Cherokee Chiefs
Gymnasts to watch: Alexis Norcia burst onto the scene last year with a phenomenal freshman season and her coaches and teammates at Cherokee can’t wait to see what she does next. She placed second in the all-around at both the Olympic Conference and sectional championships, and was the South Jersey champion in the vault. She went on to states and finished fifth in the vault and 15th in the all-around. Other key returners include junior Sophia Illigash, who placed third in the conference in the vault, and sophomore Chloe Cabida, who claimed fifth in the conference in the bar. Seniors Maggie O’Brien and Danika Pringle will also look to make an impact.
Outlook: The Chiefs continued a dominant stretch for the program in 2024, as they went 8-0 for the third year in a row, captured their third consecutive conference title and were crowned sectional champs before placing fifth at states. They have no plans on slowing down now.
Lenape Indians
Gymnasts to watch: Juniors Brianna Lauer and Devan DiSanto have been key competitors for Lenape in their first two scholastic seasons and it will be exciting to see what they can accomplish as upperclassmen. Lauer placed fourth in the all-around and third in the bars at the Olympic Conference Championships as a sophomore, matching the feat from her freshman campaign. Her best showing at sectionals was an eighth in the bars, and she also shined during dual meets. DiSanto took sixth in the all-around at the conference meet, and at sectionals she finished fourth in the floor and seventh in the beam. She completed her season at states and is eyeing a return trip this fall. Junior Caroline Saggiomo had solid performances in the bars, beam and floor at the conference meet, while senior Kaydence Cann and sophomores Grace Mancini and Hana Waters were major contributors during dual meets.
Outlook: The Indians were competitive every time they took the mat in 2024 and finished with a 5-3 record for their second straight five-win season. They also took third in the conference and fifth at sectionals, and with most of the team returning, more success appears likely in 2025.
Seneca Golden Eagles
Gymnasts to watch: Seneca graduated two of its top gymnasts but is excited about the return of sophomore Charlotte Harmon, who showed a lot of promise as a freshman and will look to take a step up to the next level. She placed third all-around in a meet against Lenape and will be counted on during duals this season. Junior Emma New gained valuable experience as a sophomore and hopes to see it pay off as well. The Golden Eagles will welcome in freshmen Jules Koengetter, Kelsey Osworth and Lilah Slifer, who show great potential in helping the team.
Outlook: Seneca has been in rebuilding mode in recent seasons but continues to set a strong foundation for the future, and a few more wins this season would be a huge boost to the Golden Eagles’ confidence.
Shawnee Renegades
Gymnasts to watch: Mya Groves, one of the premier gymnasts in the area, unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury, but although she is unable to compete she is still with the team and helping to mentor her younger teammates. Erin Newstat is another experienced senior who will be a leader on and off the mat and will look to set the tone during meets. Sophomores looking to take on bigger roles are Sophie Harris and Giana Tonuci, and Phoenix Lawrence is an incoming freshman to keep an eye on.
Outlook: The Renegades’ solid 2024 campaign included a 5-3 record, a second-place finish at the conference meet and a sixth at sectionals. They hope to remain competitive despite the loss of Groves.
Washington Township Minutemaids
Gymnasts to watch: Most of last year’s roster returns for Washington Township, including several veteran leaders and a sophomore looking to follow up her impressive rookie season. Among the seasoned gymnasts are junior Victoria Garcia, who placed seventh in the floor exercise at the Olympic Conference Championships; senior Cali Lacovara, who finished eighth in the conference in the beam; and senior Lilly Mailliard, who joined those two in shining during dual meets and won the all-around in a win over Seneca. Sophomore Myla Laury was arguably the team’s most consistent competitor, as she contributed in multiple events during every dual and took eighth in the conference in the vault. Senior Riley Gramble is another key returner who has given a lot to the program over the years and is particularly effective in duals. Other Minutemaids hoping to leave their mark are seniors Gabby Chelnik and Brooke Good, juniors Rori Collins and Olivia Pentz, and sophomores Marlie Coleman, Ella Jose and Alexa Redman.
Outlook: The Minutemaids seem to give their opponents a challenge in every meet, and that won’t change this season as they look to improve upon last year’s 3-7 record
