Arizona Competes in Tri-Meet at TWU

Arizona’s gymnastics team, the GymCats, is set to compete in a tri-meet at Texas Woman’s University alongside the University of Denver. This event will take place on Friday, January 16, at 6 p.m. MST in Kitty Magee Arena, with live streaming available on FloCollege.

Recent Performance

The GymCats began their season with a strong performance, defeating Washington at McKale Center. They achieved a total score of 195.425, winning four out of five events during the competition.

Current Rankings

Following their opening meet, Arizona holds the 26th position in the Road to Nationals rankings. Here is a breakdown of their event rankings:

• Vault: No. 30
• Uneven Bars: No. 40
• Balance Beam: No. 34
• Floor Exercise: No. 11

Team Composition

Newcomers

This season, Arizona has welcomed six new members to the team. Notable additions include transfer Sadie Smith and freshmen Elle Bragga, Riley Carman, Delaney Mead, Hillary Puleo, and Lily Tisdale.

Returning Athletes

The GymCats are reinforced by the return of 15 gymnasts from last season. Key returners include redshirt senior Elizabeth LaRusso and seniors Gianna Lenczner, Sophia Stephens, and Emma Strom.

Coaching Staff

Arizona’s coaching team boasts considerable experience. Head coach John Court is in his eighth year at the helm and has spent 28 years with the program. He was honored as the Big 12 Coach of the Year last season. Associate head coach Kylie Kratchwell enters her fourth year, while Arizona alumna Shelby Martinez is in her second season. Both coaches received WCGA Regional Assistant Coaches of the Year honors last year.

Preseason Insights

In the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) preseason poll, the GymCats were projected to finish 18th. Additionally, two of their gymnasts secured spots on the Big 12 Preseason Gymnastics Team.

Key Gymnasts

• Abby Martin: Recognized for vault and beam, with a career-high of 9.90 on vault and 9.925 on beam. She was a three-time all-around winner last season.
• Emma Strom: A unanimous choice for the preseason floor team, with a career-high of 9.925 on floor and four scores of 9.90 throughout the season.

As they prepare for this important tri-meet, the GymCats aim to build on their early success and further improve their rankings in the competition.