YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) GYMCATS Gymnastic Team Makes History at National Gymnastics Championship

(WEST CHESTER, PA) – The YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s competitive gymnastics team, “GYMCATS,” made history with record-breaking wins and national honors at the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Thirty-five athletes from the Oscar Lasko YMCA represented YGBW at the event, competing in events including vault, balance beam, floor exercise, and uneven bars. Oscar Lasko YMCA Gymnasts secured thirty medals against more than 2,000 other gymnasts from across the country.

The YGBW GYMCATS’ win at nationals followed a strong performance at the Pennsylvania State meet earlier this season. Amongst winners, Sophia Renaldo, the team’s only senior and a recent graduate of Rustin High School in West Chester, placed 3rd All-Around in the nation in the championship division, earning the title of All-American Gymnast. Renaldo, securing a fantastic win for her team, will attend Saint Joseph’s University this fall.

“This was a historic moment for our team,” said Megan Hartman, Gymnastics Senior Director at the Oscar Lasko YMCA. “Our athletes represented our community with incredible skill, determination, and pride. We are especially proud of our graduating seniors, for whom this marked the culmination of years of dedication, growth, and victory.”

Additional standout performances from gymnasts include:

1st Place:

• Kendall Mullen (Age 10), Level 4, won 1st Place All-Around & 1st place on Floor;
• Callie Spengler (Age 12), Level 4, won 1st Place All-Around & 1st place on Balance Beam;
• Allison Collins (Age 12), Level 3, won 1st Place All-Around & 1st place on Beam & Floor;
• Mila Santoleri (Age 12), Level 6, won 1st Place on Vault;
• Mariana Fuentes (Age 10), Level Silver, won 1st Place on Beam;
• Azaria Hartman (Age 7), Level 3, won 1st Place on Floor.

2nd Place:

• Mariana Fuentes (Age 10), Level Silver, won 2nd Place All-Around;
• Brynn Jordan (Age 9), Level Silver, won 2nd Place on Bars;
• Aadhya Nellutla (Age 11 ), Level Silver, won 2nd Place on Vault and Floor;
• Paisley McGorry (Age 11), Level Silver, won 2nd Place on Floor;
• Lucy Kilroy (Age 12 ), Level Silver, won 2nd Place on Beam;
• Kendall Mullen (Age 10), Level 4, won 2nd Place on Bars and Beam;
• Callie Spengler (Age 12), Level 4, won 2nd Place on Vault and Floor.

3rd Place:

• Nora Kummerer (Age 11), Level 4, won 3rd Place All-Around and Vault;
• Azaria Hartman (Age 7), Level 3, won 3rd Place All-Around;
• Marian Garcia (Age 7), Level 2, won 3rd Place All-Around and Floor;
• Sophia Renaldo (Age 17), Level 9, won 3rd Place All-Around and Bars;
• Krya Oshop (Age 14), Level Platinum, won 3rd Place on Vault;
• Megan Monhollan (Age 13), Level Gold, won 3rd Place on Vault; and
• Reese Calio (Age 11), Level 6, won 3rd Place on Vault.

Finalists:

• Allison Wolfe, Level 8;
• Abby Shiomos, Diamond Level;
• Claire Hoban, Diamond Level;
• Isabelle Catanese, Diamond Level;
• Emma Hedgecock, Diamond Level;
• Sophia Renaldo, Championship Division.

PA State Championship – Team Awards:

• Diamond Level Team – 2nd Place;
• Silver Level Team – 1st Place;
• Level 3 Team – 1st Place;
• Level 4 Team – 2nd Place; and
• Level 8 Team – 3rd Place;

Nationals – Team Awards:

• Diamond Level Team – 4th Place;
• Silver Level Team – 2nd Place in the Nation, marking the first time in 45 years that the program achieved this honor; and
• Level 4 Team – 3rd Place.

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine offers competitive gymnastics through the GYMCATS, as well as recreational and preschool programs and summer camps for gymnasts of all ages and skill levels. For more information about the YMCA Gymnastics program, visit ymcagbw.org/gymnastics or contact Megan Hartman, Gymnastics Director, at mhartman@ymcagbw.org.