Woodson Y Whirlers Gymnastics Team
Our competitive Woodson YMCA Whirlers Team provides a caring environment to develop Gymnastics skills and create lasting friendships.
Our Whirlers include competitive gymnastics Levels from 2 - 10. Each level focuses on solid basics and skill progressions while developing YMCA core values of respect, responsibility, caring and honesty. Team building activities are planned throughout the year in addition to competitions.
Our competitive team travels to different YMCAs throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Our competitive season concludes with our State meet in March.
A National YMCA Gymnastics Championship is held in June at different locations throughout the United States. Practice is held in the Gymnastics Center at the Wausau Branch in the evenings Monday through Friday.
Stop by and check us out! Participants are invited to be on a team through our progressive gymnastics classes or by individual tryout.
For more information email
Jackie Buemi, Gymnastics Director
or call (715)841-1814
Woodson YMCA Gymnastics Team Shines at National Championships in Green Bay
Earns 121 Medals at 2024 YMCA National Gymnastics Championships
GREEN BAY, WI — The Woodson YMCA gymnastics team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2024 YMCA National Gymnastics Championships, held June 24–28 at the Resch Expo in Green Bay. Sixty-four gymnasts from the Wausau-based program qualified and competed on the national stage, bringing home an impressive 121 medals — awarded to athletes who placed in the top one-third of their level, event, and age group.
This year’s championship was not only a celebration of athleticism but also of inspiration. Olympic medalist Jordan Chilesheadlined the opening ceremonies, telling the thousands of young athletes in attendance, “It’s not about being perfect — it’s about showing up with heart, fighting through the nerves, and loving what you do.” Her words echoed through the competition floor all week, as the Woodson YMCA team proved that dedication and passion lead to success.
The Level 1 team soared to 1st place overall, with six gymnasts earning individual or all-around 1st place medals and eight others placing 2nd or 3rd in their events.
Not to be outdone, the Level 2 team also clinched a 1st place team finish, boasting 12 individual or all-around champions and 16 additional 2nd or 3rd place medalists.
The Level 3 team secured an impressive 3rd place overall, with one gymnast earning an individual national title and five more reaching the podium in 2nd or 3rd place.
At Level 4, Woodson earned a strong 4th place team finish, with three gymnasts achieving 2nd or 3rd place honors.
Upper-level gymnasts at Levels 5–8 also left their mark. Four athletes earned individual or all-around national titles, and senior Carley Kessen of Wausau advanced to the All-Around Finals, placing her among the nation’s top YMCA gymnasts.
Sophomore Lauren Zuelsdorff of Merrill was named first alternate for the All-Around Finals, a significant accomplishment in a highly competitive field.
Gymnastics Director Jackie Buemi praised the athletes’ performances and sportsmanship throughout the event. “These gymnasts trained for months and gave their all,” she said. “To see so many of them recognized at the national level — and for our younger teams to place first — speaks volumes about their commitment and the support of our coaching staff and families.”
The YMCA National Championships bring together thousands of athletes from across the country each summer to compete in artistic gymnastics events. This year, the hometown location made the experience even more memorable for Wisconsin athletes.
The Woodson YMCA team now returns home with not only medals and trophies but memories and motivation to carry into the next season. As Jordan Chiles reminded them: “The most powerful thing in gymnastics isn’t the skill — it’s the belief that you can.”
2025 STATE GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONS Congratulations to Our Woodson Y Whirlers
Whirlers Level 8
State Champions
Team All Around
Individual All Around
- Braelyn Corbett – Level 1
- Vera Jensen – Level 2
- Aamori Tripp – Level 5
- Sydney Dawson – Level 7
- Sophia Kurth – Level 8
Vault
- Aliviah Murkowski – Level 1
- Vera Jensen – Level 2
- Helena Cha – Level 4
- Sydney Dawson – Level 7
- Eowyn Pince – Level 7
Bars
- Aliviah Murkowski – Level 1
- Braelyn Corbett – Level 1
- Blake Sickler – Level 2
- Josie Belisle – Level 2
- Aamori Tripp – Level 5
- Sophia Kurth – Level 8
Beam
- Josie Belisle – Level 2
- Meredith Carlson – Level 2
- Skylar Greenway – Level 2
- Carley Kessen – Level 8
Floor
- Vera Jensen – Level 2
- Helena Cha – Level 4
- Aamori Tripp – Level 5