For her accomplishments both in the classroom and in the athletic arena, Danvers High sophomore gymnastics sensation Kaylee Westcott was chosen as the Moynihan Lumber Student-Athlete of the Month for February.
Westcott, a member of the Danvers/Lynnfield gymnastics team, has been involved in gymnastics since she was 3 years old, following in the steps of her older sister (and DHS teammate), Maddie.
“I loved it right away, being able to flip around and do my own thing,” said Westcott, who turns 16 years old this Thursday. “It got a lot more competitive when I was placed on a team at 6 years old, but that was great for me because it taught me about discipline at a young age. Even standing on a straight line, things like that, which require concentration and focus.”
A remarkable season saw the 5-foot-1 Westcott earning the Massachusetts State Individual Champion title with a spectacular 39.225 all-around score. She won the state title in the vault, balance beam, floor exercises and the All-Around while taking third place on the uneven bars.
A Level 10 gymnast, Westcott helped Danvers to a 6-1 record during the regular season, then a fourth place as a team at the state championships — where she placed second individually with a 38.4. She was also selected as the NEC/CAL Most Valuable Gymnast.
Her floor routine is a favorite of Westcott’s, where she can show off a bit of her personality. It’s also where she’s known as ‘The Christmas Girl’ by judges and even opponents for using holiday music as part of her routine, no matter what time of year it is.
This was a special year for her since she got to spend it with Maddie, her senior sister.
“It was so special to me, especially since she was hurt last year but came back for her final high school season,” said Westcott, who also performs for her Yellow Jackets club team. “Everything I did was for Maddie, honestly, and the team. I wanted to make this year special.”
When it comes to her studies, Westcott is equally committed as she is in the gym. An honor roll student, she is enrolled in three Honors classes as a 10th grader and eagerly awaiting when she can add Advanced Placement (AP) classes next year as a junior.
“Gymnastics has taught me that not everything is going to be easy in life or go your way, but you have to keep grinding through it. It’s the same thing with classes and homework,” said Westcott, whose parents are Shawn and Stacey. She also has two brothers (one older, one younger). “There are going to be challenges, and you have to choose how you’re going to take on those challenges.”
Since she loves to write, it’s only natural that her favorite subject in school is English.
“When it comes to writing, all the right words come right into my head,” she said with a chuckle. “Once I start writing, I can’t stop. It comes very naturally to me.”
Westcott has also been involved in Danvers’ DECA program and recently earned top-12 finalist recognition.
