Looking into the winter sports season, one sport is hiding in the background and does not  get the credit it should. This is the Forest Hills gymnastics team, who has been achieving their goals and beating rivals since the start of the season. Forest Hills United is a strong force team ready to attack the rest of the their season.

Forest Hills United is a combined team with FHC, FHN, and FHE. The gymnastics team is a seventeen-girl, roster team with predominantly Central athletes.

According to junior Carly Anderson, the gymnastics team has been doing an amazing job this season, with a goal to stay undefeated as their 3-0 record shows now.

Key returners for this year are two time state champion senior Cassidy Terhorst and one time state champion senior Ellie Siebert, and both will captain the team in hopes to win a conference championship. Another key returner is senior Hannah Esterman, who according to Anderson, is a large contribution to the success of Forest Hills United.

Practicing everyday from 3:15-5:15 along with occasional strength and conditioning workouts with FHC athletic director JaNae Start, the Forest Hills United Girls are all dedicated to their goals of winning conference and succeeding beyond that.

“The returners have really helped out the newbies,” Esterman said. “When they want to learn a new skill or they can’t figure out how to do something the returners are always there.”

Anderson attributes that to their team chemistry, explaining that “A major key to the team’s success is good leadership, close teammates, and hard work. The seniors are great role models for the underclass men. Our team is really close knit this year and all the girls get along really well.”

“We really had a good incoming class. They have all had experience before and we all work really well together,” Esterman added.  

According to Esterman, being on a team with some girls that don’t go to her school is a very fun and thrilling experience. She explains that she likes getting to meet new people and finding out the different things that are going on at the various schools of the Forest Hills District.

“It’s really fun because we don’t all know each other, and we really get to know a lot of new people.” Esterman explained.

Esterman also adds that she is looking forward to spending time at the upcoming gymnastics meet in Canton, MI. This is a meet where the gymnastics girls spend the night in a hotel and compete.

Forest Hills United previously won against the reigning state champions, Rockford. With this win, they are excited to move forward and improve as a team.

“This was a great win for our team,” Anderson said. “It gave us the boost of confidence knowing that we beat the past state champs, so now we really know that we also have a shot at being state champs.”