Spirits were high amongst the members of the Mercer Island High School gymnastics squad during a recent practice.

Five days earlier, the team topped the standings with 138.05 points with victories over Renton and Interlake in a KingCo Conference meet. Sophomore Alana Precht took first in the all-around competition, sophomore Kate Dahlin placed second, freshman Juliette Lowe notched third and senior Maya Moncaster snagged fourth.

First-year head coach Aleta Toy was thrilled with the recent wins and is looking forward to watching the girls display their talent at a Jan. 15 home meet at 7 p.m. that also features Newport, North Creek, Redmond, Bellevue and Interlake.

“I think that there’s a really nice group of athletes, whether they’re beginner to advanced and they’re able to work with each other and have a great time,” Toy said of the Islanders. “I have a coaching philosophy that we believe in inclusivity and hard work. That’s what’s important to gymnastics and also learning and appreciating the sport.”

Precht said that her teammates’ support helped launch her into first place at the Jan. 8 meet along with getting in some good skills practice before unleashing her routines on meet night.

“I was pretty relaxed, and when I’m relaxed I do better usually,” said Precht, who thought she put in her best performance on floor. “After I had that good start value, I executed my routine pretty well, which got me a higher score than I would usually get.”

When Dahlin smiles during meets that helps her have more fun when competing all around.

On the team front, she said that all the Islander gymnasts have welcomed her aboard during her first year on the squad.

“I like how we all cheer for each other, and we’re very supportive of each other. It just helps everybody,” she said.

Lowe’s favorite event in the all around is the bars “because it kind of feels like you’re flying. I like that,” she said.

It’s a growing experience for Lowe when learning new skills and getting the team’s support along the way. Lowe said she feels like part of a community through her involvement with Islander gymnastics.

Captain Moncaster has been part of the school’s team for the last three years and said that MIGGS (Mercer Island Girls Gymnastics) has become her family. Her favorite event is the floor because she likes dancing, doing fun poses and showing off her skills.

“Every day I’m so excited to come to practice and just see all my friends and then work on the sport that I love,” said Moncaster, who lost the love for the sport for a time while competing in club gymnastics and quit.

The love for gymnastics returned when she rejoined the sport with MIGGS and she’s now experiencing a fun and carefree atmosphere with the Islanders.

“I’m forever grateful for MIGGS that got me the love back for the sport,” said Moncaster, who added that the bars are her best event. She competed at the 3A state championships last season.

Sophomore Manuela Mendoza is another Islander standout and she thrives on the beam.

“I barely fall on it,” said Mendoza, who added that tightening one’s body and taking deep breaths are two of the keys to success in that event.

In the Jan. 8 win, she said the positivity coming from their teammates helped the Islanders perform successful routines.

Mendoza — who also competed at state last season — said the best part about gymnastics is gaining new skills and improving each time out.