On December 11th, 2024, Colonial Forge had their first commonwealth gymnastics meet of the season hosted at Stafford High School. The Eagles were the overall champions at this event, establishing their dominance in the district early on in the year. 

The 2024-2025 Colonial Forge gymnastics team has a balance of experienced leaders and eager newcomers that have been preparing for the new season for several months.

One key factor has been the team honing in on their valuable practice time in Colonial Forge’s auxiliary gym.

The team is “really focusing in practice so we can perform better at meets,” Aleesha Murray (27) said.

Concentrating at practice is an imperative aspect of the team’s success, but not only is their excellence progressed by constant improvement in practice, prioritizing the mindset behind the approach is also essential to their performance.

“I can stay confident by just reassuring myself and listening to my teammates around me because I know they are there to support me,” Marleigh Haynes (28) one of the team’s newcomers, said. 

Being a freshman on varsity is never easy, but Haynes was quickly welcomed into the Eagles gymnastics family. She is ready to grow and develop for the next four years and is already mastering the mental approach to her technique and execution.

With those young faces of the team preparing for their season, there is always a leader in front of them leading to success. One of those leaders is Ava King (25), a four-year varsity gymnast preparing for her last season in the blue and green leotard. 

King’s experience is critical to achieving the team’s goals. Level-headed in the face of meet-induced stress, she says “I like pressure. It makes me better.”

A confident approach from the senior is an assured way to lead the Eagles throughout their 2024-2025 season during her last ride.

With that being said, the lady eagles are ready to take on any challenge this season presents.