East Leyden math teacher Jennifer Thomas is the new Leyden girls gymnastics coach.

English teacher Jason Orna, who had coached the girls for 11 years, is only coaching the boys gymnastics team this year.

Ms. Thomas has coached gymnastics at Lyons Township before and said she has always wanted to be a gymnastics coach.

“I think it is important to put the girls first, and it’s more about teaching the girls determination and dedication,” she said.

Girls on the gymnastics team have different predictions to share about Ms. Thomas and this year’s team.

“I think that this year will be very different,” said Crystal Iniguez, a sophomore on the girls gymnastics team. “Ms. Thomas’s dedication is going to help us improve this year.”

Hailey Heard, another sophomore on the girls gymnastics team, says that this year will improve from last year.

“The gymnastics meets are very pressuring but fun at the same time. At every meet, everyone usually gets very nervous before they compete, but after our routines we always feel good about ourselves,” said Hannah Brewer, a junior on the varsity team.

The first girls gymnastics meet was held November 27th against Downers Grove South. The varsity team lost with a final score of 99.35 – 128.

When asked how she thinks her team will do at the meets, Ms. Thomas takes time to think of an answer. She believes that her team is very hard working and has much potential, but she does not want to underestimate other teams.

The girls’ next meet is at home on Thursday against Hinsdale South.