The Unified Gymnastics Team of Grosse Pointe continues to make strong progress ahead of the regional and state competitions in early March. One month into the season, the team has established its culture and goals for the season. Natalie Whittaker ’27 was excited to join the team as an incoming freshman and emphasized building relationships with her teammates early on.
“I just wanted to make bigger bonds with the girls and it’s really fun to hang out with people who are positive and kind,” Whittaker said.
When looking at the small picture, Whittaker focused her goals for the meet on getting her double back handspring back on the floor and beating personal scores, in order to qualify individually for larger upcoming competitions.
“I was focusing on upping my beam and floor scores and focusing on the little details,” Whittaker said.
Meanwhile, Jessie Taylor ’26, from Grosse Pointe North, has been motivated for different reasons.
“I’ve already qualified for regionals in all my events so I’m trying to push myself through this ankle injury I’ve had for five years,” Taylor said.
When looking back on her past few years of competition, it’s been difficult but Taylor doesn’t just think about this version of herself, but rather her younger self who has been her own biggest inspiration.
“I’d say ‘little me’ is why I haven’t thought about quitting or anything like that,” Taylor said. “I want to make her proud.”
Taylor refocuses on the team and like Whittaker, credits the team for a hardworking yet enjoyable ambiance that keeps them all motivated and hungry to succeed.
“It’s never been awkward with any new people joining because we all just get along so well,” Taylor said.
