The 2025-2026 Thomas Worthington Gymnastics team has built its season around growth, resilience and strong team bonds. While scores and placements do matter, the athletes say the program’s biggest strength has been its supportive atmosphere and shared determination to improve.
Senior gymnast Heather Long outlines what it is that defines the team’s culture.
“Everyone is very supportive and encouraging to one another,” Long explained. “We all want to see each other do well”.
She added that the environment off the mat is just as positive, describing the team as “a group of friends who are all doing gymnastics together.”
Senior Alex Mahoney agreed, emphasizing the strong friendships that shape the team dynamic.
“We all have such a good time just being around each other. We are always making jokes and talking about our life outside of gymnastics,” said Mahoney.
Mahoney also noted that the team’s close knit dynamic translates directly into their on mat performance. “Everyone this year has worked so hard and really put all their effort into this season. We always are trying to do better and keep each other accountable to improve as a team. Our team is so close this year and it definitely shows while we’re competing.”
The athletes on the team credit preparation as a key factor to their success this season. Long shared that coaches help most by having the team repeat routines until perfection and provide meaningful corrections. Mahoney added that the team does a specific preparation style called pressure meets.
“Pressure meets are similar to a mock trial. The team gathers to watch each other’s routines and provide feedback. This helps us to prepare for meets where all eyes are on us and the nerves really get to you.”
Like many teams, Cardinals Gymnastics has faced many challenges such as injuries and illness.
“It makes it so difficult to maintain and improve on our skill sets. By the end of the season it seems like we all are just doing our best to push through whatever is hurting,” shares Long.
For Mahoney, her biggest challenge has been a little bit more personal.
“Knowing it’s my senior year has been tough,” said Mahoney. “I have tried really hard to push myself to do my best because it is my last season of gymnastics. The hardest part of it all is knowing that I will be leaving this team in just a few weeks.”
Despite the physical and mental obstacles the team has faced this season, the Cardinals continue to focus on positivity, accountability and effort. The girls strongly emphasize that being a supportive teammate is much more important than being a perfect gymnast.
“Growing up in a sport where you are quite literally judged on being perfect is tough. However, making sure to focus on your progress over perfection is the key to success,” said Mahoney.
With that philosophy guiding them, the Thomas Worthington gymnastics team has turned the 2025-2026 season into one defined not just by routines and scores, but by friendships, perseverance and pride.
