University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Hansen Previews Gophers' 2022 Season
1/11/2022 6:30:00 PM | Gymnastics
The University Minnesota women's gymnastics team opens the 2022 season on Jan. 17 at Maturi Pavilion against UCLA. In advance of it, head coach Jenny Hansen sat down with GopherSports.com to give her thoughts on expectations, who she thinks will make important strides this year and much more.
GopherSports: What are your expectations for the 2022 season?
Jenny Hansen: We are returning an incredible group from last year, all very motivated to continue the success from last season. In addition, we are adding in some talented freshmen that should really help us fill the holes in the line ups from the seniors we lost. We have very high expectations for this year as we believe this could be the best team we have ever had.
GS: How does the schedule this season set you up for success?
JH: We have an incredible schedule, competing against the very best teams in the country, both at home and on the road. These are great tests for our team if we are to reach our ultimate goals this year and be back at the National Championships.
GS: What is it going to take for someone on the roster to claim one of the open spots in the rotation?
JH: With so many athletes competing for a spot in the line up, they will need to show a high level of consistency in practice and in pressure situations, as well as the capability to score just a little better than the next one in line. We expect this year to be one of the hardest for our staff when it comes to line up decisions.
GS: What are you expecting to see out of the returning Gophers this season?
JH: They are absolutely the leaders of the team, both in and out of the gym. We expect them not only to show the way to our younger athletes but also to lead by example in all that they do. They know what to expect and what it takes to perform at the highest level and we hope they will continue to rise to the occasion as well as bring the newcomers along with them.
GS: Are there other student-athletes you're hoping to see make a jump this year?
JH: Halle Remlinger and Mallory LeNeave have the potential to compete in three events for us this year after enjoying a great preseason. Also, Maddie Quarles has been training floor exercise and she has the ability to make the line up here as well.
GS: What are the expectations you have for the newcomers this season?
JH: We have some very talented newcomers and we have full belief that they will contribute and make line ups on a regular basis. This year will provide an incredible opportunity for them to learn from some of the very best gymnasts to ever come through our program and we hope they soak it all in to help them not only this year but in the future.
GS: Are there any surprises from the team or a specific student-athlete to look out for this season?
JH: We have been working hard on upgrading our vaults and we have several athletes training 10.0 vaults. Emily Koch has learned a yurchenko tuck 1 1/2 and has the potential to make that line up and become a three event contributor as well. In addition, the following athletes have the potential to compete a 10.0 vault this year: Kate Grotenhuis, Halle Remlinger, Haley Tyson, Marissa Jencks and Gianna Gerdes.
GS: What are you most excited about for this season?
JH: We are thrilled to be able to perform in front of fans this year! The team did a wonderful job of supporting each other and keeping the energy high in empty arenas last year, but there is nothing like competing in front of thousands of your biggest fans.