By: Abby Journay/Staff Writer
As the NPHS gymnastics team jumps into sectional and the last few meets of their season, the team has been preparing for a strong run.
Senior Lynzie Stiller has been on the team all four years of her high school career. She is very content with the progress she has made in just this last season, as well as the three years prior.
“As I am coming to the end of my season and putting everything together, I am proud of myself and how far I have come over the past 4 years. I worked super hard all summer practicing new skills that I have been gradually adding each meet, and it is all coming together finally. I think this year will be the most I have improved through all my four years,” Stiller said.
In her senior season’s last few meets, she’s looking to go out with enthusiasm and just wants to enjoy her sport.
Stiller said, “My biggest goal for the post season is to just be confident in what I am doing and have the most fun as I finish out my gymnastics career.”
Being a senior athlete who has competed since seventh grade, and going from the high school scene to college where you don’t plan to compete can be a major adjustment. Stiller has been working to be prepared for the responsibilities of a new chapter in her life. “Pressure is a privilege” is her perspective throughout this year.
“This mindset has helped me overcome my fears and work harder. I think it has changed a bit from previous years because I have mentally been moving myself into the new chapter I will start with college. Being a senior, having a lot more responsibilities, not relying on my parents as much and having a job has definitely impacted my season and my mindset,” Stiller said.
The key to success in any sport is motivation and support. Stiller has been able to find both of these things during her time at NPHS. These are people who have impacts on lives and it’s important to find the right ones.
“I put my everything out there not for myself but because I want us as a team to win and I know I have a big impact on the overall team score. It makes everyone happy if we do well and win and I think it’s important to be selfless in a sense.“I have to say my current coach Debbie Bruns is who allowed me to be successful. As a 7th grader, when I quit club and my body was torn up, I thought I would never step foot in a gym again. My brother and her son did baseball together and before you know it she has me convinced to come out and do high school gymnastics. I was so skeptical and had no confidence and she 100% built that back into me. I am doing skills I never thought I would do or allow myself to even train and I am just forever grateful for Debbie and her patience,” Stiller said.
