The YMCA of Greater Brandywine gymnastics team made history at the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship and Invitational held last month in Cincinnati, Ohio.

At the 2023 competition, gymnast Alexis Nemchik, a junior at Downingtown West, made team history as the first member of the GYMCATS to place as a National All-Around Champion Finalist. The all-around includes a vault, beam, floor, and bar. 

Top Placements Across the Team 

In total, the GYMCATS sent 35 athletes and five coaches to the competition where more than 1,800 athletes from 80 different YMCA teams took to the floor in spirited competition. 

In individual competitions, six members of the GYMCATS placed first in the following events.  

• Vault – Alexis Nemchik  
• Bars- Alexis Nemchik  
• Bars- Ava Kraatz  
• Beam- Bridget Hoban  
• Floor- Sophia Renaldo  
• Floor- Lauren Hillanbrand  
• Floor- Lilly Campli 

Additionally, 12 members of the GYMCATS placed within the top 25 in the nation for the Level 8 and Diamond teams.

GYMCATS Sportsmanship Turns Heads 

“I am so incredibly proud of our gymnasts and coaches,” shares Megan Hartman, Director of Gymnastics for YGBW.

“None of this would have been possible without our passionate coaching staff and their dedication to this program,” shares Hartman. “I look forward to seeing what this team will continue to accomplish.” 

The GYMCATS is a competitive gymnastics team based out of the Oscar Lasko YMCA & Childcare Center in downtown West Chester. 

For more information about the YMCA Gymnastics program visit YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s website.

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