Gymnastics | 1/17/2025 11:07:00 AM

DENTON, Texas (Jan. 17, 2025) – Oftentimes what you seek and desire lies right in front of you, you just have to have the courage to take it.

As the 2025 Texas Woman's gymnastics team begins, the Texas Woman's gymnastics team prepares to "take what is ours." They have set the goals, and they have put the work in in the offseason – now the lights are on, and it is time to seize every opportunity.

"There are not enough words to describe how special this team is," Kaitlyn Hoiland said. "I have never seen a group of people more dedicated and willing to put in every single ounce of effort they have to improve and be great. This team knows what we want, and we are going to go out and take it. I am so grateful I get to be a part of this team, there is a spark like no other, and it is time for the rest of the world to see what we've been working on."

Hoiland, a fifth year senior, set the tone already this season by making history and competing a Yurchenko 1 1/2, which had never before been competed by a TWU gymnast. In the off season, Hoiland worked to be able to see the historical moment come to fruition.

"I worked on my new vault which is very exciting for me, and I have also been working on cleaning up all the little details to take my routines to the next level," Hoiland said. "The whole team has been working so hard to improve even the smallest details to help us achieve our goals and we have all improved so much."

Senior Trinity Caffey, in her first year with the Pioneers, also worked on adding a new routine to her competition, as she looks ahead to competing beam for the first time in her collegiate career.

"I am excited about showing off everything I have been working on the past three years," Caffey said. "I feel like my gymnastics is at the best it has been and with me adding in a third event this year, I am excited to see my potential out on the competition floor."

While the team worked to prepare physically for the new season, they also made the commitment to growing stronger mentally – a key aspect of competing successfully and achieving your goals.

"This year, we as a team, have worked very hard on the mental side of competition, because we know how crucial of a component it is in the road to Regionals," senior Lainey Hunt said. "We have worked on learning and defining who we are, our character, identity, and applying that knowledge in and out of the gym."

For senior Steelie King, she aims to focus on joy in her fifth and final year of collegiate gymnastics – with the image of the little girl who always grew up with the dream, finally getting to live it out.

"It's my final go around, and I just want to do everything out of love and joy for this sport and team," King said. "I'm doing it for the little girl that dreamed about being a collegiate gymnast."

For the first time since 2021, the Pioneers will compete their first two meets of the season at home in Kitty Magee Arena.

Senior Emma Brkljacic said KMA will always hold a special place in her heart.

"Competing in KMA means everything to me," Brkljacic said. "Being able to finish off my last year of gymnastics ever at TWU is a dream come true. I am so blessed that Lisa brought me to TWU!"

While the final moments will be bittersweet for the Pioneers, Hunt said she could not imagine going through those "lasts" with anyone else.

"What excites me about this year is the special people that I get to experience all of my lasts with," Hunt said. "My past three years in the program have been so special, and I can't wait to go out with a record breaking, history making last year!"

There is joy in the journey, and the Pioneers aim to compete with joy as they intentionally pursue their goals.

"For myself, I just hope to have fun competing and being with the team this year," Caffey said. "The goals our team has is to make history -- not just breaking records but making it to Regionals."

The lights are on. It's time to show the world and take what is ours.