Gymnastics | 11/14/2018 2:28:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (Nov. 14, 2018) — Defending national champions Texas Woman's announced its signing class on Wednesday.
 
"This class is packed with talent, passion and competitiveness," Gymnastics head coach Lisa Bowerman said. "They will bring a lot to our program both athletically and academically."
 
The incoming class includes Beth Lazarus, Daisy Woodring, Kyla Podges, Maddie Griffith and Mara Johnson.
 
"I chose TWU because I love the tight-knit and family atmosphere of the campus, students and staff," Lazarus said.
 
The Mustang, Oklahoma native is no stranger to the program as her older sister, Brandi Elder, completed her career last spring. A Level 10 gymnast from Mat Trotters Gymnastics, Lazarus brings an impressive resume that includes a floor championship at the 2016 Western Championships.
 
"I love the sense of community and the encouraging environment that the coaches and gymnasts have created (at TWU)," fellow Oklahoman Woodring added. "The coaches genuinely care about their gymnasts, not only as athletes and students, but also as individuals.
 
A level 10 gymnast at Ultimate Gymnastics, and at the Junior Olympic National Qualifier in 2018, Woodring captured third place in the all-around of the 2018 Level 10 Region 3 Championships.
 
"I am beyond excited to train and compete alongside such an amazing team," Podges said. "I look forward to giving them my very best!"
 
Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, she comes to TWU as a Level 10 gymnast from Legacy Gymnastics. A three-time Level 10 regional qualifier, Podges will be reunited with former teammate and current Pioneer, Sadie Bish.
 
"I am most looking forward to the team camaraderie and positive energy that I felt from getting to know the team and coaches," Griffith added. "Witnessing the sportsmanship and strong connection between the girls is the atmosphere that I've always hope for in my college gymnastics experience."
 
Currently serving as team captain for her club team, Naperville Gymnastics, she was a Level 10 JO National Qualifier in 2016 and 2017. At the 2017 Region 5 Championships, Griffith earned a first-place finish on bars and second place in the all-around.
 
Like her fellow signees, Johnson shares the same outlook on joining TWU.
 
"I am looking forward to competing as a team and building relationships with the girls throughout my gymnastics career," Johnson said.
 
From Hickory, North Carolina, she is a four-year Level 10 gymnast from Shooting Stars Gymnastics where this year she competed at the 2018 Region 8 Championships.
 
"All five of these girls already have a great sense of pride for being Pioneers," Bowerman added. "I have no doubt this group will help us continue our tradition of success and will be part of championships in the future."