Strongsville Gymnastics: A Season of Growth, Grit, and Greatness Under Coach Owen McConnell
The 2025 winter gymnastics season marked a new chapter for Strongsville High School—one defined by resilience, rising talent, and the passionate guidance of first-year head coach Owen McConnell. As the new leader of a young but spirited team, Coach McConnell brought fresh energy to the program, steering the Mustangs through a transformative season full of surprises, setbacks, and stunning successes.
Though the team faced adversity and entered the season under the radar, Strongsville quickly established itself as a program on the rise, propelled by a mix of seasoned competitors, breakout performers, and unwavering team chemistry.
Star Power: Smith and Upchurch Lead the Way
At the forefront of Strongsville’s standout season were Junior Shayler Smith and Senior Gianna Upchurch, two of the state’s top gymnasts who each qualified for the OHSAA State Meet as individuals in the all-around.
Smith, a reliable force on vault and balance beam, consistently set the tone with clean execution and power. Her ability to hit under pressure became a cornerstone of the team’s success.
Upchurch, meanwhile, dazzled on the uneven bars and floor exercise, bringing experience, poise, and senior leadership to the lineup. Her performances, particularly during high-stakes meets, helped stabilize the team and inspire her younger teammates.
“Both Shayler and Gianna were absolutely essential this season,” said Coach McConnell. “Their ability to lead by example helped shape our team culture and our competitive edge.”
Early Hurdles, Late Season Fire
Coach McConnell described the season as “as good as I could’ve hoped,” especially considering the challenges that arose early on. With injuries sidelining key athletes, Strongsville had to adapt and find new ways to stay competitive. What emerged from those challenges was a group of athletes who grew closer, worked harder, and embraced every moment of the season.
“These girls are so tightly knit,” McConnell said. “They’re an incredible group of young women. This season was so special for everyone involved.”
The Turning Point: All Around Challenge
One of the most defining moments came during the All Around Challenge meet, where Strongsville found itself among the top-tier teams in the highest-scoring session of the day. Despite being relatively young and inexperienced compared to their competition, the Mustangs rose to the challenge.
“We realized exactly what we needed to do and how hard we had to work,” said McConnell. “We had a few hiccups, but we finished third overall, which was huge.”
That podium finish lit a fire under the team and helped them see their true potential. It became a springboard for the rest of the season.
Breakout Performers: Waugh and Caldwell Step Up
While the team’s stars anchored Strongsville’s efforts, several other athletes emerged as pivotal contributors. Senior Sarah Waugh, who rejoined the team after taking the previous year off, had what Coach McConnell called her “best season by far.”
“She worked so hard all season,” he said. “She had first-place finishes on vault, beam, and floor throughout the year. She completed the most upgrades and was by far the most improved.”
Waugh’s journey was a testament to perseverance and dedication—and a critical asset to the team’s success.
Equally impressive was Madalyn Caldwell, who rose to prominence in the postseason. The young gymnast became a key member of Strongsville’s vault and floor lineups, showcasing upgraded routines and consistently clutch performances.
“She was an absolute gamer,” McConnell emphasized. “Such an important part of our team this season.”
Responding to Adversity: A Lesson in Mental Toughness
Injuries and pressure situations are part of every gymnastics season, but how a team responds can define its identity. For Strongsville, it was their depth and mental resilience that kept them afloat during difficult stretches.
“Obviously, there were some competitions that weren’t our best,” said McConnell. “But that’s part of life—and part of sports. We take the bad, embrace it, learn from it, and move on.”
That mental approach was particularly important for a young team still learning how to manage pressure. While there's room to grow in that area, the foundation has been laid.
The Senior Legacy
The Class of 2025 left an indelible mark on the program, not just through scores, but through leadership and character.
“These seniors brought everything we could’ve asked for,” McConnell said. “They were always there for the younger girls, offering pep talks, support, and leading by example.”
Their influence was felt not just among teammates but also by the coaching staff. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” McConnell added.
Looking Ahead: Rising Confidence and Big Goals
With most of the team set to return next year, Coach McConnell is already looking forward to what’s next. After a breakthrough season, the returning gymnasts have a renewed sense of belief and big goals for 2026.
“There’s so much motivation and confidence heading into next year,” said McConnell. “These girls are committed to working hard and topping their performances.”
That hunger for more is already translating into offseason preparation. And the key focus moving forward? Confidence.
Offseason Focus: Building the Mental Game
In a sport as mentally demanding as gymnastics, confidence is everything. While skills can be taught and routines perfected, belief must be built from within.
“Confidence isn’t something you can teach—it’s something that’s developed,” McConnell explained. “That’s our focus this offseason. Finding what works for each athlete under pressure and building that belief.”
The staff is committed to helping each gymnast find their rhythm, trust their training, and perform fearlessly when it matters most.
Follow the Mustangs
Fans and followers can keep up with the team’s progress and athlete highlights on Instagram, where Strongsville Gymnastics shares results, routines, and updates throughout the season.
A Season to Remember
The 2025 Strongsville High School gymnastics season was one of transformation, leadership, and grit. Under a new coach, with a mix of veterans and emerging talent, the Mustangs grew into one of the region’s most promising programs.
And as Coach McConnell looks ahead, one thing is certain: this team is just getting started.
“Now we know what we need to do,” he said. “And we’re ready to go do it.”
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