Gymnastics | 1/6/2024 5:45:00 PM
DENTON, Texas (Jan. 5, 2024) – The Texas Woman's gymnastics team welcomes six new Pioneers to their 2024 signing class, as they continue to grow their talented squad for the 2025 season.
"We are very excited to welcome these six remarkable athletes to the Pioneer Family," Associate Head Coach
Kristen Harold said. "They each bring different strengths and perspectives, and there is no doubt that collectively they will help us reach new heights as a program."
From Colorado Springs, Colo., Elly Eenhuis competed and trained with Incline Gymnastics. In 2022 and 2023, she was a Regional Qualifier. Then, in 2023, she was a named a Nationals First-Alternate. Success in the gym and success in the classroom remain strong cornerstones for Eenhuis, as she is a three-time academic letter winner. Eenhuis also holds a passion for community service and serving individuals with special needs.
"When I stepped onto campus for my first TWU gymnastics camp, I felt like the campus was just the right size and feel for me," Eenhuis said. "I could tell right away that the TWU coaching staff has so much belief, trust and genuine care for their athletes. The coaches and team were so welcoming, it just felt like home!"
Kyleigh Ghanbari joins the Pioneer Family from Beaumont, Texas. Ghanbari competed and trained with Beaumont Gymnastics Academy. A successful gymnast, Ghanbari most recently was a National Qualifier in 2023.
Ghanbari knows what it takes to be a champion, as she was a Level 9 and Level 10 Regional Beam Champion. Her personal best on vault is a 9.85.
"My dream has always been to be a college gymnast," Ghanbari said. "After many prayers about what my future would be in this sport, my dream came true. After attending camp, I knew without a doubt I belonged at TWU. I can't express how excited I am to continue my gymnastics journey as a Pioneer! I am so grateful to the coaching staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Thank you for making my dreams come true!"
From Memphis, Tenn., Amane' Glenn joins the Pioneers as a multi-sport athlete with decorated success in the sport of gymnastics. From 2015-2020, Glenn competed and trained with Gymstars in Tennessee from 2015-2020 and then briefly competed for one year with ConXion Gymnastics in Mississippi in 2021. Following the 2021 competition season, Glenn moved to Orlando, Fla. to compete and train with Orlando Metro Gymnastics from 2022-24. She competed at State every year from 2015-22 and was a Regional Qualifier in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Glenn is also committed to success in her academics. She received the honor of being on the National Congress of Future Medical Leaders in 2019-20. She also was honored with the Outstanding Cadet Award in 2021 and was a member of the National Honors Society from 2020-23. Glenn also has a passion for serving her community through service projects and donation drives, as she served with Axis Outreach, Sisters of the Skies, Memphis Youth City Council Chairwoman, Youth Christian Fellowship and JROTC.
Glenn plans to major In Aviation Sciences at TWU and pursue Professional Pilot Training.
"I decided to attend TWU, because as soon as I stepped foot on campus it felt like home," Glenn said. "From the beautiful campus to the amazing community that fills it, I know it's the right place for me! I'm honored to have the pleasure of competing for the Texas Woman's University's gymnastics team. I love TWU's dedication to excellence in academics and its gymnastics program. There are endless opportunities available for students to further their education and experience at TWU. I'm excited to be a Pioneer competing for the gymnastics team and pursuing my future endeavors in Aviation."
Jordan Loock joins the Pioneers from Campbell River, Canada. As a multi-sport athlete, Loock brings a successful gymnastics resume to the Pioneers. Loock has competed and trained with CRSK for five years and CRGA for 12 years. In 2016, she was named the Most Promising Newcomer. Then, in 2018, she received the title of Hardest Trainer. Loock is a two-time Sportswoman of the Year and two-time Gymnast of the Year. Additionally, in 2021, she was named the Most Dedicated Athlete. Most recently, in 2023, she was named the Gymnast of the Year.
Loock also helped guide her team to first place at Nationals in 2021 and second place at Nationals in 2022.
Along with success in the gym, Loock is committed to success in academics and in serving her community. She received A Honor Roll Honors four years in a row and was honored with the Secretary Award in 2021. In the community, Loock enjoys using her musical talents to sing and play bass guitar for local retirement homes, churches and school assemblies.
"I am super excited to continue my athletic and academic career at TWU," Loock said. "The coaches and team made me feel right at home. I am so grateful for the opportunity they gave me, and I can't wait to become a Pioneer!"
From McKinney, Texas, Alaina Reid competed and trained with Zenith Elite Gymnastics. A proven champion, Reid qualified and competed at Regionals in 2021 and placed seventh on beam. Last season, she received the Team Leadership Award. In 2022, Reid worked to overcome and injury and successfully came back to qualify and compete at Regionals in 2023.
"I have been following the TWU Gymnastics team for a while, and I have loved watching them compete," Reid said. "I chose TWU because I felt at home on campus, and all of the girls on the team made me feel so welcomed. The coaching staff is amazing, and I love how they care for me as an athlete as well as a human being."
Bailey Upton comes to Denton, Texas from Lincolnton, N.C. where she competed and trained at Perfect Balance Training Center. A decorated gymnast, Upton was named a JO National First Alternate in 2023 and earned third place in All-Around at the NC State Meet in 2021. She competed in the State Meet in 2020, 2021 and 2023. In 2021 and 2023, she also competed in the Region 8 Championships.
Also committed to academic success, Upton was named a Junior Marshall in 2023. She plans to major in Kinesiology at TWU.
"I chose TWU, because it was the perfect fit both academically and athletically for me," Upton said. "The campus is gorgeous and the coaching staff complement each other so well! I love the ambitious and driven attitude of the gymnastics team. I cannot wait to be a part of it!"
The Pioneers are excited to welcome these six gymnasts to the Pioneer family!
-PIONEERS-