Published: 01/21/2025 - 8:00 AM
In a dazzling display of athletic prowess and team cohesion, the Willow Grove YMCA Twisters Level 8 team orchestrated a stunning performance at the 2025 Star Struck Invitational, held January 18-19 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The team's third-place finish marks a remarkable ascent from last year's tenth place, telling a story of dedication, progress, and competitive spirit.
The Twisters dominated the apparatus events with surgical precision, claiming victory on vault and showcasing their artistic flair with a second-place finish on floor. Their uneven bars performance secured third place, while a poised showing on beam earned them fifth, demonstrating the team's well-rounded capabilities across all events.
In the Senior B division, the Twisters' depth of talent was on full display. Remi Sasson emerged as the division's standout, capturing the all-around title with a commanding performance highlighted by a first-place floor routine that brought spectators to their feet. Her teammate Marianny Bisono demonstrated remarkable consistency, securing silver medals on both floor and vault, while adding a bronze on bars to her impressive collection.
The drama continued as Kiera Bruton delivered a masterclass in balance and precision, claiming second place on beam with a routine that showcased both difficulty and artistic execution. Hannah Winters electrified the arena with a powerful vault that earned her the gold, adding to the team's growing medal count.
The Senior A division witnessed its own share of brilliance, with Mia Walinski executing a technically superior bars routine for second place while also securing third on floor. Olivia Lee's explosive vault earned her silver, while Lucy Muller's artistry on bars secured fourth place, highlighting the team's impressive technical range.
In the Junior B division, Roxy Spector emerged as a rising star, dominating vault with a gold-medal performance, claiming silver on floor, and securing bronze in the all-around competition. The Level 7 squad added to the team's success, with Averi Brady's fifth-place bars routine and Addison Bae's outstanding beam performance earning second place, demonstrating the program's strength across multiple levels.
As the chalk dust settles in Atlantic City, the Twisters have little time to savor their success. The team now sets their sights on next week's prestigious Parkettes Invitational in Allentown, where they'll look to build on this momentum and continue their impressive ascent in Pennsylvania gymnastics.
This performance represents more than just improved rankings; it's a testament to the countless hours of preparation, the unwavering dedication of these young athletes, and the strategic guidance of their coaching staff. The Willow Grove YMCA Twisters have announced themselves as a rising force in the competitive gymnastics landscape, and their Star Struck success suggests this is just the beginning of their championship journey.
About the Author
Mubarak Simmons
Gymnastics Director, Willow Grove YMCA
Mubarak has over two decades of expertise in gymnastics and acrobatics. He coaches young athletes to achieve their dreams while having fun in the sport. His career includes tenure as a stuntman at Walt Disney World Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show, and a key role in winning the 2005 NCAA Gymnastics Team Championship for the University of Oklahoma. Mubarak is a graduate in Political Science, and he enjoys motorsports and quality time with his family.