Westfield gymnastics reaches new heights in record-breaking season
WESTFIELD, Ind. — Coach Ally Dunkin has been part of the Westfield High School gymnastics program since the very beginning, helping grow it from a small, first-year team into a record-breaking group built on energy, support, and steady improvement.
The program is still relatively new, but its foundation is rooted in passion and perseverance. Four years ago, Molly Moskovitz launched Westfield鈥檚 first-ever gymnastics team alongside her mother, Lynn, who served as head coach. Dunkin, who had previously coached Molly, saw a callout meeting posted on Instagram and reached out, offering to help as a volunteer assistant. With just nine athletes, the team was formed and quickly made an impact, advancing to regionals in each of its first two seasons. Now in her second year as head coach, Dunkin continues to build on that early momentum.
Since those early days, the program has continued to grow, both in numbers and in experience. What started as a brand-new team has developed into a competitive and close-knit group, with athletes who are committed to improving and supporting one another along the way.
鈥淭his season has been incredible,鈥� Dunkin said. 鈥淲e always want to have fun first, but beyond that, our goal is simply to be better than we were before. Every improvement matters.鈥�
That mindset has paid off in a big way. The team has delivered a historic season, breaking nearly every program record. Sonoma Fischer set new marks on vault (9.2) and bars (9.05), while the team鈥檚 all-around score reached 36.45. The only record still standing is Avery Mason鈥檚 9.65 from last season, a testament to the program鈥檚 rapid rise.
Behind those results is a strong sense of daily commitment. From practices filled with repetition and refinement to the focus required at meets, the athletes continue to put in the work needed to reach new levels.
Leadership has played a key role in that success. Senior captain Madie Doran, the program鈥檚 first four-year gymnast, has been a steady presence through every stage of the team鈥檚 development. 鈥淢adie has been through it all with us,鈥� Dunkin said. 鈥淪he鈥檚 been a huge help to our newcomers, especially when it comes to preparing for meet season.鈥� Alongside her, junior Avery Mason brings energy and encouragement, helping keep team morale high.
That positive culture shows up in every aspect of the program. From pre-meet traditions, where athletes gather for a team-led pep talk and chant, to everyday practices filled with cheering and support, the focus is always on lifting each other up. Celebrations are just as intentional. Athletes who 鈥渟tick鈥� their dismount earn a special crown to wear, while personal and school records are recognized with small keepsakes like shamrock bag charms and star keychains.
鈥淚 know it sounds cheesy, but it really is the power of friendship,鈥� Dunkin said. 鈥淓very single person on this team wants to see their teammates succeed just as much as themselves. If one person wins, we all win.鈥�
The program continues to look ahead, welcoming new athletes through middle school callouts and offseason open gyms. These opportunities give younger gymnasts a chance to get comfortable, build relationships, and see what being part of the team is all about.
As interest grows, so does the excitement around what鈥檚 next. With a strong group of returning athletes and a clear focus on development, the future of the program looks bright.
鈥淚 am so grateful for this team and all the hard work this year,鈥� Dunkin said. 鈥淚 love gymnastics, and I鈥檓 so proud of them for showing what this sport is really about, friendship, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and pure joy.鈥�
With a strong foundation in place, Westfield gymnastics is continuing to build something special, focused not just on results, but on supporting one another and improving each step of the way.
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