Kellam Gymnastics Caps Off Championship Season with Promise for the Future
In a sport where balance, strength, and precision matter just as much as heart, the 2025 Kellam High School gymnastics team delivered a season to remember. Under the leadership of co-head coaches Marianna and Alanna Parker—who happen to be sisters—the Knights soared through challenges and emerged as state champions, fueled by an inspiring blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy.
This season wasn’t just about medals and titles—it was about perseverance, growth, and the joy of representing their school with pride. As part of our 2025 Winter Season Recap Series, we caught up with Coach Marianna Parker to reflect on a thrilling year and what lies ahead for this exceptional program.
All-Around Excellence: Key Contributors Who Made a Difference
While gymnastics is often seen as an individual sport, the Kellam coaching staff sees it differently. “Gymnastics is very much a team sport,” Coach Parker emphasized. “Every single girl had an impact on our team’s success.”
That said, a few standout athletes helped shape the season in significant ways.
Avery Handlon, just a sophomore, was a force throughout the year. Crowned the 2025 Regional All-Around Champion, Avery was the only Kellam gymnast to qualify for states on all four events—vault, bars, beam, and floor. But her impact went far beyond scores. “She puts the team first,” Parker said. “She’s a great leader, even at such a young age, and she encourages her teammates to always do their best.”
Senior Rebecca Garza, a four-year team member, was another cornerstone of the program. “She does whatever is asked of her and works extremely hard,” Parker shared. “We will greatly miss her next season.”
These athletes helped set the tone for a team that valued camaraderie and commitment as much as competition.
A Season of Joy, Growth, and a Championship Finish
From the outside, gymnastics may appear to be about routines and results, but the Parker sisters have always focused on something more meaningful.
“We always remind the girls to just have fun and enjoy every moment,” Marianna said. “That’s truly what high school gymnastics is all about—representing your school with pride, making memories with your teammates, and doing what you love.”
That approach clearly resonated with the team, as Kellam delivered its best performance of the season on the biggest stage, winning the 2025 state championship after a second-place finish at regionals.
“The runner-up finish at regionals really lit a fire under our girls,” said Parker. “They locked in and worked harder than ever before states. That hard work paid off.”
Young Talent, Big Impact
One of the most exciting parts of this season was the youth movement taking shape within the team. With 10 of the 15 gymnasts being underclassmen, Kellam leaned on its younger athletes to step into big roles—and they delivered.
“These girls really rose to the occasion,” Parker said. “They brought incredible energy, drive, and spirit to the team. Their enthusiasm and growth were a huge part of our success.”
It’s clear that the team’s foundation is strong, and the future looks even brighter thanks to the confidence and experience gained by this next generation of Knights.
Facing Adversity with Poise
No season is without its share of hurdles, and this one was no exception. Injuries and illnesses forced last-minute changes to meet lineups, sometimes even on the day of competition.
“The girls handled it like pros,” Coach Parker said. “Every single member of the team stepped up when we needed them.”
Even in pressure-packed situations—like the state meet—the Knights kept their composure. “They had their best meet of the season when it mattered the most,” she added. That ability to stay focused and perform under pressure was a key factor in the team’s championship success.
Seniors Set the Standard
While the team was largely youthful, the senior class still played a crucial leadership role. Led by Rebecca Garza, this small but impactful group helped set the tone for what was expected both in and out of the gym.
“Rebecca and our seniors brought leadership, maturity, and work ethic,” Parker said. “Their example will be followed by the next group of leaders coming up.”
Their presence will be missed, but their legacy is already shaping the team’s next chapter.
Looking Ahead: Returners and Rising Potential
As the 2025 season closes, excitement is already building for what’s next. With 13 gymnasts expected to return and the potential addition of new talent, Kellam will once again be a contender.
“We’re very excited about next season,” Parker said. “We only lost two seniors, and we’re hopeful for some strong newcomers as well.”
That continuity means the Knights won’t just be defending champions—they’ll be even more experienced and hungry to build on what they’ve started.
Offseason Focus: Staying Sharp and Learning More
The coaching staff is encouraging the girls to stay active and motivated during the offseason, especially through work with their club gymnastics programs. Keeping up with routines, refining technique, and even learning new skills will help them hit the ground running next fall.
“We’re hoping the girls continue building their skills in the offseason,” said Parker. “That will give us a strong start to next season and help us keep improving.”
More Than Just Scores
In a sport driven by routines and tenths of a point, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers. But for Coaches Marianna and Alanna Parker, this season will be remembered for much more than trophies or stats
It will be remembered for the resilience shown during adversity. For the joy shared during team huddles and bus rides. For the pride of wearing the Kellam uniform. And for the lessons learned by a group of girls who showed what it means to support one another.
A Program on the Rise
With a state title in hand and a wave of young talent returning, the Kellam gymnastics team is riding high, but they’re not settling. This is a program still building, still learning, and still chasing new heights.
And if the 2025 season was any indication, the best may be yet to come.
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