STUNT | 5/6/2024 12:47:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (May 6, 2024) - The Texas Woman's STUNT team closes another remarkable season as the Pioneers wrap up a historic year.

Intentional, Positivity, Accountability, and Consistency (IPAC) was the heart and soul of this Pioneer STUNT team. A statement established by the student-athletes during training and season preparation ultimately became the motivating factor, which led to the most successful season since the start of the program.

The season may not have ended the way the Pioneers set out for with goals left on the table, but hard work and the achievements of this squad were like no other.

IPAC THROUGH ADVERSITY.

Throughout the 2024 season, the Pioneers faced their fair share of battles with injuries and losing pieces to the team. Multiple players stepped up to fill the missing spots in routines weekly, including newcomers who joined the Pioneers this Spring.

"This season, we had a lot of injuries, so things were constantly changing," Kailen Smalls said. "It was very hard to see so many teammates out with injuries because many others had to step up in different positions."

Despite the adversity of others stepping into different positions, Ana Griffin said those moments allowed the team to grow closer together and always remember to encourage each other.

"We all came together and were extremely focused in those moments to redirect and rework routines with new people to have the ability to still get on the mat and complete all our routines despite last minute changes," Griffin said.

While injuries were unplanned, the intentionality of the Pioneers to do whatever was needed for the team showed their incredible commitment to the IPAC mantra and the team as a whole.

"Many injuries happened this season, and seeing how athletes went into positions they were unfamiliar with was amazing," Alicia Kenney said.

Eleven wins, four shutouts, and two tournament sweeps – despite the injury setbacks, the Pioneers still competed at a high level, winning games when it mattered the most.

The improvement to an 11-win season from 1-13 and 7-7 records in their first two seasons shows the body of work over time under Head Coach Jasmine Owens. The team finished third in the first ever Lone Star Conference STUNT Championships and celebrated six All-Conference honorees, including the inaugural LSC Freshman of the Year, Jocelyn Dennie.

Co-Captain Allison Schneider discussed her thoughts on team development and her improvement in leadership.

"Being able to lead as co-captain alongside Laurel was such a huge privilege," Schneider said. "I love this team, and I loved being able to support and guide this team through this season."

One of the key points of the Pioneers' mantra was accountability. Anna Cheek echoes her thoughts on the team's ability to grow and hold each other accountable to growth throughout the season.

"I think we grew in adapting to situations as it became easier when someone got hurt," Cheek said. "Every tournament and game was different, and how we focused and tried our best to beat opposing teams was really great."

When you have players getting injured and changing lineups throughout the season, consistency can be hard to establish; nevertheless, Kara Abram said the consistency showed brightest in how people showed up every day ready to give their best.

"I feel like I matured a lot this year as the team went through some tough lows," Abram said. "I figured out how to respond in ways that would both benefit the team and myself."

MOMENTS LIKE THESE.

The season may have had many highs and lows, but there is nothing like bonding and making memories together as a team. Here are some Pioneers discussing their most memorable moments of the year.

"My favorite memory from this year was when Coach Jasmine came up to our last tournament in Missouri and asked me if I wanted to do jumps and tumbling," Stephanie Porter said. "I was so excited, but seeing how excited my teammates were for me was just amazing, and hearing them cheer almost brought tears to my eyes. Also, seeing my parents in the stands watching me was the icing on the cake, because they knew how much I wanted this and how hard I worked to get to this point."

"My favorite memory this year was going out on the mat and competing jumps and tumbling 8 for the first time in TWU STUNT history," Schneider said. "Completing that routine with my teammates was truly amazing and shows how far we have progressed this season."

THE FINISH LINE.

A spot for Nationals was at the fingertips of the Pioneers as they were just a few spots shy of being a Regional qualifier after their last tournament at Drury in Springfield, Mo., where they finished 2-2 on the weekend.

"I was extremely proud of my teammates for being able to compete at the tournament after unexpected injuries two days prior," Bella Lind said. "All the girls were extremely supportive of people stepping into new roles, and this type of energy made me realize I wanted to be back next season."

Senior captain Laurel Jones mentioned that the last tournament was a bittersweet moment for her, knowing it was the last time on the mat with her team.

"I remember when we called our last routine, I immediately started balling my eyes out as it was my last time to step on the mat as an athlete at TWU," Jones said. "I hugged my friends tight, went on the mat, and did a great last routine...I will forever be grateful to every person in TWU athletics for this journey."

Jones is a prime example of what it means to be a Pioneer after being a part of the TWU STUNT program from the start. Jones will continue leading this talented group alongside her head coach next season.

RESTART. REFRESH

Now that the season has officially ended, the Pioneers will look to build on the amazing foundation of this season - intentionality, positivity, accountability, and consistency -  and get straight to work in the offseason.

"As a team, I hope to grow in skills and be more consistent with hitting stunt sharp," Brooke Speights said. "The biggest goals to achieve are nationals and pulling out higher stunt routines."

The success of athletes usually stems from a great leader in head coach and a committed coaching staff. Head Coach Jasmine Owens has always had big goals for the program and has more in store for the future of TWU STUNT.

"I know that next year will be another one with incredible accomplishments, and the addition of athletic scholarships will aid us in that way," Coach Owens said. "I'm thankful for every person on our team and how they contributed to the team's success, and I want to shout out all of our athletes helping behind the scenes with our team committee- especially our captain, Laurel Jones, and co-captain, Allison Schneider!"

TWU will hit the ground running this offseason to build on where they ended the season and accomplish even more goals in 2025.

T DUB. U KNOW!
 

-PIONEERS-