Olivia Aguirre, a senior at Camas High School (CHS), is returning for her third and final year as a member of the CHS gymnastics team, leaving her legacy as a remarkable gymnast and competitor.
Aguirre began gymnastics at the age of three and a half, attending Gymcats in Las Vegas, Nev. Initially, she had intended to participate in a ballet class, but found a greater interest in gymnastics.
“I went to the gym to do a ballet class, but I wouldn’t go inside, and I just walked into the gymnastics class,” Aguirre said.
Aguirre has been a part of the gymnastics community for about 15 years now, having made it as high as level seven while competing in club gymnastics before becoming a member of the CHS gymnastics team during her sophomore year.
She is thrilled to create new friendships, as well as build stronger connections with her established teammates. She intends to work toward her own goals and aspirations while simultaneously encouraging and supporting the other gymnasts to do the same.
Aguirre has high hopes for this year and hopes to make her last gymnastics season with CHS a memorable one.
“My biggest achievement was making it into the state finals on vault,” Aguirre said. “I hope to do the same, but actually place [this year].”
Julia Hood, head coach of CHS gymnastics, has developed a close bond with Aguirre over her past two years in gymnastics.
“I feel, of all the coaches in the past, I’ve kind of been the person that she will come to over others, and so I feel like she can be honest with me, and I can be honest with her,” Hood said.
Hood recognizes Aguirre’s commitment and sees her as a great representation of the team’s dedication.
“She shows her leadership through cheering people on at meets and leading warm-ups, just kind of taking charge,” Hood said.“Mid-season last year, she hurt her ankle, and she was pretty upset about that. She really pushed herself to get stronger and be able to get back in for the team.”
After closely coaching Aguirre for the past few years, Hood has noticed significant growth in her abilities as a student athlete.
“I’ve seen maturity, and I think she is also becoming more disciplined as the years go on,” Hood said.
Maya Richardson, a sophomore at CHS and member of the gymnastics team, has been friends with Aguirre for many years and has witnessed firsthand the influence Aguirre has on the people around her.
“I would say she’s one of my really good friends; she’s been there for me, and I can always talk to her about anything. I look up to her,” Richardson said. “I think she is definitely [a good representation of the team]. She’s been in the sport for so long that she knows what she’s doing. She’s very encouraging and knows how to bring people’s days back up if they’re having a bad day.”
Aguirre is looking forward to a successful season and a fulfilling end to her high school gymnastics career.
