Brecksville gymnastics extends state championship streak to 23 years

The Bees captured their 26th overall OHSAA championship at Hilliard Bradley High School, extending their national record streak.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Brecksville-Broadview Heights gymnastics team won their 23rd straight state title and 26th overall at the OHSAA gymnastics state championships, finishing with 147.025 points. Magnificat finished as the runner-up with 145.20 points. The Bees overcame nerves and some challenges during the competition to continue their national record streak of gymnastics titles.

Why it matters

Brecksville's gymnastics program has built a dynasty, winning 23 consecutive state championships, a national record. This sustained excellence over more than two decades is a remarkable achievement that speaks to the program's coaching, training, and team culture.

The details

The Bees opened the tournament strong on vault, led by senior Emily Gromek's 9.6. They had one of their best beam routines of the season, with sophomore Gwyn Popielski earning a team-high 9.375. Despite some equipment issues and scoring challenges, the Bees excelled on bars and finished powerfully on floor exercise, where senior Rachel Kirin had her best state tournament performance with a 9.7.

  • The OHSAA gymnastics state championships took place on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Brecksville has now won 23 consecutive state titles, extending their national record streak.

The players

Maria Schneider

The head coach of the Brecksville-Broadview Heights gymnastics team, who has led the program to 23 straight state championships.

Emily Gromek

A senior on the Brecksville gymnastics team who led the team with a 9.6 on vault.

Gwyn Popielski

A sophomore on the Brecksville gymnastics team who earned a team-high 9.375 on beam.

Rachel Kirin

A senior on the Brecksville gymnastics team who had her best state tournament performance on floor exercise with a 9.7.

Magnificat

The runner-up team at the OHSAA gymnastics state championships, finishing less than two points behind Brecksville.

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What they’re saying

“There were a lot of strong teams out there today, we had to go out there and win as a team. The nerves to keep the streak alive were definitely there, but a coach yesterday gave us some great advice that really struck home with me. She said, 'In this sport there is no defense, so we have to go out there and do what we know we are capable of doing.' The concept of team is important. If someone else doesn't hit, it's OK. We just have to keep stepping it up.”

— Maria Schneider, Head Coach (cleveland.com)

“Floor is my favorite because it's an event where I can have fun while I'm competing. When my time came up, my mindset was that I'm a senior and this is my time to go out and have fun. I can be confident on floor, I know how to do this routine. It also helps to have the teammates that I have. When I hear them cheering for me, it helps me believe in myself and helps me do my gymnastics better than I could if I were by myself.”

— Rachel Kirin, Senior (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The state championships will continue on Sunday with the all-around and event finals competitions.

The takeaway

Brecksville's gymnastics dynasty, built on 23 consecutive state titles, demonstrates the power of a strong team culture, excellent coaching, and a commitment to excellence that can be sustained over decades. The program's ability to reload with new talent each year and continue this historic run is a remarkable athletic achievement.