Twenty-six members of the South Shore YMCA Gymnastics Team traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina, from June 29 through July 1 to compete in the 2026 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship, joining approximately 2,000 athletes representing more than 85 YMCAs from across the country.
The week began with a high-energy Opening Ceremonies celebration, where gymnasts marched into the arena alongside teams from across the United States, celebrating the community, sportsmanship, and friendships that make the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship a one-of-a-kind experience.
The South Shore YMCA athletes delivered an outstanding performance throughout the competition, bringing home 25 individual medals, earning 37 top-10 finishes, and capturing a third-place team award in the Xcel Gold Division. Every gymnast qualified for Nationals through months of hard work and dedication, proudly representing the South Shore YMCA on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
“I couldn’t be prouder of how these athletes represented the South Shore YMCA,” said Kara Protulis, Association Gymnastics Director. “Their commitment, determination, and teamwork were on full display all week long. While we’re incredibly proud of the medals and team accomplishments, what stands out most is the way they supported one another, encouraged their teammates, and represented our Y with such positivity and sportsmanship.”
Results & Highlights
Xcel Diamond
- Sydney Hallifax placed 5th on Vault, 10th on Uneven Bars, 7th on Balance Beam, 7th on Floor Exercise, and 7th All Around, also earning an alternate spot for event finals.
Xcel Platinum
- Sarah Brown – 6th Floor Exercise
- Nylah Cropper-Powell – 10th Vault
- Also competing: Cailey Fisher, Lily Stone, and Amelia Conroy.
Xcel Gold
The Xcel Gold Team earned 3rd Place Team, bringing home a new championship banner for the South Shore YMCA.
Individual results included:
- Paige Spath – 2nd Vault
- Lucy Bradford – 3rd Uneven Bars
- Paige Mosca – 6th Uneven Bars, 6th Floor, 9th Balance Beam, 8th All Around
- Meryn Coughlin – 6th Vault, 10th Uneven Bars, 8th Balance Beam, 7th Floor, 7th All Around
- Sophie Holmes – 4th Uneven Bars, 6th Balance Beam, 6th Floor, 4th All Around, 8th Vault
- Gabby Olaoye – 7th Vault, 8th Uneven Bars
- Grace Hartigan – 9th Vault
Xcel Silver
- Grace Seaver – 6th Uneven Bars, 11th All Around
- Lailah Sylvestre – 6th Vault, 9th Floor
- Grace Deluca – 9th Vault
- Michele Strazzullo – 11th Vault, 10th Uneven Bars
- Laila Irr – 11th Vault, 10th Uneven Bars
- Also competing: Avery Kent and Annunziata Strazzullo.
Xcel Bronze
- Sadie Deluca – 6th Vault, 6th Uneven Bars, 8th All Around
- Annunziata Strazzullo – 3rd Vault
- Laila Tham – 9th Uneven Bars
- Also competing: Arabella Cropper-Powell.
Beyond the medals, the championship celebrated the spirit of YMCA Gymnastics by bringing together athletes, coaches, and families from across the country to compete, build friendships, and create lifelong memories.
Congratulations to all our gymnasts and coaches on an incredible national championship and an unforgettable week representing the South Shore YMCA. We can’t wait to see what next season brings!
The South Shore YMCA Synergy Gymnastics Team is available by invitation or tryout for athletes of all skill levels, from beginner competitive gymnasts through national-level competitors in Xcel Bronze through Diamond and USA Gymnastics Levels 2-8. To learn more about South Shore YMCA Gymnastics, visit ssymca.org/gymnastics or contact Association Gymnastics Director Kara Protulis at kprotulis@ssymca.org.
Open Doors for Future Gymnasts
The South Shore YMCA is a charitable organization. Because of your support, we’re able to make programs like gymnastics accessible to children and families across our community. Your gift helps remove barriers, expand opportunities, and ensure every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
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