Gymnastics | 3/23/2026 10:09:00 AM
NORMAL, Ill. (March 23, 2026) - The Texas Woman's gymnastics team placed second at the 2026 Midwest Independent Conference Championships in Normal, Ill., hosted by Illinois State University.
On Friday night, the Pioneers competed against Southeast Missouri State, Illinois State and Centenary College for the conference title. TWU posted a 194.725 team score to finish runner-up behind Southeast Missouri State.
The Pioneers started the night on beam, where they delivered a steady opening rotation. Caroline Bowns led the way with a strong routine and score of 9.925 which was tied for second overall in this event. Sophia Isbell added a key score in the middle of the lineup tied in fifth with a 9.800 to help TWU open the meet with momentum.
TWU then moved to floor for the second rotation, where Kylie Minard and Isbell paced the Pioneers with a solid 9.850 first place performances. Autumn added to the strong night with a solid routine, as TWU built on its total heading into the halfway point.
On vault in the third rotation, Isbell once again led the lineup with one of the top scores of the night with a 9.850 second place score. Alaina Reid and Jordan Loock contributed strong vaults to keep the Pioneers in contention entering the final rotation with a 9.825 and 9.800 respectively.
The Pioneers closed the meet on uneven bars, where Caroline Bowns took the top spot overall in Bars routine with a 9.850. Alaina Reid, Bailey Bourgeois, and Kami Zarlengo followed up strong routines with all 9.800 to tie for second to add depth in the lineup as TWU secured the second-place finish with a 194.725.
Southeast Missouri State claimed the 2026 MIC Championship title, while Illinois State finished third and Centenary placed fourth.
TWU had a strong showing in the postseason honors, placing multiple gymnasts on the All-MIC teams.
Sophia Isbell earned First Team All-MIC honors on vault, beam and floor to lead the Pioneers. Alaina Reid was named First Team on vault and bars, while Caroline Bowns earned First Team honors on bars and beam. Kami Zarlengo and Bailey Bourgeois were both recognized on bars, and Kylie Minard earned First Team honors on floor.
On the Second Team, Bailey Bourgeois was honored on vault, while Autumn Mickens and Sofia Steffan were recognized on floor.
In addition to the All-MIC selections, TWU was recognized with several major conference honors. Sophia Isbell was named Co-Athlete of the Year, assistant coach Zan Jones earned Assistant Coach of the Year honors for the second consecutive time, and Bailey Upton was selected as Co-recipient of the Sylvia Keiter Award.
TWU will continue their postseason at the Women's Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitational Championship (WCGNIC) next week on March 27-29 in West Chester, Pa.
-PIONEERS-
All-MIC Selections
