Gymnastics | 11/13/2024 7:58:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (Nov. 13, 2024) – National Signing Day marks the beginning of a new journey for a lot of high school seniors. With the dash of the pen, they solidify their dreams of becoming a Pioneer and continuing their athletic journey.

The Texas Woman's gymnastics team welcomed three new Pioneers on National Signing Day: Juliaunna Baker, Autumn Mickens and Gabby Ruseva.

"This group of student-athletes truly exemplify the spirit of a Pioneer," said TWU Head Coach Lisa Bowerman. "They are hard-working, intelligent, resilient, committed and talented. I'm thrilled to have them join our program and look forward to the contributions they will make!"

From Magnolia, Texas, Baker has competed in gymnastics for 11 years. Baker competes with Cypress Academy of Gymnastics. In 2023, she qualified for Nationals. At L10 Nationals, Baker tied for 30th overall in the all-around competition. Additionally, in 2023, she placed fourth in all-around in her session at the Texas State Level 10 meet. She has personal bests of a 9.775 in Level 10 on vault and a 38.050 in all-around. At TWU, she plans to major in political science.

"I chose TWU because of it's amazing community where I can pursue a great education in a safe and loving environment," Baker said.

Mickens, from Kansas City, has been doing gymnastics since she was five years old. She has competed with multiple club teams, including Integrity Gymnastics, Desert Devils Gymnastics and most recently Gold Medal Gymnastics. Mickens is a three-time State Champion and a two-time Regional Qualifier. In 2021, she claimed the Regional Floor and Vault Championship Title. Then, in 2024, Mickens won the Level 10 Beam State Championship Title. She plans to major in pre-nursing at TWU. 

"TWU meets my academic standards, and the amazing gymnastics program along with a welcoming supportive coaching staff made my decision easy," Mickens said. "The small campus and more intimate feel also met all my needs and expectations."

From San Antonio, Texas, Ruseva competed with Southern Gymnastics Club. In 2024, Ruseva placed third in all-around at the Yellow Rose Invitational. Then, at the Texas State Meet, she finished ninth in the all-around competition. She also qualified and competed in the Region 3 Regional Meet and finished 11th on bars and 18th in all-around. In 2023, she tied for sixth all-around, tied for sixth on floor and tied for eighth on vault at the Level 9 Western Nationals. Ruseva plans to major in business at TWU.

"I decided to attend TWU, because the second I stepped on campus, it felt like home," Ruseva said. "I clicked with every single person on the team. They were all so welcoming and I just knew that this was going to be my new family."

We are excited to welcome these three Pioneers.