Junior Leslie Pladson (pictured) has been selected as the Pioneer of the Week (P.O.W.) for the weeks of Jan. 2-17, 2009. 

Pladson, a West Fargo, North Dakota, native and a product of TNT Kid's Fitness and Gymnastics Academy, earned this honor because of her training over the holiday break and her effort during the Pioneers' two-a-day practice sessions in early January. 

"LP came back from the break better gymnastics-wise than she was before Christmas," said TWU assistant coach Lisa Klein. "It was obvious to her teammates and to us as coaches that she worked extremely hard over the holidays."

Klein also said Pladson's improved leadership played a part in her selection as the P.O.W.

"LP has always a been lead-by-example type. She's still doing that, but just as importantly, she's speaking out a little more and providing a lot of vocal encouragement. That's important," she stated.