Stacy Connone and Stacey Strandberg, set out to establish the RFH gymnastics club. In 2017 they received the Athletic Director’s endorsement; soon thereafter they were approved by the Administration and the Board of Education.
The small-but-mighty 2018 team inspired incredible growth. Today, they’ve more than tripled in size and earned RFH a 2021 Shore Conference Public School Division Championship under Coach Kim Gonzalez.
RFH Gymnastics is dedicated to helping all participants reach their potential, both physically and mentally, through the sport of gymnastics. It is our mission to provide athletes an opportunity to explore competitive gymnastics in a safe, fun, and positive learning environment. The team has learned leadership, sportsmanship, hard work, and dedication. More importantly, the RFH gymnasts are committed to giving back to the community, through local fundraisers and community support. One great example was their pantry restock of a non-profit organization, focused on empowering women.
RFH Gymnastics is a completely self-funded program. Program costs are offset by the RFH Girls Gymnastics Booster Executive Board, which has gained 501(c)3 status as a nonprofit organization.
The team is now under new head coach Maura Mills, who was coached by Ronanne DeRosa, owner of Barnstormers Gymnastics. Ronanne coached Maura when she was a student-athlete, competing for Red Bank Catholic. Talk about things coming full circle!
Now with a banner from RFH Booster Club raised at their home gym at Barnstormers, the RFH team envisions continued growth, more partnerships, and another championship title!
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