Gymnasts from the Bath Area Family YMCA made history last week, placing fourth overall in their first-ever appearance at the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Competing against more than 1,800 athletes from across the country, the Bath YMCA’s Platinum-level team delivered an outstanding performance highlighted by individual event titles and top overall finishes. The championship was held June 27 through July 1.
Leading the way was Sadie West of Wiscasset, who captured a national championship in the Floor Exercise and finished second overall in the Youth Division. Teammates Ella Lefebvre of Damariscotta, Alisa Bauer of West Bath, and Lucy Boulette of Waldoboro also earned top finishes across multiple events. Lefebvre and Bauer placed fourth and sixth overall, respectively, in the Youth Division, while Boulette earned top-three finishes on both the Floor Exercise and Balance Beam in the Junior Division.
The team’s combined performances earned Bath YMCA a fourth-place finish in the overall team competition in a field of 43 teams.
The trip marked a milestone more than 53 years in the making. Although Bath YMCA gymnasts have achieved qualifying scores for the national championship in previous years, the team had never attended because of the cost and timing of the event. This season, a determined group of athletes, supported by their families and coaches, set their sights on making history.
“Our athletes worked incredibly hard to earn the opportunity to compete on a national stage, and I couldn’t be more proud of them,” said Head Gymnastics Coach Kym Granger. “While our team was small in numbers, they competed with confidence, determination, and heart. To finish fourth in our first appearance at nationals is an amazing accomplishment and a testament to the commitment these athletes have shown all season.”
Bath Area Family YMCA CEO Amy Vendt said the team’s success is reflective of the values embedded in the organization.
“For more than 50 years, our gymnastics program has been about much more than medals or championships – it’s about helping young people build confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships,” said Vendt. “Watching these athletes represent our YMCA on the national stage with such determination and sportsmanship is a proud moment for our entire community. Their accomplishments are a reflection of years of hard work, the dedication of Coach Kym and our families, and the values that have defined Bath YMCA gymnastics for generations.”
