Detroit Lakes Captures 2nd Straight Class A Gymnastics Title

Lakers battle through miscues but lean on their season-long dominance to claim another state championship

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Detroit Lakes gymnastics team defended its Class A state title, overcoming early struggles to post a dominating score of 147.625 and beat out No. 3 Mankato East by three points. Despite some uncharacteristic mistakes, the Lakers' veteran leadership and depth helped them rally and secure their second consecutive championship.

Why it matters

Detroit Lakes' repeat title victory showcases the program's sustained excellence and the community's passion for the sport. In a state where gymnastics is a major high school draw, the Lakers have emerged as a perennial powerhouse, inspiring the next generation of gymnasts.

The details

The Lakers entered the meet as the top-ranked team and defending champions, facing immense pressure to repeat. Early mistakes by young gymnasts Stella Eckman and Rowan Gatheridge on bars were quickly settled by the veteran leadership of seniors like Olivia Gag, who reminded the team to stay positive. The Lakers then rallied, with standout performances from Claire Mickelson on beam, Addy Laux on bars and beam, and Maggie Schander, who posted tournament highs on bars, floor, and vault.

  • The Lakers won their second straight Class A state title on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Detroit Lakes entered the meet as the reigning champions.

The players

Detroit Lakes Lakers

The Detroit Lakes high school gymnastics team, a perennial powerhouse that has won seven state titles under head coach Leesa Lindgaard.

Leesa Lindgaard

The head coach of the Detroit Lakes gymnastics team, who has led the program to seven state championships.

Maggie Schander

A senior gymnast for Detroit Lakes who posted tournament highs on bars, floor, and vault to lead the Lakers to victory.

Olivia Gag

A senior gymnast for Detroit Lakes who helped rally the team after early struggles and provided veteran leadership.

Stella Eckman

An eighth-grade gymnast for Detroit Lakes who struggled with falls on bars but bounced back to contribute to the team's overall score.

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What they’re saying

“That pressure is a privilege. At the beginning, we may have been a little down, but everybody kind of stepped up and had to pick each other up. Very proud for us coaches to watch them do that.”

— Steve Zamzo, Co-Head Coach (dl-online.com)

“We used it (the pressure) not as a 'We have to prove something,' but we used it in 'Let's show them what Laker gymnastics can do.' Our coach Leesa (Lindgaard) told us in the beginning of the season 'You guys are a 147-148 team.' Like today, we definitely, we went out there and showed it.”

— Maggie Schander, Senior Gymnast (dl-online.com)

“This team, we have worked our butts off all season. We worked our hardest from when we stepped into the gym until we got out. We are working and working and working. And we have a couple young ones this year but I'm so happy for us. It's so unreal.”

— Maggie Schander, Senior Gymnast (dl-online.com)

What’s next

The Detroit Lakes gymnastics team will look to defend its Class A state title again next season, with the core of its championship squad returning.

The takeaway

Detroit Lakes' repeat title victory underscores the program's sustained excellence and the community's passion for gymnastics. The Lakers' ability to overcome early struggles and rally around their veteran leadership demonstrates the grit and determination that has made them a perennial powerhouse in Minnesota high school gymnastics.