New Trier Girls Gymnastics is off to Sectionals on Feb. 8 at Stevenson High School 

and they hope to qualify for State afterwards. 

The team was 2nd in their regular conference meets, but then the team shined through and tied for first at their CSL Conference championship. 

“We are excited to move on to sectionals to show off our new skills,” says junior varsity teammate, Morgan Deger. 

A contributing factor as to why the team has done so well is that they have a very close and supportive dynamic and atmosphere, whether that be on or off of the mats. 

“All of the girls on the team get along and are wonderful to work with,” says head coach, Jennifer Pistorius. 

Despite having multiple competing levels, the team works as one. 

“The girls practice together, and have team pasta parties and outside team bonding events together,” says Pistorius. 

The team practices with all levels together in the Northfield Campus gym. 

This allows for a much more encouraging and welcoming environment during practices. 

“The whole team cheers everyone on when going for new skills or improving routines. So, it’s a really fun dynamic having all levels in one gym supporting each other,” says Deger. 

The team has worked so hard, and is finally gaining the confidence to keep their season on an upward trajectory for their next few meets. 

“The girls are working on new skills during practice, and having fun and they have goals for this week and already for next year,” says Pistorius. 

The team is a very secure team because they bounced back and have done so well despite multiple injuries on the team.

Deger has spent the majority of her time competing in the bar and beam events due to stress reactions in her shins. 

“I have had stress reactions in my shins for a year now so unfortunately that has set me back, but I’ve still had a good time competing everything I’m able to,” says Deger. 

Thankfully most of the teammates who were injured are now able to be back in time for Sectionals, with hopes that the team will succeed. 

“Most of the varsity girls who were injured are back practicing and will compete at Sectionals,” says Pistorius.