On the WIAA website, the records go back to 2006, and no Federal Way Eagle has ever won a championship event in gymnastics. But now that has all changed.

There is a hope that what Joseline Abundis achieved kickstarts a trend for Federal Way area gymnastics.

“It shows that Federal Way has more to offer than just football and basketball. Federal Way gymnastics is here to stay and make our mark,” Head Coach Mariah Flygare said.

Joseline Abundis just put the finishing touches on one of the best seasons a gymnast has ever had who wore the blue and white leotard.

“We’re so proud of her. We’ve known her since she was little through gymnastics. Seeing her grow at everything has been amazing. It’s really emotional… She did exactly what she came to do,” said Assistant Coach Katy Ott.

When all was said and done at the 2024 WIAA 4A State Gymnastics Championships on Feb. 22-23 at Sammamish High School, Abundis was a state champion in three events.

In the all-around, she placed first, which concluded on Feb. 22. The following day, she took home first place on the vault and on the beam.

She started as a freshman and has developed more than either of her coaches could have imagined.

“She has shown tremendous growth not even from an athletic standpoint, but personal growth as well,” said Flygare.

No gymnast from any Federal Way school has ever taken home the all-around crown at either level. Abundis will be forever etched into the Federal Way High School history books.

“She’s one of our captains, she loves the girls. Even when she is having a bad day, she is a really good role model for them. They look up to her,” said Ott.

Arguably the most emotional moment from the second day of competition was after Abundis completed her balance beam routine. She sprinted over to her coaches, who gave her a huge hug and met her with big smiles on their faces. Abundis scored a 9.6 on the beam, her highest score of the championships.

“It felt awesome. It was one of my biggest goals because last year I made a mistake on it. This year I worked really hard and wanted to try my best. Coach Mariah helped me so much on the beam,” Abundis said.

The final event was the floor routine — Abundis was the final competitor before the competition as a whole came to a close. Every single person was watching her routine, which can be a lot of pressure. But because she has that experience and leadership, no moment is too big for her.

“I try to have fun with it. Coach Mariah has always told me that ‘You’re good, no matter where you are in the lineup, people’s eyes are going to be on you.’ So it’s something I have gotten used to,” Abundis said.

That familiarity helps on the big state stage.

“In other competitions I didn’t want to go last, everyone’s eyes are on me, it’s too much pressure. But we were like, if it gets to state and you’re the last one, you have to be prepared for that. I feel like I definitely was prepared for it,” said Abundis.

With it being her last competition for the Federal Way gymnastics team, she couldn’t be more grateful for the assistance her coaches had given her. After the meet concluded and the medals were handed out, it was a special moment between the three.

“I feel like I have definitely grown,” Abundis said as she held back tears.

“They showed me that showing up and working hard gets you where you want to be and completing your goals. They also told me to never stop chasing your dreams… I had worked so hard in gymnastics, I am at peace,” Abundis said.