GymHawks Season Outlook

Feb. 15, 2006

Mental toughness and consistency; these are the key words for Head Coach Larissa Libby’s Hawkeyes as the 2006 season approaches. In a year where injury has hampered the team, Libby hopes to concentrate her team’s efforts on the aspects of their sport that are within their control.

“We are well aware of the challenge that lies before us, but we feel that if we focus on gaining mental toughness and consistency throughout this season, we will be successful.”

The senior class should lead the way this year. Coupled with their national championship experience, their drive and focus on making their last year the best ever should help to lead the team through the season.

“Kortny Williamson is in the best shape that she’s been in during her four years,” said Libby. “She has always been a great competitor for us, but this year she has established herself as the stability of the team. She trains everyday like she’s ready for a meet and expects nothing less from herself or her teammates.”

Liz Grajewski, who is the personality of Iowa’s team, is recovering from severe great toe and shoulder injuries. She’s gained a new focus and goals for the team and herself. She has been working extremely hard to put herself in a position of leadership.

“Liz knows that the team needs her and she’s doing everything possible to put herself in that position,” said Libby. “She has become a great competitor for Iowa gymnastics. Every time she walks on the floor, there is no question in her mind what she is there to do and she’s doing everything possible to lead by example.

The junior class will be led by Beth Dilick, who will be counted on to be a solid contributor on four events.

“Beth has some of the most difficult and graceful gymnastics on our team. As a competitor, we expect that Beth will truly come into her own this year,” Libby said.

Rounding out the junior class are Romina Mazzoni and Bobbi Zimmerman, who last year competed on bars, and Danielle Legeai, who contributed last season on beam.

The sophomore class, which contributed 12 routines last year, is expecting to maintain their contribution this year. Katie Burke’s work ethic and Amanda Rudolph’s competitive ferocity, coupled with Natalie Padilla’s and Allyson Zipse’s style and grace should help to lay the foundation that the team will need for the future of Iowa Gymnastics.

This year’s freshmen class truly epitomizes the coaches’ philosophy on the culture of work. Kara Pinjuv, who is sidelined for the season with a wrist injury and will not be contributing scores this year, is a vital presence in the gym and maintains one of the most important roles on the team as the standard setter. She is relentless in her workouts and refuses to be treated as an injured athlete.

Brandi Loffer, who as Iowa’s “diamond in the rough,” was originally recruited for two events, will now be competing in four. Loffer thrives in competitive atmospheres and has repeatedly stepped up to the challenges the coaches have given her.

Jen Simbhudas, a Canadian world championship team member, brings a wealth of international competitive experience to the team. Her skill level and consistency will help to provide the stability that the team will need to have a successful season.

“We know that the teams we meet this year are very strong and that the competitions will be tough. We aren’t focused on wins or losses or even on the scores as a means of determining success. We are looking for overall consistency. If we can be consistent on four events the wins will come and that is where we will need to build from,” says Head Coach Libby.