By: Kristy Booher Angelo, Associate Athletic Director
For More Info: booherk@gilmour.org
Sophia Giancola '20 was the lone Lancer gymnast to compete in the 2020 OHSAA Gymnastics State Championship at Hilliard Bradley High School on February 28-29. She finished the two-day competition with a 19th-place finish in the all-around with a score of 35.950.
Her highest scoring event was the floor in which her routine earned a 9.300 to place her 11th overall. She finished 20th in the beam (8.950) and 24th in the vault (9.225).
"Sophia accomplished and finished a champion in my eyes," said head coach Missy Gillen. "Not only was I honored to coach her prior to her high school career, but I have been blessed to coach Sophia in her final two years of gymnastics competition."
The Lancers have had a handful of gymnasts compete as individuals over the years, but it wasn't until this season the school had enough to become a full-fledged varsity sport. Giancola was one of the driving forces for the team reaching such status. She qualified for the state championship her junior season, where she finished 10th in vault and 16th in floor.
This year, her coach was proud of her body of work throughout the season, but was especially impressed with the grand finale of her career.
"Her final floor routine, vault, uneven bars and balance beam were all done at the most difficult high school state competition I have ever witnessed," said Gillen.
Her scores are based on technical aspects, but Gillen sees Giancola as much more than a score.
"What Sophia is not judged on is her character she carried through the competition," said Gillen. "Confident, beautiful, determined, driven and the show of great sportsmanship as her teammates from the state of Ohio competed. Her determination to be the best she can be is what makes her unique. I truly watched a champion dismount the beam for the last time. I could not be more proud of Sophia then I was at state. The tears we shared were tears of closure to a sport that has created her into the person/athlete she is today. She walked in a champion and ended a champion."
View complete results of the 2020 OHSAA Gymnastics State Championship.
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