Broomfield’s Ritchie repeats as gymnast of the year

Broomfield gymnastics has seen its fair share of success over the past few years, with two state championships and two runner-up trophies gracing its school’s halls. Senior Mia Ritchie has been at the heart of it all for the past three seasons.

Last month, Ritchie’s high school career came to a close when she placed eighth in the

Class 5A state all-around competition, scoring a 36.625. She achieved the feat by tying for fourth on floor (9.550) and finishing eighth on bars (9.075), then worked her way up to third in the individual portion of the bars competition (9.175).

The Bocopreps.com gymnast of the year likewise played a pivotal role in helping to vault the Eagles to a second-place team tie with Overland. She led the squad through all the tumult that came along with three head coaches in three years.

“Mia has always been a natural leader on our team,” current head coach Abby Anderson said. “She is one of those people who shows up to practice every day, ready to work and ready to support others. I’ve definitely noticed it grow with her being captain, both her junior and senior years. With her being captain, she’s become more of an outspoken leader. She is one that will pump up the team. She leads by example, as well. She’s one of the first ones in the gym, one of the last ones out. She’s always working and making sure her assignments are getting done.”

In the aftermath of a tough meet against Niwot, Ritchie stepped up to speak to her teammates, giving them the motivation they needed to finish the season out strong. Anderson attested that Ritchie’s encouragement, as well as her unbeatable work ethic, resulted in notable differences in the practices and