FARMINGTON, Minn. -- With a goal to peak at the end of the season and contend for a trip to state, Farmington gymnastics is looking to steadily improve through the season. That takes a team effort.

Coach Brad Albano notes, "We peaked exactly when we wanted to (in 2024-25). The goal wasn't successful. Becoming better is what we shoot for and that's what we accomplished. Last season was very much a success." FHS came up just short of reaching the 140 mark, taking third in the section.

Emma Steffen, one of five seniors, says, "We all push each other to be our best. And even throughout the first week of practice it's been great to see everyone cheering each other on. Pushing each other to our limits. Going beyond what is assigned to us and expected of us. It's great to see."

Due to the occasional "freak accident" Steffen has found herself in a support role at times, "It has made me realize that you should celebrate your teammates successes more than yours. And it makes you a better person, as a whole."

Her favorite event is balance beam, "Because I feel the most confident on it, which kind of seems silly since it's the one that most people tend to be scared of. It's one that Brad has pushed me to be my best on."

Steffen hopes to contribute as an all-arounder, "This year because I'm a senior, I'm going for more fun routines. Going on stuff that I know I can do, so that I can make the most out of my last season."

Senior Allie Oden went to state for the first time last season, competing in vault, "It went really well. I ended up getting a good score. It kind of reflected on how I was doing all season. But I'm hoping to go again and get an even higher score."
Vault is her favorite, followed closely by floor exercise, "It's another power thing. I'm more powerful than graceful. I like to tumble."

Oden competes in all-around, "When you do everything, you have to brush it off. Just think about the next event. If you did really good, you have to forget about it. Put it aside."

She has grown as an athlete, entering her fourth year on the team, "My first year, I wasn't as confident. But I've gained a lot of confidence and it's making it so much easier for me to perform."

Sophomore Alana Oden went to state on uneven bars last winter and senior Kamryn Schmucker qualified for floor.

Albano says last season's youth benefits this season's potential, "Their work ethic improved, and their effort improved and their focus improved as we went. I think those things will just roll right on over because they are going to be more experienced.
"The biggest strength is that they support each other…We all bring each other along. It's really nice to see because it's less policing and more about just supporting. You're happy for each other. That makes it genuine. Then it carries over from year to year because that becomes your standard," he believes.

After three seasons of competing, senior Lucy Manthei steps into a new role as a manager, "It doesn't change the team aspect at all because our team is so strong, and the bond is so great, because a lot of us have done gymnastics together for so many years. I'm just so excited to be with them again.

"Being that I'm a senior and can mentor the younger students, especially ones that haven't competed at the high school level before. So, I think it's very cool to support them and teach them what it's like to be in a high school setting, just because it's so much different but so much fun" Manthei says.

Duties as manager include verifying music is correct, photography, media, moving mats, and helping with anything she can, "Making sure everything goes smoothly." Other managers include seniors Casey Johnson and Riely Lindgren in addition to Ali Murphy.

Senior Miley Malszycki, in her fourth year on the squad, has developed a passion for floor exercise, "It's so much fun to dance and show it off…My friend Liv [Olivia Gallivan], she was on the team last year. She's very into choreographing. I started watching Dancing with the Stars. It's fun to incorporate little dance moments into my routine that I see elsewhere."

She vaulted on varsity at times last season and is working on her consistency on the beam, "I need to focus on sticking and staying." She also added skills on bars during the off season.

Malszycki believes the team can contend for a state berth, "It's senior year and I haven't gone there yet, and I think it would be really cool…I think our floor is definitely going to help. We have a strong competitor, Stella. And especially vault. Beam, I think it's getting back to where we were last year."

Steffen echoes, "That's always our goal. Make it to state. But our goal is to just keep improving every day, getting one percent better every day. Hundred percent effort every day."

Albano appreciates the attitude the team brings to the gym, "Most of them understand it. Why we do what we do, why connect what we connect…[Coaches Sean Dougherty, Julia Williams] and I do our best to find the best within you to then create the routine for that. In a way it's a two-way street where the girls have to reciprocate that effort to build the best routine possible.

"Stay optimistic and patient so that it peaks at the right time which it has in the past. And hope to keep continuing that upward tick."

FHS goes to Prior Lake on Saturday, December 6 to open the season. That's followed by a trip to Rosemount on Tuesday, December 9 before the home opener on Tuesday, December 16 at the Tiger Legacy and Learning Center at 6 pm.
New to the schedule is New Prague for a rare Friday night meet on December 19 on the road. 2026 starts with Farmington hosting an invitational at the high school on Saturday, January 3 at 11 am.

While competing at FHS is fun, Oden says she prefers their regular home site, "This is our home gym. This is where we practice every day. We're used to this equipment. This is where our banners are and everything. Doing it at the high school is really cool. But it's different equipment, different environment."

She enjoys the team aspect, "It's more that you feel like a family, everyone's together. You're always cheering each other on, no matter what. That's what I like."

Malszycki is excited for the season to start, "Getting to know the team. I really enjoy the aspect of being back in this gym with everybody compared to off season when it's just a few people."