In the series premiere of this drama focusing on the lives of teen gymnasts who strive to make it to the Olympics, new girl Emily Kmetko (Chelsea Hobbs) begins training at a gym alongside veterans who are both impressed with and threatened by her. Kim Keeler: Peri Gilpin.
There's chaos at the gym in the wake of Marty and Lauren's exits, so Payson, Kaylie and Emily set out to confront the two defectors about their decision to leave. Meanwhile, Lauren is not pleased with the reception she gets at her new gym.
Trying to unwind, Payson, Emily and Kaylie head to a high-school party, but the evening isn't as fun as they thought it would be. Meanwhile, Lauren shocks everyone by coming back to the gym.
Sasha puts the girls through a grueling day of practice as punishment for attending a party. Meanwhile, a power play develops among the parents as a decision is made about who will manage the gym.
A mother-daughter fashion show is held as a fund-raiser for Nationals, and the family bonding results in disharmony. The friction includes Kaylie feeling ignored, Emily being embarrassed by her mom and Payson believing the show is a waste of time. Meanwhile, Lauren is unhappy to be paired up with her father's girlfriend, Summer.
To motivate the girls, Sasha has Marty and the Denver team come to the Rock for an invitational meet. Meanwhile, Carter gets an ultimatum from Sasha.
A TV crew does profiles on the girls. Meanwhile, a pushy agent seeking financial gain arrives on the scene, and Emily must make amends for her poor performance at an invitational meet.
The Cruz family host a send-off party for Nationals while their guests deal with their own agendas: Payson secretly obtains some medicine; Lauren takes a final shot at breaking up Carter and Kaylie; and Chloe hides her financial struggles from Emily.
After Carter confesses he was unfaithful to her, an upset Kaylie runs off, leaving her teammates little time to find her before they must leave for Nationals.
The girls go to Boston to compete in Nationals. While Payson is obsessed with beating Kelly Parker, her teammates lack focus: Kaylie feels torn between Carter and her dad, Lauren is angry at her parents and Carter, and Emily fears she's in over her head.