The DG Girls’ Gymnastics team has been tearing up the floor this season with a 3-0 record, competing against Willowbrook, Morton, and Addison Trail – virtually. These meets have taken place over Zoom and broadcast over a Twitter live stream on @DgGymnastics. 

The opposing team was displayed on a screen for the duration of the meet and were simultaneously executing their routines as they would a normal dual meet, which is a competition with two teams battling head to head, but Sophomore gymnast Emily Smetana is more attentive towards what was happening in the DGS gymnastics balcony than on Zoom. 

“Usually the other team is there and it is a lot more stressful because they are watching you, and if they have a really good routine you think to yourself ‘oh they have really big skills’, so it just adds to the pressure. Without them being there it feels like you are competing against yourself,” Smetana said. 

Senior Mia Bowers finds having a competing team in the same building builds nerves and brings excitement, but still feels like something is missing.

“I definitely miss meeting the other gymnasts and seeing friends I have from different schools,” Bowers said. 

Gymnastics is a sport that runs on lots of encouragement, and supporters like Senior Gabriella Stellato’s mother, Natalie Stellato, miss being able to encourage the DG girls gymnastics team from the stands. She also finds it more nerve-wracking to watch her daughter digitally because of the possibility of injuries, especially with a sport like gymnastics. 

“I am terribly saddened that this is Gabriella’s senior year. It’s definitely not how I wanted her to end her gymnastics career. The girls work so hard. Gymnastics is a brutal, demanding sport both physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Stellato said. “However, in all of life’s battles, there are lessons to be learned. They are learning how to react to this present challenge and in the end, it will only make them wiser, stronger, and tougher. They’re gymnasts after all.” 

While the bleachers are empty, varsity head coach Kristyn Campos is not concerned about the energy in the room. 

“The girls are always supportive of each other during routines. They cheer and help each other through the meet just like any other competition,” Campos said. 

Although the teammates get to spend time with each other in the gym, sophomore Hope Johnson misses the bus rides to competitions that brought them closer. 

“It was so exciting doing each other’s hair, listening to music, and just being together,” Johnson said. 

As it has been for all sports in the 2020-2021 school year, the IHSA state series will not be held and currently, all dual meets are to be held virtually. The conference championship scheduled for Mar. 13 at Hinsdale South is to be in person following social distancing guidelines.