Needham High Gymnastics 2025 Season Recap: New Heights, Team Spirit, and a Legacy of Leadership
The 2024–2025 season was a historic one for the Needham High School Gymnastics Team, led by veteran head coach Abby Watt, who celebrated her 29th year at the helm with a record-breaking season. Under her leadership, the team achieved its highest-ever score—an impressive 140.1—and cemented its place as one of the most exciting programs in the Bay State League.
The Rockets not only posted high team scores throughout the season but also overcame adversity, showed depth in their roster, and celebrated numerous individual standouts. Most significantly, Coach Watt was honored as the Bay State League Coach of the Year, a moment of pride that encapsulated a season filled with grit, growth, and glory.
Consistent Stars and Emerging Talent
The team's success hinged on contributions from athletes across all grade levels. Among the standout performers were Senior Captain Lucy Aswad, Junior Ella Gravin, and freshman Julia Zosa—a trio that spanned the experience spectrum but shared one common quality: consistency in scoring and exceptional poise under pressure.
Lucy Aswad, a senior leader, dazzled with her floor routines, including a standout 9.4 performance that became one of the season's highlights. Her ability to consistently break the 9.0 barrier was not just a scoring asset—it was an inspiration to teammates. Ella Gravin, one of the team’s strongest all-arounders, shone particularly on bars, recording a season-high 9.35 and setting the tone for the team’s technical polish.
Freshman Julia Zosa was another key contributor, proving that age is no barrier to impact. Her early involvement and ability to post solid scores contributed to the team’s remarkable depth.
Other notable scorers included Izzy Lemaire, Leah Korboukh, and Francesca DePaul, each of whom added crucial points across various meets and provided a consistent foundation for team scores.
Record-Breaking Performances and Defining Moments
When asked to reflect on the season, Coach Watt pointed to the meet against Walpole as a pivotal moment. It was there that the Rockets soared to their highest score in school history: a 140.1. Several gymnasts broke the 9.0 threshold during the meet, making it a milestone event not only statistically, but emotionally, as the team's hard work culminated in a truly special night.
Despite being a large team with a number of inexperienced gymnasts, nearly every athlete made an appearance in at least one meet. This broad participation reflected the team’s culture of inclusivity, support, and resilience.
The team consistently posted scores above 133, even while navigating absences and injuries. In a sport where team totals are often tightly contested, maintaining that level of scoring speaks volumes about the depth and reliability of the roster.
Rising Stars and Development Over Time
Several athletes grew into larger roles throughout the season, a testament to the program’s ability to foster development. Juniors Talia Muzikant and Shiki Kitamura emerged as reliable contributors, with both scoring valuable points and gaining confidence as the season progressed.
Rebecca Ger, who earned the "Most Improved" award, represents the future of the program. Coach Watt expressed excitement about her continued growth, expecting her to become an important piece of the team's lineup next season.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Like every season, 2025 was not without its obstacles. Injuries and absences tested the team's flexibility, especially during away meets that presented logistical and environmental challenges. Tight spaces and unusual equipment setups required the athletes to be adaptable and focused.
Fortunately, the Rockets had several gymnasts who exemplified the team-first mentality. Talia Muzikant, Leah Korboukh, and Emily Flanagan were always willing to step in for injured teammates or compete in unfamiliar events. Their willingness to adapt ensured that the team could field a full and competitive lineup at every meet.
A Senior Class to Remember
The 2025 senior class, led by Lucy Aswad and Izzy Lemaire, brought energy, experience, and leadership to the program. These captains were pillars of positivity and hard work, and their high scores were matched only by their commitment to team unity.
The senior class featured nine athletes in total, including Sophie Amodeo, Brianna Bondar, and Addie Stedman, who all made meet appearances. Sarah Robbins and Emily Flanagan were mainstays in the lineup, contributing across all four years and helping to build the program’s identity.
What stood out most about this group was their balance of performance and mentorship. The seasoned seniors took time to help younger athletes acclimate, reinforcing a culture that values long-term development over short-term results.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
With a strong returning core, Coach Watt is optimistic about the future. Though the team will miss the skill and leadership of Lucy Aswad, the return of all-arounders like Ella Gravin and Julia Zosa sets a strong foundation. Additional returners such as Shiki Kitamura, Leah Korboukh, Talia Muzikant, Francesca DePaul, and Emily Chapman bring talent, experience, and versatility to a lineup that could be even more dangerous next year.
This promising group has already demonstrated the ability to compete at a high level, and with another year of development, the ceiling is even higher.
Offseason Outlook and Continued Growth
Unlike some sports, high school gymnastics programs have limited offseason control due to the seasonal structure. Still, Coach Watt emphasized the importance of improving “anything and everything” in preparation for next year. From perfecting routines to building strength and refining mental toughness, every gymnast will need to bring their best if the team is to build on this year’s success.
Recognition and Pride
Perhaps one of the most emotional highlights of the season came not during a floor routine or a meet victory, but when Coach Abby Watt was awarded Bay State League Coach of the Year by her peers. In a heartfelt moment captured in team photo 5921, the team erupted in cheers for their beloved coach. The image of “the old lady splitting in black pants,” as Coach Watt playfully described herself, is now part of Needham gymnastics lore.
And in photo 5919, team members are shown clutching their floor routine medals from the league meet—tangible proof of a season defined by excellence and team spirit.
Final Reflections
This season was more than just record-breaking scores and league placements—it was a celebration of dedication, teamwork, and passion. Coach Abby Watt’s 29th year at Needham High was not just her most successful on the scoreboard—it was a reaffirmation of everything that high school athletics should be.
While full public stats may not be readily available, weekly rankings appeared in the Boston Globe and showcased Needham as one of the top programs in the state. But more important than rankings are the relationships, growth, and pride that define this team.
As Coach Watt and her team look ahead to 2026, one thing is certain: the Rockets have built something special—and they’re just getting started.
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