WEST CHESTER, PA — The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) gymnastics team, the GYMCATS, made history at the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship and Invitational held last month in Cincinnati, Ohio. The YMCA National Gymnastics Championship has been held annually since 1938 and showcases the highest level of YMCA gymnastics.
At the 2023 competition, gymnast Alexis Nemchik, a junior at Downingtown West, made team history as the first member of the GYMCATS to place as a National All-Around Champion Finalist. The all-around includes vault, beam, floor and bar.
Top Placements Across the Team
In total, the GYMCATS sent 35 athletes and five coaches to the competition where more than 1,800 athletes from 80 different YMCA teams took to the floor in spirited competition.
In individual competitions, six members of the GYMCATS placed first in the following events.
- Vault – Alexis Nemchik
- Bars- Alexis Nemchik
- Bars- Ava Kraatz
- Beam- Bridget Hoban
- Floor- Sophia Renaldo
- Floor- Lauren Hillanbrand
- Floor- Lilly Campli
Additionally, 12 members of the GYMCATS placed within the top 25 in the nation for the Level 8 and Diamond teams – Angela Morris, Julia DeLuca, Reese Paterno, Sophia Renaldo, Kristen Cuskey, Lilly Campli, Bridget Hoban, Natalie Kamper, Lauren Loeper, Kelly Warner, Gillian Malany and Alexis Nemchik. In group competitions, the Diamond team placed third, Level 7 and Level 8 teams placed fourth and Level 6 team placed tenth.
GYMCATS Sportsmanship Turns Heads
“I am so incredibly proud of our gymnasts and coaches,” shares Megan Hartman, Director of Gymnastics for YGBW. “Throughout the weekend, I was approached by officials, judges, fellow coaches and competitors who shared positive comments about our athletes’ tremendous sportsmanship. While I am so very proud of our many accomplishments and standings, I am even more proud of the way that our GYMCATS carried themselves throughout the competition.”
“None of this would have been possible without our passionate coaching staff and their dedication to this program,” shares Hartman. “I look forward to seeing what this team will continue to accomplish.”
The GYMCATS is a competitive gymnastics team based out of the Oscar Lasko YMCA & Childcare Center in downtown West Chester. Recreational and preschool programs, as well as summer camps, are also available.
For more information about the YMCA Gymnastics program visit ymcagbw.org/gymnastics.
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