Practice starts and finishes in the dark.

The gymnastics team has shifted to later practice times because, beginning last season, it moved its “home field” from the Tappan Gymnasium to the Broderick Gymnastics Academy in Hyde Park. Now the team practices three evenings a week at Broderick’s and two evenings in Tappan.

When the team practices at Broderick’s, the gymnasts take advantage of higher-quality equipment and a more intense atmosphere. This change in location has also caused other shifts within the team as a whole.

According to senior Sylvia Haigh, a co-captain, this year’s team had cuts for the first time in recent memory. This year, there are only 16 gymnasts, down from upwards of 20 just a few years ago.

Haigh said the decision to shrink the team was influenced by the structure of practices at Broderick’s. When the team practices at Broderick’s, it shares floor space with teams from nearby high schools.

Coach Natalie Baruch said gymnastics is well-suited to a small group, as coaches must be able to give their gymnasts individual attention.

Two years ago, the team petitioned to have its aging equipment replaced, said Haigh. The gymnasts needed a new floor, bars and other improvements.

“It was way too expensive, so the compromise was that we would be sent to a gym that had all the equipment we needed,” said Haigh.

While the practice venue has changed, the spirit of the team has remained constant, according to Baruch.

“We want to beat our own score, not somebody else’s. We are really just trying to improve ourselves, so that is what I really stress to the girls,” said Baruch. “We are not here to just win. This is about having fun and really learning.”

The passion Baruch and her gymnasts share for the sport is evidenced by the team’s collective mindset.

“I just love the sport,” said junior Claire Meyerovitz. “I am not good at the traditional running- and catching-type sports, so I really like the creative aspect of gymnastics and how you can combine the dance part and the strength part.”

Meyerovitz competes in the floor exercise and balance beam events, which are both set to music. Unlike other gymnasts in nearby towns, most members of the Brookline team do not practice and compete year-round, though they still prepare for gymnastics in other ways. For example, Meyerovitz chose to take a dance class partially because it would help her rhythmic movements.

The team had a weekly practice throughout the summer and fall, which kept many team members enthusiastic and enabled them to improve in preparation for the season.

While the team has not won a meet in three years, the gymnasts remain optimistic.

“I think this year, we are going to turn it around a little bit,” Haigh said.

Given the move to Broderick’s, the team now faces a different practice schedule. Twice a week, it takes a school bus to the Broderick gym and practices from 7-9 p.m.

“While the season is happening, I have to go home after school and finish all my work because if I don’t finish it before I go to practice, then I don’t want to be starting my homework once I get back at 9:30 p.m.,” said Meyerovitz.

However, Baruch thinks this arrangement is conducive to better athletic performance. She said that her gymnasts are mentally prepared and more relaxed, as they are free from the stress of looming homework because some of it is already done.

The Warriors gymnastics squad is ready for the challenges of a new season, according to Baruch.

“They are so self-motivated, and they are extremely hardworking,” said Baruch. “Our team is extremely spirited.”

Jake Wolf-Sorokin can be contacted at [email protected].