Last week, the athletes of Star Gymnastics made their mark at the NGA National Championships in Virginia Beach, marking a historic moment for the team as they competed at Nationals for the first time. Under the guidance of owner and coach Maurie Erickson, the gymnasts embraced the challenge with confidence and determination.

This year, Star Gymnastics decided to shift to a National Gymnastics program, a move that proved to be a game-changer. “We didn’t know what to expect going into our first national meet,” Erickson shared. “But I was very pleased with the experience. It was such a neat opportunity for these girls.”

Erickson often reminds her team, “Just because we are from a small gym in a small state doesn’t mean we can’t do big things.” This mantra resonated throughout the competition, as the gymnasts delivered outstanding performances, consistently achieving impressive scores.

Throughout the week-long meet, the athletes showcased their skills with grace and poise. Harbor, one of the standout performers, dazzled the audience with her floor routine, earning a score of 9.65 and placing 6th in the nation. Her vault performance was equally powerful, resulting in a season-high of 8.75. “Harbor’s determination and talent inspire us all,” Erickson said proudly.

Dylan and Saylor also made headlines, with Dylan captivating the crowd with her electrifying routine set to the William Tell Overture, scoring a season-high 9.5 and placing 8th. Saylor debuted her upgraded bars routine, scoring 8.65, which secured her the 6th-best bar routine in the nation. Both athletes showcased exceptional strength and confidence across all events, earning Saylor 6th place and Dylan 7th overall.

Scarlet, another star of the competition, opened with a season-high vault and continued to impress on bars and beam, ultimately finishing 5th in the All-Around. “Scarlet’s hard work and heart lit up the arena,” Erickson noted, celebrating the achievements of her athletes.

For Erickson, gymnastics is more than just scores and placements. “Gymnastics is not just cartwheels and flips. These young ladies are learning valuable life lessons that they will carry with them forever,” she stated. The confidence and resilience developed through their training are qualities that extend beyond the gym.

With a dedicated coaching staff, including floor and vault coach Shelby Dranney, the team’s success is a testament to hard work and commitment. “We couldn’t do it without our coaches,” Erickson emphasized, highlighting the collaborative spirit that fuels Star Gymnastics.

As the team celebrates their achievements, the pride and camaraderie within the gym continue to grow. “Our girls killed it,” Erickson declared. “They earned every bit of their success, and I couldn’t be prouder.”