High school gymnastics preview: Schork, Hofmanns return to lead Medina

A magnificent era for the Medina gymnastics team and coach Darcy Ranallo in the Greater Cleveland Conference comes to an end this winter. No league school has sent more individuals to the state meet than the Bees, who hope to add to that list before departing for the Suburban League. Medina returns the strongest three-girl core in Medina County with Gazette MVP Anna Schork, All-Gazette selection Hailey Hofmann and sophomore Bethany Hofmann. "I'm really just excited for this season to see how much we can grow and improve as a team each meet," Hailey Hofmann said. Schork finished fifth on the balance beam at the state meet, also tying for 12th in the floor exercise, placing 13th in all-around and tying for 24th on the vault. She was the lone county qualifier. The three-year letterwinner underwent offseason surgery on her left ankle that has prevented her from resuming training. "Anna's return to participation will be slow and limited, but her experience and competitive spirit should not be overlooked," Ranallo said. Hailey Hofmann had a breakout junior year, highlighted by a third-place showing on the vault at the GCC Meet. She scored a season-high 34.3 in the all-around at the Hudson District after fully recovering from a torn ligament in her left elbow. "Hailey has grown so much over the past four years and is an incredible leader," Ranallo said. "We will be looking to her to set the tone for the team." Brunswick finished second in the GCC last season, one spot ahead of the Bees, and boasts four seniors who were part of its most recent state team meet qualifier under coach Jacqueline George. All-Gazette selection Madison Dempsey, honorable mention choice Ella Vozar, Elli Rahas and Delaney McKelvy are the anchors of the squad, which also has rising sophomores Alysia Guciardo and Ceci Benko. The local darkhorse is Buckeye, which finished a strong fifth on the second day of the Hudson District and generated major buzz about its future among coaches and officials at the site. All-Gazette honoree Nevaeh Sejka was the third state alternate on the uneven parallel bars and Miranda Pesto was 14th on the vault at districts. The Bucks have added exciting freshman Kora Seeley, who has literally grown up around the team. Wadsworth essentially has an all-new program and Cloverleaf has been ravaged by injuries, while beam specialist Ally Gryskiewicz will represent Highland. Brunswick Coach: Jacqueline George (9th season).Last season: Fourth Hudson District II, second Greater Cleveland Conference Meet.Key letterwinner lost: Aubrey Mueller (All-Gazette).Returning letterwinners: Madison Dempsey (All-Gazette, sr.), Ella Vozar (HM All-Gazette, sr.), Elli Rahas (sr.), Delaney McKelvy (sr.), Helena Hoiseth (sr.), Ava Shrader (sr.), Ella Salamon (jr.), Ceci Benko (so.), Alysia Guciardo (so.).Newcomers: Ashlee Schneikart (so.), Gabby Tobias (fr.).Noteworthy: Rahas captured the GCC Meet pole vault title in track as a junior, clearing 9 feet, 6 inches at Mentor. Her father is longtime Revere boys basketball coach Dean Rahas. l Kent State gymnastics great Christina Lenny and Strongsville graduate Sabrina LeAnza round out the Blue Devils' exceptional coaching staff. Buckeye Coach: Ally Bresnahan (2nd season).Last season: Fifth at Hudson District II.Key letterwinner lost: Jenna Orient (HM All-Gazette).Returning letterwinners: Nevaeh Sejka (All-Gazette, sr.), Miranda Pesto (sr.), Danica Bir (jr.), Emmalin Samosky (jr.), Leah Bengough (jr.), Paige Cekada (so.).Newcomers: Kora Seeley (fr.), Maisie McMahan (fr.).Noteworthy: The Bucks will host the inaugural Cleveland West Conference Meet. The league did not sanction the sport last year but could have five teams in action. l As a result of club gymnastics commitments than ran through the end of 2025, Buckeye will open its regular season with four meets in a 17-day span. Cloverleaf Coach: Erin Cavey (2nd season).Last season: 18th at Hudson District II.Key ketterwinner lost: Brooklyn Cavey (HM All-Gazette).Returning letterwinners: Annie Rutherford (jr.), Cassi Bohner (so.).Newcomers: Gabby Randall (jr.), Sommer Huesdash (so.), Tessa Bogucki (so.), Alea Bailey (so.), Karly Smith (so.), Mackenzie McConahay (fr.).Noteworthy: Co-captains Rutherford and Bohner both underwent season-ending knee surgeries, while Randall is sidelined after suffering a back injury in early December. l Former club gymnast Huesdash and McConahay will hold down the fort until the multi-sport newcomers get more comfortable. Highland Coach: Jennifer Lewis (8th season). Last season: 11th at Suburban League Meet.Key letterwinners lost: none.Returning letterwinner: Ally Gryskiewicz (HM All-Gazette, sr.).Newcomers: none.Noteworthy: Gryskiewicz finished ninth on the floor and was 16th on the beam at the SL Meet. The three-year letterwinner was a 2023 Hudson District qualifier on the beam. Medina Coach: Darcy Ranallo (18th season).Last season: fifth at Hudson District I, third at Greater Cleveland Conference Meet.Key letterwinners lost: None.Returning letterwinners: Anna Schork (Gazette MVP, sr.), Hailey Hofmann (All-Gazette, sr.), Bethany Hofmann (HM All-Gazette, so.), Hailey Beauchamp (jr.), Farrah Holladay (jr.), Caitlyn Oehlers (jr.), Brianna DeBow (so.).Newcomers: Loreli Nagel (jr.), Alexa Ricciuti (fr.), Madelyn Stahnke (fr.).Noteworthy: Schork is one of 20 county gymnasts with three or more state appearances since 1999. Her nine individual bids during the timeframe are tied for 10th locally.l Beauchamp, Holladay and DeBow each displayed promise last winter and will be relied on to count scores in multiple events. Wadsworth Coaches: Sarah Masuoka and Maggie Tittle (1st season).Last year: ninth at Hudson District I, fourth at Suburban League Meet, first in North East Gymnastics Conference.Key letterwinners lost: Riley Shammo (All-Gazette), Stephanie Novak (HM All-Gazette).Returning letterwinners: Ella Mattle (jr.), Emily Burkey (jr.).Newcomers: Courtney Napier (fr.), Leah Scolaro (fr.), Tessa Sivy (fr.).Noteworthy: Pinnacle Gymnastics coaches Masuoka, Tittle and assistant Amy Alexander stepped in to take over the program following the retirement of Kelly Murphy. l Burkey and Mattle are serving as co-captains and will compete in the all-around during their third varsity seasons. Contact Brian Dulik at sports@medina-gazette.com. Follow him @BrianDulik on X.