The Perfect 10: AHS Gymnastics

By Nina Brandon | Staff Writer

February 5, 2025

In 1896, gymnastics debuted in the Olympic Games solely for men. It was not until 1928 that women were allowed to step onto the stage and compete in front of a worldwide audience at the Games. Almost a decade later, women's gymnastics has evolved into a sport that millions of people tune in to watch, whether at the Olympics or high-level college competitions. 

Gymnastics is seen as one of the most difficult sports because of the long training hours, pure skill and strength needed, and the required mental toughness. However, the Anderson High School women’s gymnastics team fights through the challenges because of their diligent coaches and teammates. 

Maggie Hartong (10) is an AHS sophomore who started gymnastics 10 years ago after her parents found her climbing all over their furniture. 

“Our coaches have mental talks with us and they sit us down and have us visualize our routines,” Hartong said when asked how she deals with the mental and physical challenges of being a gymnast. 

Elle Rivard (9), who started gymnastics around the age of five, copes with the trials of gymnastics through her positive self-talk. 

“I try to remember that I love gymnastics and to keep going,” Rivard said. 

Despite being difficult, the AHS gymnastics program fosters a supportive environment through the teammates that create a family atmosphere. 

Training lasts three days a week for 2.5 hours. Each gymnast gets to practice at every event, whether at bars, beam, vault, or floor. 

Hartong favors bars and floor, while Rivard and Calista (CC) Howell (10) prefer bars alone. 

“During floor and bars, I have adrenaline, so I can generate a lot of power,” Hartong said, when asked why she prefers the two events. 

Head Coach Mattie Bailey and Assistant Coach Stacey Bailey are the mother-daughter duo that help encourage a positive environment, all while coaching their team towards success. 

The team has competed in four invitationals so far, with the last one of the regular season being held at Anderson. The Win the Day Invitational on Saturday, February 8th, will be filled with skill and excitement. Exactly a week later, the AHS gymnasts hope to perform well at the City Championship at Cincinnati Country Day.