February 20, 2026 – Story and photos by Joshua Ross
For the Hingham/Hull gymnastics team, the challenge was clear from the moment last season ended.
Coming off a historic, undefeated campaign that included a Patriot League Championship and a program-record 138.3 team score, expectations were high — even as several standout seniors graduated. Head Coach Alexandra Boyd knew replacing that talent wouldn’t be easy.
“Well, we actually really started thinking about this season back in the spring,” Boyd said. “I knew that we had graduated some really talented girls and we had four spaces to fill. Making sure people knew we existed and would potentially want to be part of the program was a big mindset of mine.”
That outreach paid off.
Seven talented new gymnasts joined the program, from clubs including Head Over Heels, SSGA and MGC Hingham, immediately reshaping the team’s outlook. What followed was something few could have predicted: another record-breaking season and the first State Finals berth in program history.
This winter, Hingham/Hull surpassed last year’s milestone with a new team high of 139.2. Even more importantly, the team secured the 12th and final qualifying spot for the State Championship, earning a trip to Saturday’s finals at Algonquin Regional High School.
While the Harborwomen finished 8-1 overall and placed second at the Patriot League Championship, their season was filled with individual accolades and steady growth.
“We started the season around 130 at our first couple meets,” Boyd said. “Just seeing the progression of how the routines formed and got stronger, that was the biggest highlight for me. Starting at 130 and ending around 139, that was the most rewarding for everybody.”
In gymnastics, nine points is enormous — a reflection of improved difficulty and sharper execution across every event.
“Yes, nine points is a huge deal,” Boyd said. “Better difficulty, better execution. The girls just never settled. They’re always asking, ‘What can I do to up my difficulty? What can I do to improve my execution?’ They really push themselves in a healthy way.”
That mindset translated into championship performances.
Sophomore Grace Whiting captured first place in the All-Around at the Patriot League Championship and was named Patriot League MVP.
“Going into this season I was honestly just ecstatic because of how much fun I had last season,” Whiting said. “At first I was a little nervous because it felt like there was a target on our backs, but after we got into the swing of things the nerves went away. I was so excited and just trying my best to have a positive mindset so we could have another great season.”
The team’s freshman class made an immediate impact, blending seamlessly into an already close-knit roster.
“It felt like they were on the team forever,” Whiting said. “They helped create the awesome team chemistry and camaraderie that we had this season. During competitions, they did absolutely amazing and definitely helped contribute to the team being so successful yet again.”
Among the league championship standouts, freshman Vivan Nicholas won vault and floor, sophomore Amelia Murgatroyd captured first on bars, and junior Jessica Scipione placed second on bars.
The coaching staff was also recognized for its impact. Boyd was named Patriot League Coach of the Year, her 10th season at the helm, while assistant coach Marissa Hennessey earned Assistant Coach of the Year honors. Coach Hennessey is a former Harborwomen herself.
“That was so special,” Boyd said. “That’s voted on by the other coaches in the league. When they announced assistant coach first and Marissa’s name was called, I was thrilled for her. I ran up to take her picture, not realizing they were going to say my name next. The look on her face, she was so happy for me, and I was so happy for her. It meant the world to get that recognition.”
Whiting echoed that sentiment.
“I was over the moon when they called Coach Boyd and Coach Hennessey,” she said. “They work so hard, are so passionate, and are so positive. Truly just the best coaches ever. I’m so proud of them.”
For senior captain Ava Pappone, the journey to states represents the culmination of years of growth.
“I remember freshman year, just barely scoring a 130 and feeling ecstatic,” Pappone said. “Now in my senior year, scoring an all-time high of 139.2 and having an undefeated season last year, I felt absolutely amazing. Being able to see each of them individually grow, gain new skills, and become more confident inspires me to work harder and show up as a leader.”
The MIAA’s updated ranking format allowed teams to track their position throughout the season, and for weeks Hingham/Hull anxiously held onto the 12th and final qualifying spot.
“Every Tuesday and Friday when the rankings came out, we were like, ‘Are we still number 12?’” Boyd said with a laugh. “We were just thrilled.”
Now, with the State Finals ahead, the approach is simple.
“We’ve never competed against any of these teams,” Boyd said. “We truly don’t know what the scoring will be like side-by-side with the same judges. My goal is just hit clean routines with minimal mistakes.”
Some gymnasts will debut more difficult elements, skills Boyd strategically held back at the league meet.
“Since we were at the bottom qualification-wise, why not?” she said. “Let’s try it and see what happens.”
Pappone says the team is embracing the moment.
“We’re going into this open-minded,” she said. “This is a great time to try new skills for next year and really just have fun. We’re excited to show off our talent at such a competitive meet and enjoy our last meet together.”
Regardless of what happens Saturday, the Harborwomen have already redefined the standard.
An undefeated season. Back-to-back record scores. League MVP honors. Coach of the Year recognition. And now, for the first time ever a trip to states.
History, it seems, has become a habit.