Gymnastics | 12/9/2022 12:54:00 PM
Marlboro, N.J. (Dec. 9, 2022) – After winning their 12th USA Gymnastics National Championship, the Texas Woman's University gymnastics team received votes in the 2023 Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) Preseason Poll.
Every year, the WCGA ranks the top 36 gymnastics programs, as voted on by the members of the WCGA.
"One of the goals our team has set for this season is to finish in the top 36 and earn a berth to NCAA Regionals," TWU Gymnastics Head Coach Lisa Bowerman said. "I truly believe in this team's ability to accomplish that goal, and I am thrilled to see that there are others within our sport that have taken note of the talent and potential of our program as well."
The University of Oklahoma topped the preseason poll at No. 1, with 22 first-place votes, after the Sooners won the NCAA National Championship in 2022. Narrowly behind them, with 21 first-place votes, was the University of Florida at No. 2, The University of Utah came in at No. 3, the University of Michigan was voted No. 4 and Auburn University rounded out the top five.
Two other Midwest Independent Conference gymnastics programs were also represented in the preseason poll as receiving votes: Illinois State University and Lindenwood University.
In their 2023 season, TWU will compete against 11 programs represented in the top 36 in the preseason poll. Of the 11 programs, three of the Pioneers' competitors are in the top 10 – Oklahoma, Florida and Missouri.
The Pioneers returned 14 gymnasts from their national championship squad last season. Additionally, TWU welcomed three freshmen for the 2023 season.
Among the 14 returning, six returners competed in individual finals at the USAG National meet.
Last season, the Pioneers won the "triple crown," winning the MIC title, the USAG National title and receiving the award for the highest GPA in the nation among all gymnastics programs.
Next Monday, TWU will be officially releasing their 2023 schedule. Then, on Tuesday, the Pioneers will release tickets for their 2023 home meets.
-PIONEERS-
