Kellam High School Gymnastics 2025 Season Recap: A Championship Journey Fueled by Youth, Leadership, and Heart
The 2025 season for the Kellam High School gymnastics team was nothing short of extraordinary. Guided by co-head coaches—and sisters—Marianna and Alanna Parker, the Knights not only overcame adversity but rose to the top of the sport in the state, ultimately winning the Virginia State Championship. The season was a story of resilience, leadership, and growth, all driven by a team-first culture that made every gymnast a contributor in their own way.
From breakout stars to steady veterans, and from early-season challenges to postseason triumphs, Kellam’s gymnastics team showed what’s possible when determination meets passion.
Key Contributors Lead the Way
No championship team succeeds without standout performers, and this season’s Knights had no shortage of them. Leading the charge was sophomore Avery Handlon, who not only became the 2025 Regional All-Around Champion but also stood alone as the only gymnast to qualify for state on all four events.
While her results speak volumes, it’s Avery’s leadership and humility that left an even greater impression.
“She’s only a sophomore, but she acts like a seasoned leader,” Coach Marianna Parker shared. She constantly encourages her teammates and puts the team above herself. We wouldn’t be where we are without her.”
The season also marked a bittersweet farewell for senior Rebecca Garza, a four-year contributor whose hard work, flexibility, and team-first mindset have been a cornerstone of the program’s success.
“Rebecca does anything we ask of her. She’s the kind of athlete every coach hopes for,” said Parker. “Her legacy is more than her routines—it’s the example she set every single day.”
An Unforgettable Season of Joy and Growth
Coaches Marianna and Alanna Parker have always emphasized the importance of enjoying the sport, focusing on fun, friendship, and school pride. This philosophy has become the bedrock of Kellam gymnastics, and in 2025, it helped the team soar.
“This season was amazing,” said Coach Parker. “We couldn’t be prouder of our girls. We tell them to enjoy every moment, and they did exactly that—while achieving something truly special.”
Kellam’s season was marked by consistent improvement, strong performances, and unwavering spirit. But it wasn’t just about winning meets—it was about making memories and building a lasting team culture.
The Turning Point: A Regional Wake-Up Call
Every great season has a defining moment, and for Kellam, that came at the regional championship, where the Knights narrowly missed the top spot and finished in second place. While disappointing in the moment, the result served as powerful motivation.
“That regional runner-up finish lit a fire in our team,” Coach Parker explained. “The girls locked in, trained harder, and focused on every detail heading into states.”
That determination paid off in the best way possible—a first-place finish at the Virginia State Championships. The team not only rebounded, but they also delivered their best meet of the year when it mattered most.
Youth Rising: Underclassmen Step Into the Spotlight
With 10 of the 15 gymnasts being underclassmen, the 2025 season could have been viewed as a rebuilding year. Instead, it turned into a showcase of rising talent and early maturity.
“Our younger girls stepped up in a huge way,” said Coach Parker. “They filled big roles with confidence, energy, and drive.”
These athletes didn’t just participate—they contributed meaningfully in competitions, supported their teammates through tough moments, and brought unmatched spirit to every practice and meet.
The future of Kellam gymnastics looks incredibly bright, thanks in no small part to the poise and promise of these underclassmen.
Resilience Through Adversity
The road to a championship was anything but smooth. Kellam faced multiple injuries and illnesses, some of which forced last-minute lineup changes on competition days. But rather than buckle under the pressure, the team pulled together.
“There were a few meets where we had to switch things around right before warm-ups,” said Parker. “But the girls handled it like pros. Every single gymnast stepped up.”
That resilience paid off during the most pressure-filled meet of all: the state championship. There, the Knights not only performed—they excelled, delivering their most complete and composed performance of the season.
A Senior Class That Left Its Mark
Though only two seniors graduated from this year’s squad, their impact on the program was immeasurable. Gymnasts like Rebecca Garza brought leadership, consistency, and a calm presence to a team filled with young talent.
“Our seniors set the tone,” Coach Parker said. “They modeled what it means to work hard, support your teammates, and enjoy the journey.”
Their leadership helped foster a culture that will continue to guide the team for years to come.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
With only two seniors graduating, the coaches are excited about what lies ahead. Thirteen gymnasts are set to return next year, and several newcomers are expected to join the program.
“We’re already excited about next season,” said Coach Parker. “This group is motivated, experienced, and still growing. The best is yet to come.”
The coaching staff is encouraging gymnasts to continue training at their club gyms over the offseason, not only to maintain current skills but to learn new ones as well.
“If they come back in the fall with new skills and strong conditioning, we’ll be ready to hit the ground running,” said Parker.
Offseason Goals and Team Culture
As the offseason begins, the focus is on skill development and consistency. Coaches Marianna and Alanna also plan to continue cultivating the team’s culture of fun, pride, and hard work—values that have proven to be a recipe for success.
“We’re hoping they stay active, have fun, and come back stronger,” Parker noted. “We want them to be ready to build on what we accomplished this season.”
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Kellam High School gymnastics season wasn’t just a story about trophies—it was about grit, growth, and a group of athletes who believed in each other. Led by a pair of passionate coaches and anchored by athletes like Avery Handlon and Rebecca Garza, the team overcame adversity and ended the season as state champions.
More importantly, they did it the right way—together.
As the Knights look to the future, the legacy of this season will continue to inspire a new generation of gymnasts at Kellam. With a strong returning core, a championship mindset, and a love for the sport, the next chapter is already being written—and it promises to be just as unforgettable.
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