Hello Pioneer Fans!

My name is Spencer Jones and I am a freshman this year. I am a Psychology major, and I hope to someday go into counseling of some sort. I’ve been working hard all summer on each event, but I hope to be able to contribute especially on beam and floor this season.

This team is definitely something special. I feel like I have become a part of a close-knit family who all want the best for each other and for the team. Everyone works so well together, pushing one another to be the very best we can be on a daily basis. Even though I have only been with the team for a few weeks, I can already tell that it’s going to be a fantastic year!

Our team literally does everything together. Last Saturday, we got to spend some time with a hopeful recruit, and we all went to dinner together at Texas Roadhouse. Afterwards, many of us went to support the University of North Texas football team. The good thing about TWU is that even though we don’t have a football team ourselves, there are plenty of opportunities to go to games!

This week was the beginning of study halls, which may be tough to fit into our crazy schedules, but is a great time to get our homework done. I think it’s wonderful that at TWU our schoolwork is even more important to our coaches than our athletics and that they provide the opportunity to get all of our work done in a controlled environment.

Conditioning seemed extra tough this week as we work on getting our bodies in the best shape possible for training. On Monday we did the cardio workout “Insanity,” which was definitely insane. I really enjoyed swimming on Thursday because it’s something I have never done for conditioning before, and it added a little variety to our strength training. Friday we went back to UNT for an early morning workout. Getting up at 5:00 am on a Friday is a challenge within itself, but it’s great to wake up and know that your team is by your side, working as hard as you are, and cheering you on the whole way.

On Saturday, several of us worked the TWU volleyball game against ACU. Working athletic events for the other teams on campus is a great way to not only earn money for our team, but to get closer to the other teams by watching them in action and appreciating all the hard work they put forth in their sports as well. Watching our T-dub volleyball players win gave me motivation for our first official practice the next day.

Today was my very first official practice as a member of the TWU gymnastics team, and all I can say is that I am so proud to be a Pioneer. Today was an exceptionally hot day in the gym, but with the determination on everyone’s faces, the loud voices of my teammates, and the encouragement of my coaches, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. There is something truly special about a team that cares more about the whole than the individual. Old traditions, as well as the promise of new beginnings, and many hopeful hearts striving for greatness is what is going to lead this season into the TWU history books. Check back in next week for more updates on our progress and all the fun we’re having!

Spencer Jones
Freshman