Four years ago, the combined DGN and DGS, known colloquially as the “Trostangs,” girls gymnastics team arrived at the state meet as newcomers. This season, they arrived as a team with a reputation. With their fourth consecutive state qualification, the team has established itself as one of the most consistent programs in the area. In a sport measured by tenths of a point and decided by the smallest details, sustaining success year after year requires more than talent.
This season is different, especially for the seniors. As underclassmen, qualifying felt like an accomplishment. Now, the standard is higher. The team no longer hopes to compete at state. They prepare for it. For seniors Kaelyn Landry, Emilie Kuchta, and Edie Condon, the fourth trip carries a deeper meaning because they have experienced every stage of the team’s growth.
“I feel like this team has accomplished so much and we’ve been through so many highs and lows,” Landry said. “To be able to come out all four years with a trophy is just something I’ll always look back on and be really proud of and all the memories that come with it.”
The girls focused on staying composed and confident. Rather than dwelling on pressure of returning for the fourth straight year, they emphasized trust in their routines and teammates. The gymnasts still approached the competition with the standard goal of hitting clean sets and minimizing small deductions, but they really focused on doing it as a team.
“The team mindset going into the competition was definitely to just stick together and get through the meet as a team, talking each other through everything, making sure we had each other’s backs,” junior Caroline Phillip said. “We were always there for each other, no matter what, and that was our goal going into this.”
As the season comes to a close, Coach Kristyn Campos views this state appearance for her seniors with pride. She has watched this group grow from freshman into leaders who helped define the team’s identity. Seeing them step onto the state floor one last time is a reminder of the work they have put in over the years and the standard they have set.
“It is amazing to see their success and seeing them happy. These three seniors have been the heart of the team the last four years and I am excited to see what the future brings for them,” Campos said. “Each season is a new opportunity to work with athletes on their individual and collective goals. The girls will set their own goals next season and I will do whatever I can to help them achieve those goals.”
Campos understands that their impact extends beyond this season’s results. The foundation they built now becomes the blueprint for the underclassmen. Moving forward, the coach plans to build on this year’s success by continuing to develop depth across every event. As the seniors prepare to graduate, they hope the underclassmen carry forward the culture they helped build, one rooted trust and improvement.
“I hope they carry on a sense of friendship and teamwork just because that’s what our team is really built off of,” Kuchta said. “We’re not gonna do well if we don’t have this aspect of teamwork. So I really hope they carry that on with whoever comes down the team next.
For consecutive trips to state represent more than just a streak. They represent a foundation. And if the team continues to build on that foundation, the expectation they created may continue long after this senior class takes its final bow.
