West Leyden High School Gymnastics Season Preview

With a new season fast approaching, the West Leyden High School gymnastics team has been gearing up for another exciting and challenging year. We were fortunate enough to talk to Coach Bill Cordts about his expectations, challenges, and strategies for this year's team. One of the top returning players is senior gymnast Nicole Martino-Krueger, who is a 4-year varsity gymnast and advanced to sectionals last year. Her experience and leadership will be crucial for the team's success this year. Martino-Krueger's teammate, Val Barbosa, is also a sectional qualifier on vault and is expected to make an immediate impact on the team. When asked about the qualities he looks for in potential team captains, Coach Cordts mentioned that he values hard work and being a good role model for younger athletes to follow. This year's team captains, Nicole Martino and Mariana Borrini, possess these qualities and will be responsible for creating a strong team chemistry and camaraderie. Coach Cordts emphasized the importance of both physical and mental training for the team. He motivates his players by setting goals and reminding them that hard work and dedication can lead to their photos being placed on the team's wall of fame. He also believes that team get-togethers and increased competition levels can fuel the players' drive to push themselves to their full potential. The biggest challenge in preparing for this season, according to Coach Cordts, has been dealing with dual-sport athletes and injuries/illnesses. However, he remains positive and encourages his team to envision themselves achieving success. He also mentions that the team's schedule looks tough, but they always look forward to competing against their conference opponents. When asked about any changes or improvements made to the team's training and conditioning program, Coach Cordts stressed the importance of mental training. Overcoming fears and building confidence has been one of the toughest aspects of coaching the team, but he is confident that the players' hard work will pay off in the end. Coach Cordts' coaching philosophy revolves around hard work, dedication, and always giving one's best effort. He believes that these qualities will not only make the team successful on the court but also in life. This is reflected in the team's gameplay, where they are known for their strength in previous varsity experience. As for any new strategies or plays this season, Coach Cordts believes in trusting his team's capabilities and focusing on perfecting their skills.