Grosse Pointe United gymnastics returns to state finals, earns 10th

GROSSE POINTES — It was a disappointing few years for Grosse Pointe United gymnastics in the state finals category, but the gymnasts were finally able to make their mark this year.

After qualifying for states in 2020 but not being able to compete due to COVID-19, and after missing out in the top-three state qualifier at regionals in 2021 and 2022, Grosse Pointe United earned 10th place at the Michigan High School Athletic Association State Finals on March 10 at White Lake Lakeland High School.

“Our goal was to be in the top 10, and we actually finished in 10th place, so we’re actually really excited about that,” Grosse Pointe coach Isabelle Nguyen said.

Grosse Pointe entered this season with a nice mix of youth and experience, and it paid off throughout the year.

Senior Ava Rogowski earned the highest placement at states for Grosse Pointe, placing eighth in the all-around and earning all-state honors. Rogowski placed ninth in floor and seventh in beam.

Rogowski, who missed the 2022 season due to injury, faced early obstacles in the season but was able to battle her way back to the top.

“I was a bit nervous going into the season because I had to relearn my skills, and I hadn’t competed in quite a long time,” Rogowski said. “Also, because I injured myself on the balance beam, I had to overcome a bit of a mental block.”

Seniors Madi Lucido and Maddie LoPorto each earned all-state honors on beam, finishing tied for 10th.

Grosse Pointe’s road to the state finals showcased the team’s full potential, as it scored its highest team score of the year (138.975) and won the league championship on Feb. 15 at Birmingham Groves High School.

Not only was it a step in the right direction for Grosse Pointe United, but Nguyen said the meet gave her gymnasts the confidence they needed before regionals.

“That just boosted them up for regionals, because they were always keeping an eye out for other teams’ scores, and when they saw that score, they were really excited,” Nguyen said. “They were saying, and I was saying, that they would make it to team states.”

When regionals rolled around on March 4 at Lakeland High School, Grosse Pointe’s seniors shined again as Rogowski earned seventh on vault, second on beam and fifth on floor, finishing sixth in the all-around.

Lucido added a seventh-place finish in beam while LoPorto tallied third in beam and 10th in the all-around. Senior Brooke Lezotte was a hero for Grosse Pointe on floor, earning ninth.

As they continued to do all season, the seniors shined when it mattered most for Grosse Pointe.

“To me, I really do think they’re good role models,” Nguyen said. “When we were at team states, they were always helping the team and making sure they knew what to do, especially the new, incoming freshman and sophomores. They just made sure they were on top of it.”

While the seniors flexed their muscles at regionals, Grosse Pointe’s underclassmen made their presence felt as well.

Sophomore Allison Mattes finished first in the all-around at regionals, earning top-three placements in vault (third), beam (third) and floor (second).

Sophomore Lucy Tull placed 23rd in the all-around out of a field of 47 gymnasts and will figure to be a key factor next year alongside Mattes, junior Ainsley Tanghe and junior Alayna Okonoski. All-state qualifiers this season, Grosse Pointe will return a healthy amount of experience heading into their 2024 campaign.

“I think we have a strong team as long as everyone keeps their head in the game and everyone stays positive,” Nguyen said.