Loud cheers fill the air as Del Val junior and level-nine gymnast Lillyana DeMartino dismounts and salutes after executing an intense bars routine, securing her spot in first place. This level of gymnastics is the second-highest in the Junior Olympic program and requires intensive training to perfect difficult skills and performing vigorous routines at competitions.

DeMartino’s interest in gymnastics sparked at the age of four after a pre-k gymnastics activity.

“The person running the activity told my dad to look into signing me up for classes,” DeMartino said. “I was interested in learning the sport, so I tried it out.”

What started off as simple classes for fun became the beginning of her athletic career. At age nine, DeMartino started competing in meets and is now part of a competitive team at Spirit Gymnastics Training Center in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. She joined the team in April 2025 and has had a positive experience with the overall environment of the gym.

“My coaches are all really supportive of my dreams,” DeMartino said. “Everyone is like a big family.”

Having a support system through her teammates and coaches has allowed DeMartino to focus on her goals as a gymnast even when facing obstacles.

“The hardest part of training is the mental aspect; the skills are not usually the issue,” DeMartino said. “My body can clearly do the skill because I’m fine with all the mats, but it’s my brain.”

Pushing through the mental strain of gymnastics is crucial for athletes like DeMartino to strengthen their skills and be ready for competition.

“It’s also hard to watch your teammate struggle with a mental block because you know exactly what that feels like,” DeMartino said. “I always try to be supportive and encouraging to the other girls in the gym because of past experiences.”

With all the hours that are dedicated to training, balancing homework and clubs can be challenging at times.

“The sport is very disciplined, and Lillyana is definitely disciplined in the classroom,” Del Val biology teacher CJ Inglin said. “When it comes to taking notes and organizing her work, she’s consistent.”

At Del Val, DeMartino is part of the Biomedical Academy and Business Academy. She is involved in clubs such as Peer Leaders, Environmental Club, Bring Change to Mind club, and she is also the secretary and treasurer for International Club and a photography editor for The Delphi. Outside of school, DeMartino is part of St. Edward’s Youth Group where she volunteers in various community events.

“I focus on what’s happening in the moment, I give it my all wherever I am,” DeMartino said. “If I’m in school, I’m focused on my classwork and club activities, and when I’m in gymnastics, I’m focused on improving my skills.”

Even with such a busy schedule, DeMartino maintains a positive attitude and mindset.

“My dreams for the future motivate me when I feel overwhelmed,” DeMartino said. “I hope to go to college and make the gymnastics team.”

DeMartino currently has 230 awards, including medals, trophies, ribbons and banners earned from competitions she’s won. Last year alone, she won first place in both regional and state championships in the bars, beam and floor events. In order to stay on top, DeMartino is dedicated to consistently training and preparing for the next meet.

“Every time I go to practice or compete, I try to be a better version of myself because I know there’s always going to be someone to challenge you,” DeMartino said. “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”