February 3, 2025 – Story and photos by Joshua Ross
It’s not unusual for a freshman to come in and contribute to a team their first year, but we haven’t seen one have an immediate impact in some time like this week’s Athete of the Week presented by College Hype Grace Whiting has had this season. Grace’s performances on the Hingham/Hull gymnastics team have “vaulted” them to the top of the league with an undefeated record of 8-0 heading into the Patriot League Championship meet on Friday night at Starland. Not only did she record her highest score of the season last week, she helped the team break the school’s team scoring record with a 137.50 on Friday night vs Whitman-Hanson/Duxbury. She’s consistantly in the top two of every event and battles it out with senior captain Sienna Besser for the All-Around title each meet.
“Grace has been a crucial part of the team’s success this season,” says head coach Alexandra Boyd. “This week her scores were a big contributor to the team’s wins against Hanover on Wednesday and Whitman-Hanson/Duxbury on Friday. Grace scored her highest all-around score to date at Friday’s meet with a score of 36. She earned the top score on vault, bars, and beam and came in second on floor behind teammate Sienna Besser.”
Besser has been impressed with Grace’s work ethic and contributions to the team.
“Grace has been such an amazing addition to the team this year,” Besser explains. “She has greatly helped us to stay undefeated so far and to secure the new school record of 137.5. In the past couple meets, Grace’s routines have truly shown her hard work and dedication. She consistently competes in routines filled with difficult skills that are executed very well. Specifically on beam at the past two meets she has fought hard for every skill and even added some new more challenging ones. As the season starts to come to an end with our league meet this Friday, Grace’s consistency and talent will continue to be a huge asset to the team.”
Congrats Grace and good luck to the Harborwomen at the League Championships!