By ALEX SPONSELLER Warwick native and La Salle Academy senior Marissa Zarra took home the state title in bars at the recent gymnastics individual championships. Zarra scored a 9.00 to run away with the title.

Zarra has become one of the top performers in the state in her high school career and separated herself in bars. The Springfield College-commit devoted much of her training to bars after suffering multiple broken ankles.

“It’s a great feeling. I was surprised to have won. I knew that if I had a chance to place or win, my highest chance would be on bars. I am going to college next year as a bar specialist, that’s my main event in gymnastics,” said Zarra. “Bars used to be my worst event. I was awful. I was getting the lowest scores in meets but started working on it every day for years and it got so much better for me.”

The ongoing pandemic also forced Zarra and her team to adjust their training throughout the season. She was not only happy to get the ultimate victory at states, but was also relieved to be able to enjoy a full season her senior year.

“It was one of my best routines of the season. It was a good, clean season for bars and my routine. It felt great knowing that I did it in a year like this with everything going on, it made it a lot better. It was hard, there were a lot more restrictions with practice, so it felt really good to get through the whole season. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end,” said Zarra.

As she eyes competing at the college level, Zarra’s win will give her a little extra inspiration as she begins her preparation.

“It will definitely help a lot and it gives me a lot more motivation to work on bars. Knowing that I have a title now, it makes me want to go back to the gym and keep working,” said Zarra.

She will also miss competing with her friends at La Salle, while also looking forward to the new challenges ahead at Springfield.

“I’m going to miss the experience of high school athletics. It’s a much more laid back atmosphere with your teammates and coaches,” said Zarra. “I’m looking forward to getting to know my new team and coaches in college, I’m looking forward to it.”