Fairfax High Gymnastics: A Season of Growth, Grit, and Breaking Records
By all accounts, the 2025 winter gymnastics season was nothing short of remarkable for the Fairfax High School gymnastics team. Under the leadership of Head Coach Morgan Housley, the team not only showcased extraordinary talent but also reached new heights—literally and figuratively—on the competition floor. With a roster made up largely of freshmen and two impactful senior captains, Fairfax Gymnastics redefined what it means to rebuild and rise.
Setting the Tone: Senior Leadership Lights the Way
The heartbeat of the team this season came from senior captains Shubha Udipi and Hanna El Awil. Both leaders brought unique strengths that served as pillars for the team’s success. Shubha, in particular, had the most experience competing at the regional and state levels, and it showed in both her performance and poise.
Known for her grace and consistency, Shubha delivered standout routines throughout the season. She frequently placed in the top three on beam, floor, and all-around, and she peaked at the right time, achieving a personal best all-around score at regionals. Her season culminated with her competing on beam and floor at the state competition, a fitting finale to an illustrious high school career.
Meanwhile, Hanna was the emotional engine of the team. Her voice could be heard echoing encouragement across the gym, and her presence was a constant source of motivation. “Hanna led with her heart,” said Coach Housley. “She made sure every athlete felt supported, valued, and ready to give their best.”
A Freshman Force: The Next Generation Arrives
While the seniors brought experience, the freshman class brought fire—and perhaps none more than Stella Sartori. A freshman standout, Stella worked relentlessly and was rewarded when she became the beam regional champion with an eye-popping score of 9.875. Her success not only energized her teammates but also proved that Fairfax’s gymnastics future is in excellent hands.
With more than half the team comprised of freshmen, this year could have easily been written off as a rebuilding season. Instead, it turned into a showcase of potential and resilience. “The growth throughout the season was exponential,” Coach Housley noted. “We continued to break personal and team records at every meet.”
The December Turning Point: When the Tide Turned
While the team’s foundation was strong from the start, the turning point of the season came in December at McLean. Prior to that meet, beam had been a challenge, often preventing the team from posting their best all-around scores. But that night, everything changed.
“We broke our beam curse,” Coach Housley said. “We had minimal falls, and that success opened the floodgates. We didn’t just meet our goal of breaking a couple of records—we shattered almost every team record that night.”
From that meeting onward, momentum surged. Over the winter break, athletes continued training, refining skills, and gaining confidence. When they returned, it was with renewed energy, tighter bonds, and a hunger to keep improving.
That effort paid off in a big way at the district meet, where Fairfax set an all-time team all-around record—a score that qualified them for the regional meet, making them one of the few Fairfax teams in over a decade to advance that far.
Rising to the Challenge: Grace Under Pressure
Injuries, tough routines, and the pressure of postseason competition are all part of the sport, but the Fairfax squad handled those challenges with the tenacity of seasoned veterans. Coach Housley praised the team for their resilience and unity, two qualities that defined the program all season long.
Even on tough days, laughter was common at practice. The team found joy in the process—a rare and valuable trait in such a demanding sport. “You could feel the unity,” Coach Housley said. “They worked hard, but they also had fun. That balance kept them grounded and motivated.”
The Legacy of the Seniors: More Than Medals
As the curtain closed on the season, the program also bid farewell to Shubha and Hanna, two seniors who left a legacy well beyond scores and medals.
Shubha’s performances were consistently elite—placing in every regular season meet she entered in most events—but her greatest contribution may have been her example. She showed what was possible through discipline, heart, and an unwavering love for the sport.
Hanna, meanwhile, was the soul of the squad, embodying the values of teamwork and inclusivity. “Their leadership shaped this season,” Housley said. “And their impact will carry through every athlete they inspired.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future on the Horizon
As Fairfax looks to the 2026 season, there’s more excitement than ever. With a talented core of underclassmen returning—and with the experience and confidence gained from a breakthrough season—the future is bright.
“This freshman group is really special,” Coach Housley said. “They’re not just talented—they’re hungry to learn and improve. That’s a dream combination for any coach.”
In the offseason, the focus will be on increasing difficulty by adding new skills and improving start values, particularly for younger gymnasts. The goal? Not just to return to regionals, but to go even further.
Where to Follow the Journey
For fans and supporters eager to keep up with the program, stats and updates can be found on the Fairfax High School website and the Fairfax High School Gymnastics Instagram page. With highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and meet recaps, it’s the best way to stay connected to a team on the rise.
Conclusion: A Season to Remember
The 2025 season was more than just a series of wins and record-breaking scores—it was a transformative journey. It was about the quiet strength of seniors, the rise of young stars, the power of belief, and the magic of momentum. In every routine, every huddle, and every fall followed by a comeback, the Fairfax High Gymnastics team proved what’s possible when talent meets trust, and work meets willpower.
They didn’t just compete—they inspired.
And this is just the beginning.
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