Molly Gearin, 12, has been a gymnast for as long as she can remember. She participated in club gymnastics from the ages of three to 15 and has been competing for SHS ever since.

Now in her final season, she only has a limited amount of time left to participate in the sport that she loves.

“Gymnastics is the kind of sport that once it’s done, it’s pretty much done forever. I can’t just go out and tumble in my backyard. Once I stop, I’ll pretty much lose all of my skills,” Gearin said.

Gearin has been working tirelessly to perfect her skills for the upcoming meets, including the district meet. She recently placed fourth on vault at a home meet in a very competitive field.

There has been a new addition to the team this year with Sierra Whitmore, 11. Whitmore competed at the YMCA doing recreational gymnastics before joining the school team.

“It’s nice to have someone else help me represent the green and gold because for the past two years I have been all alone,” Gearin said.

Gearin has practiced with the Cincinnati Country Day team for the past four years. Since she was the only member on the SHS team for the past two years, she had to compete as an individual and could not compete as a team.

Senior Night for Gearin is Feb. 11 at Cincinnati Country Day at 6:00 p.m. After that, she will have two more meets and then head to District’s, where her ultimate goal is to make it to State.

Until then, Gearin is embracing the day-to-day aspects of being a gymnast.

“I still haven’t fully processed the fact that I’m giving up gymnastics. It’s been such a huge part of my life for 15 years. I can’t believe it’s coming to an end; I’m really going to miss it,” Gearin said.

To see a gymnastics photo gallery, visit shsleaf.org.