Gymnastics | 3/23/2024 1:35:00 PM

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (March 23, 2024) – This season, the Texas Woman's gymnastics team began the season with a mission in mind – Let Them Know.

What seems like a simple three word phrase embodies the success and history the Pioneers aimed to achieve throughout the 2024 season.

After a historical regular season, TWU looks ahead to their postseason journey, which starts tonight with the Midwest Independent Conference Championship.

The Pioneers enter the postseason with the same mantra echoing their mind – Let Them Know, and there is only one way they can achieve their goals this season – together.

"The M1 team set out to break records and make history, and we have done just that," Emma Brkljacic said. "This team has heart, discipline, gratitude, and is a family. Being a part of a team that continues to help each other rise up and push each other forward is why we are so successful. We all love, support, and take on everything together as one."

"I am so excited to take on postseason with this record breaking team," Lainey Hunt said. "Not only are we making history, we are having so much fun doing it. I just love doing what I love with my best friends."

For Kaitlyn Hoiland, focusing on the history the team has already made together serves as a motivating force for the Pioneers heading into postseason.

"The most motivating thing going into post season is looking at how much history we have already made this season as a team and knowing that we still have so much more to give these last two competitions to make even more history together."

In her first season with the Pioneers, Bowns said she gained confidence throughout the entire season, and she is taking the confidence in herself and in her team into the postseason.

"One thing I'm taking from regular season into post-season is the confidence we've built. This team has broken record after record, and all the momentum we've created is just fueling our fire going into MICs and Nationals!"

While in the sport of gymnastics, each gymnast competes on their own – the sport is driven by the team bonds, as each gymnast competes for the sister and family surrounding them.

"I love this team because of the bonds we have with each other and how close everyone is," Bailey Bourgeois said. "These girls have your back and will be there for you on your best day and your worst day, and I'm so glad to have found a group of girls and coaches who genuinely care for each other so much and that will do absolutely anything for anyone."

Each of the Pioneers are dedicated to being their best for each other.

"I love this team so much and the dedication we all have," Sophia Isbell said. "We are committed to each other and the support for one another is so amazing. I am so thankful I get to compete with such a great group of people!"

Kami Zarlengo said it is the trust and love the Pioneers have for each other that truly made rewriting the history books possible.

"I am so proud of this team and the dedication each and every person has put into this season. The love and connection within the team is what has made re-writing the history books possible. The passion and gratitude we feel for our sport and each other is something I will never forget. This team will forever be so special to me! #Mach1"

Although they are from different states and various backgrounds, the Pioneers are all connected through the love of gymnastics.

"I love this team because each of us have such a special bond with each other, and the love of this sport shines through every one of us," Ruby Goad said.

Aaliyah Gilmore echoed Goad's sentiment. She said she is thankful for the drive of the team and the bond created through the commitment to success.

"The thing I love about this team the most is how driven every single person is. The amount of love and passion not only for the sport but for each other that everyone on this team has cannot be matched."

Not only is the team bonded by the love of the sport, but they are also drawn together by a love for TWU gymnastics.

"This team has such a heart for not only this program, but for each other," Delaney Bruns said. "The love and trust I feel within every individual on this team is something that could never be replicated, and I'm beyond thankful that I get to be a part of it."

For Madeline Gose, the love and trust from the team truly inspires her to be her best every day – a sentiment she is taking into the postseason competition.

"I cannot find enough words to express how much this team means to me. From the beginning, everyone has worked incredibly hard to get where we are now. We are never satisfied, and always striving for more. The persistence and determination each person has inspires me to be better every day. We are best friends in and out of the gym and I think the dynamic we have is like none other."

As the Pioneers prepare for success in the post season, they are also motivated by looking back at the success they have had throughout the regular season, as they reflect on their favorite, historical moments.

"My favorite moment this season was Daisy's perfect 9.950 vault where the team went crazy with all the love and energy we put into that competition," Sofia Steffan said. "It really made me feel like I was home!"

"My favorite memory from regular season is getting two 196s, which has never been done before and breaking all the records individually and as a team so far," Steelie King said.

"My favorite moment of the regular season was our first 196+ team score," Brooke Ferrari said. "We knew we had a lot bigger things in store for us for the rest of the season! Everybody in the building was full of energy and passion."

The post season begins tonight. The team is prepared. The team is ready. Now, they just have to leave it all out on the floor and enjoy every moment.

"Leave everything out on the floor," Emily Six said. "Go out, do what we do by having the time of our lives and leave no room for regret."

"One thing I am taking into post season is to be present in each moment as they come and be the team we are every day," Daisy Woodring said. "We have what it takes for another conference and national title, and we will do it by being true to our team identity that we have built all season and pre-season. I'm thankful for another day to do gymnastics with these people. We can be confident because we know all the preparation, work and commitment we've put into this year."

It's time to Let Them Know and finish the season strong with the Pioneer family.

"I am most looking forward to finishing a great season off strong with this team, and getting to compete a couple last times with the seniors," Sophie Hernandez said.

The Pioneers start the journey tonight at 5 p.m. at Lindenwood University.