On Nov. 7, the WHS gymnastics team wrapped up a memorable season, closing a year marked by determination, growth and a renewed sense of identity. The Blue Devils were under the leadership of coach Melissa Greenwald, who returned to the program after leaving in 2014. With a new coaching style, fresh traditions and a reenergized team culture, this year became a foundation-building chapter. “Being back as the WHS varsity gymnastics coach has been amazing. While many things in the sport have changed over the last 11 years, the one thing that has remained constant is my love for the sport,” she said.
Led by senior co-captains Mia Read and Chloe Stadlin, the team was able to find their rhythm early and build a strong foundation that they carried with them throughout their season.
Team chemistry was one of the team’s biggest strengths this year. Read emphasized the bonds formed, crediting the relationships behind their success. “We meshed really well and we were very supportive of one another from day one,” she said.
At the start of the season, the Blue Devils focused on adjusting to Greenwald’s new training style and refining routines. With many freshmen joining the lineup and sophomores stepping into bigger roles, the team treated the first few meets, which started with their Sept. 9 opener against Union, as opportunities to build confidence and consistency.
Greenwald described this season as a rebuilding moment for the program. “This was definitely a growing year as we lost the majority of our athletes due to graduation. Therefore, the new majority are freshmen,” she said. She added that injuries and new qualifying rules made it difficult to maintain a consistent lineup, but the group continued to rise to the challenge.
In the Union County Championship on Oct. 18, Westfield took home 3rd place overall with a score of 104.275. Sophomore Maddie Lee won the all-around individual title as Union County All Around Champion.
Greenwald called the meet one of the most defining moments of their season. “My girls were having an outstanding meet, and the amount of teamwork, commitment, excitement and overall desire to win and place was remarkable,” she said. “I couldn’t have been more proud of their 3rd place victory.”
Sectionals showcased the progress they had been working toward all season. “Sectionals were a big moment for us because you could finally see all the work that everyone was putting in with all the corrections being made,” Read said. “You could tell everyone was really giving it their all.”
Lee continued on to compete in the state tournament to represent Westfield gymnastics on Nov. 7, where she closed out her season with a strong performance ranking 34th on vault.
While the Blue Devils were proud of their competitive accomplishments, many athletes agreed that the true impact of the season went beyond the scores. Senior Annabel Lang described the year as rewarding, saying how much the team grew from September to November. “We definitely improved so much throughout the season and our scores really exemplify that,” she said. “Our team bonding really strengthened throughout the season as well, and the team really became one by the end.”
Some of Lang’s favorite moments came from off the competition floor. Lang mentioned how the team surprised the seniors with an unforgettable senior night and how early in the season they completed a scavenger hunt at a local mall that ended with a Build-A-Bear mascot named Miss Sticky. “She was a mascot for our season and the activity really brought us together,” Lang said.
The season also came with unexpected obstacles. When the team’s bars broke, Westfield was no longer able to host meets, forcing them to travel for every competition. Although it brought adversity, Lang explained that it ultimately strengthened the group. “Home meets definitely are easier for the team because we’re used to the equipment,” she said. “But I think in a way it bonded us more. We had to persevere, and team bus rides were super fun.”
As the 2025 season came to an end, the Blue Devils celebrated not only their achievements in the gym, but the bonds they had formed along the way. “I hope the underclassmen carry on the relationships that they built this year, along with the friendships and support they had for one another,” Read reflected, capturing the lasting impact of a season defined by teamwork, growth and companionship.
