STUNT | 1/31/2024 11:35:00 AM

DENTON, Texas (Jan. 31, 2024) – With the 2024 inaugural season officially underway for the Lone Star Conference and less than two weeks away for Texas Woman's University STUNT, the LSC announced Preseason Players to Watch.

From TWU, three student-athletes were selected as Preseason Players to Watch. Junior tumbler Kaitlin Abanto was selected along with senior returner Laurel Jones and Long Island, N.Y. native Kailen Smalls.

"We are extremely proud of our three third year's for being recognized," Head Coach Jasmine Owens said. "Each of them are invaluable to this team."

Jones going into her last season continues to lead the Pioneers into the LSC inaugural year after helping guide the Pioneers to its most wins in program history (seven) last year.

"Our captain, Laurel, is not only a great athlete, but an outstanding leader on the mat and in the classroom. Throughout the game, you will see her step into every position, which is rare to see on any team."

One of the team's top tumblers, Abanto looks to build off her TWU STUNT's Most Valuable Player award last season.

"Kaitlin, our elite tumbler, is impressive to watch in the third quarter. She is also very versatile, stepping into a new role as a flyer this semester. We appreciate her leadership behind the scenes helping her teammates improve her skills."

Smalls is another leader for Owens who looks to strive for another historic year for TWU STUNT.

"Kailen, our top tumbler since year one of the program, continues to get new skills every season. She's tough and always sets the standard for her teammates when it comes to fighting hard & never backing down."

Last season, TWU finished 7-7 overall, an improvement from their first year of the program. The experience and addition of eight new Pioneers to the roster this year sets TWU up for a promising third year.

The Pioneers hit the ground running with their season in Kitty Magee Arena as they host Dallas Baptist on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.

To view the LSC release including the Preseason Players of the Year visit here.

The full LSC Preseason Athletes to Watch is included below:

LSC STUNT Athletes to Watch in 2024