While Redmond High’s six gymnasts may not have strength in numbers, they’re powering through their schedule with grit, smiles and determination.

“We’re having fun and supporting each other,” said junior captain Elly Yochum. “We’re small, but we’re still able to compete against the bigger squads.”

When it’s time to get serious, the girls are all in, added Yochum, who qualified for districts the last two years on floor and vault. The Mustang — who also plays soccer at Redmond High and Crossfire Premier — said she needs to clean up her tumbling runs in order to qualify for state on floor this time out.

The squad was 0-3 at press time, but coach Jason Farr said “it’s not all about winning everything,” it’s about improving. And he’s seeing plenty of that this season.

Yochum leads the way by getting the Mustangs ready for tough workouts and pumping them up during meets, Farr said. Yochum has been nursing a sprained elbow, but should be at full strength following winter break, she said.

Yochum said the key to being a successful gymnast is “you have to be focused, especially during meets.”

She’s been competing since she was young and applies the speed from soccer to the vault, and in turn, her upper-body strength from gymnastics helps in fending off opponents on the soccer pitch.

Also competing for the Mustangs are juniors Carmen MaCrae, Miyeko Johnson and Anna Hammond and sophomores Leah Schare and Sarah Berg.

Farr said that Schare is a strong competitor who has scored some 9s on the floor, MaCrae has stepped up with some good routines, Johnson brings energy to all her routines, Berg is solid on the beam and Hammond has notched some good scores along the way.