Mount Si is entering its fourth season having a gymnastics program and the growth is obvious.

In her first year as head coach, Renee Tredo had 10 gymnasts, but eventually lost two bringing the total to eight. This season she has 29 and plans on adding a JV program, splitting the team with 18 on varsity and 11 on JV. Her excitement level has increased with the added gymnasts even though the coaching load also has grown.

“My first challenge is dealing with numbers,” said Tredo. “The other challenge is we have three coaches, but one is gone having a baby. Until she comes back, we will be down to two, so that will be a challenge.”

It’s obvious that the program is one that participants enjoy. Tredo has 14 returning gymnasts, only losing one to graduation from last season. That level of participation speaks highly of the program and her coaching style.

“That was exciting for me to see that many girls return,” said Tredo. “We actually had a few sophomores turn out this year that didn’t turn out last year. That’s exciting for me also in that they saw the program and they are stepping in.”

Assisting with the coaching duties this year are Bonnie Foote and Jennifer Batton. Captains for the team are junior Piper Sherbon and senior Ashley Kraupie. Sherbon made it to state last year in the vault after placing ninth at districts. She is the first gymnast from Mount Si ever to make it to state. But Sherbon is not at full strength this season. Currently she’s nursing a torn meniscus in her knee.

“I really think I did it last season and it gradually turned worse to the point I couldn’t handle it anymore,” said Sherbon. But she still plans to make the most of the season, even if it is shortened.

For the complete story, pick up a copy of this week’s Valley Record