Stick It

Haley Graham, a headstrong 17-year-old, finds herself in trouble after a reckless incident with her skateboard friends. This mishap damages a construction site and leads to a judge's ultimatum, changing the course of her life.

In light of the judge's decision, Haley is mandated to attend an elite gymnastics academy, which prompts her to confront a sport she once excelled in. Battling her disdain for gymnastics, she faces the daunting prospect of returning to a world filled with strict discipline and high expectations.

Once a top contender for the U.S. gymnastics team, Haley's promising career faltered at the World Championships when she abandoned her routine. This dramatic exit not only cost her team the gold medal but also ostracized her from the gymnastics community.

Under the watchful eye of Coach Burt Vickerman, Haley begins her difficult journey back into gymnastics. He encourages her to consider entering an upcoming invitational competition, suggesting that the prize money could not only ease her past debts but potentially offer her a way out of the sport.

Haley's rigorous training leads her to confront the oppressive nature of gymnastics. As she grapples with the rules of the sport, she recalls, 'It doesn't matter how well you do. It's how well you follow their rules,' highlighting her internal struggles.

Haley's anxiety is heightened by her tense relationship with her overly critical mother. This complicates their attendance at the competition, as Haley is burdened by the memories of her mother's infidelity and the subsequent divorce that led her to quit gymnastics.

During the competition, Haley initially performs well, but pressure mounts, culminating in a breakdown during her balance beam act. This emotional moment forces her to revisit the painful memories tied to her prior exit from the sport.

In a pivotal moment, Haley confronts the very judge who had mandated her return to gymnastics. She prepares to withdraw from the competition but is surprised to learn that Coach Vickerman has already cleared her debts, leaving her in a position to choose her path forward.

Inspired by Coach Vickerman's belief in her potential, Haley ultimately chooses to continue her training. This decision leads her and her teammates—Mina, Wei Wei, and Joanne—to qualify for the National Championships, reigniting her passion for gymnastics.

At the National Championships, the corruption of the scoring system becomes evident when Mina receives an undeservedly low score. Haley retaliates by forfeiting her turn in protest, defying the judges and shedding light on the flawed system.

Haley's bold act of rebellion resonates with her fellow competitors, sparking a movement against the unjust judging practices. As competitors embrace their autonomy, Haley becomes a leading voice for change within the gymnastics community.

The gymnastics competition transforms from a mere contest into a platform for self-expression and autonomy. The athletes band together, showcasing their strengths while challenging long-standing norms within the sport.

As the competition concludes, Haley not only gains recognition for her gymnastics talent but also redefines her relationship with the sport. With new opportunities on the horizon, she is poised to embark on a promising journey in collegiate gymnastics.