University of Missouri Athletics

Hey Tiger Fans,

We are beginning our 6th week of practices here at Mizzou Arena, and what better way to have started off the week than by winning our first exhibition game against Southwest Baptist last Tuesday!

I saw a lot of familiar faces out in the crowd, and it just felt really good to know that basketball season is finally back.

Before I talk about the game, I wanted to let you guys in on our game day routine.

First we have a shoot around generally five hours before tipoff. The girls enter with a song playlist to get them pumped up. The court is usually already set up for the game, and I like that because I feel it aids to our game day focus. After some shooting drills, the team reviews offenses and defenses as well as go over the scouting report for the opposing team.

My favorite part is what comes after, the pre-game meal! I like to hear the girls talk about what positives they are shooting for in each particular game. When they are almost done eating Coach Porter comes in to speak to them, usually providing a devotional. On Tuesday he talked to them about having a strong foundation. He used a tri-pod as an example which I can actually relate to with filming practices. I thought that was funny, but he said if one leg of the tri-pod isn't standing, the tri-pod cannot fulfill its purpose, which is true. It was a good way to reflect on our own lives knowing that with a proper foundation, we too would be able to fulfill our purpose.  The girls end on a prayer and everyone comes back later to prepare for the game. We are able to take the floor one hour before tipoff.

I arrive an hour and a half before to setup, and take care of some of my manager duties.

Alex, one of our other managers and myself, are helping two of our new managers transition into the program. They are freshmen who will take our place upon graduation. Their names are Katie and Rachel.

On Tuesday I arrived earlier to assist them in our typical game day routine. I cannot believe after four years that was the last first game I will ever help set up for! But the main reason I am sharing this with you all is because I noticed after going over the process step by step with them, there really is a lot that goes into making these game days possible.

Watching event staff, media relations, game day operations, coaches, players, referees, trainers, fans, Tiger Paws, and everyone else, I could not help but to feel so much appreciation. The game day atmosphere is really a special thing. The next time you find yourself at a game be sure to send out a few extra thank you's to anyone lending a helping hand!

You can read the recap of our 79-53 win over Southwest Baptist on mutigers.com, but be sure to make it out to Mizzou Arena TOMORROW when we take on Quincy Illinois at 7p.m.!

Until then Tiger Fans,

Jordan

Throughout the University of Missouri-Columbia campus this weekend, many will be celebrating the first quarter of the school year with homecoming festivities. With the first two months of the 2013-14 school year in the books, the freshman class at Mizzou will soon be concluding their first semester in Columbia.

For the five freshman student-athletes within the Mizzou Gymnastics team, the transition from high school to college has needless to say been a whirlwind of emotions.

Anna Bowers (Matthews, N.C.), Alyson Heimsath (Houston, Texas), Angie Kern (Columbia, Mo.), Lark Pokladnik (Dallas, Texas), and Sasha Sander (Cincinnati, Ohio) all make up the current Tigers gymnastics freshman class. For each student-athlete, the experiences they've faced so far in the new collegiate atmosphere have varied.

"The first couple of months here have definitely been an adventure," said Kern. "Getting into the groove of everything from gymnastics practice, to academics, has been tough but I wouldn't change it for anything else."

Similar to her teammate, Sander notes the challenges of managing the athletics lifestyle and the academics expectations for collegiate student-athletes.

"These first months are truly ones to remember," said Sander. "There have been a lot of transition with learning how to work through a busy schedule, and finding ways to balance school and athletics."

"It has only been a couple months, but I already feel right at home and I know I'm part of something very special here at Mizzou."

Up to this point in their gymnastics career, the five freshman have experienced practices and competitions primarily within their club teams back home. As they enter the collegiate world of gymnastics and will compete against perennial power teams inside the Southeastern Conference (SEC), they know what challenges lie ahead of them.

During these first months of practices and inter-squads at the Tiger Performance Complex, the freshman class have immediately noticed the differences between the club and college atmosphere.

"It's way different," said Heimsath. "Doing gymnastics in high school is more for yourself, and getting better. College is all about the team. You work hard every day to better the team, and continue to push your teammates."

Bowers has also quickly taken in the "team" aspect of collegiate gymnastics here at Mizzou.

"The biggest transition from club to college is putting your teammates before yourself, and realizing that everything you do has an effect on the team," said Bowers. "Once you understand this you will then be ready to successfully make that transition."

As the freshman on the Mizzou roster continue their preparation for the exhibition opener on Dec. 8, 2013 against Lindenwood, they all are looking forward to the challenges ahead of them.

"I'm looking forward to competing, and being within a team atmosphere," said Pokladnik. "The SEC is no joke, so we will need all the support we can get from each other and the Mizzou fans. I believe this will be a great season, and that we will make a name for ourselves within Mizzou athletics!"

For the latest information on all things Mizzou Gymnastics, check-in to MUTigers.com. You can also follow the Tigers on social media, by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter and Instagram.

Hey Tiger Fans,

It's your manager Jordan again coming to you in the 4^th week of our women's basketball official practices. I hope a lot of you were able to make it out to the Black and Gold Game last week. In case you didn't get the chance I will give you a quick recap. Playing on the gold team was freshmen Jordan Frericks and Sierra Michaelis, sophomores Michelle Hudyn, Darian Saunders, Lianna Doty, and Morgan Stock, and junior Bree Fowler. Playing for black was freshman Kayla McDowell, sophomores Maddie Stock and Lindsey Cunningham, junior Morgan Eye, and seniors Bri Kulas and Tania Jackson. Also suited up for black was redshirt freshman Davionna Holmes.

Coach Pingeton grabbed the mic before the game thanking fans for their continued and future support, expressing how proud she already was of this team. Bri Kulas led gold with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Black remained on top until a tied half of 16 to 16. Jordan Frericks led gold with 8 points and 10 rebounds. Lianna Doty added 7 points and 5 rebounds. The gold pair also combined for 4 assists. In the end gold came out on top with a final score of 29 to 26.

The Black and Gold Game made me really excited for the first home exhibition game against Southwest Baptist at 7pm on October 29^th, which is just next week! After seeing the girls in practice for weeks and finally seeing them in a game situation I think we really have something special for fans to look forward to watching this season.

SEC Conference play will not start for the Tigers until January 2014, but SEC Media Day for women's basketball launched last Wednesday on October 16^th.  Accompanying Coach Pingeton to Birmingham, Alabama was junior Morgan Eye who was last season's NCAA Division 1 Statistical Champion for 3 pointers made as well as SEC Co-6^th Man of the Year. Both Morgan Eye and senior Bri Kulas were named to the SEC Preseason All-Conference Teams by College Sports Madness. Kulas on second team, Eye named to third.

This past weekend was an eventful one for the women's basketball program. They were announced at the football game against Florida which resulted in a huge win, and before the game the girls participated in The Mizzou Experience at the Hearnes Center where they interacted and played basketball with kids as well.

Remember fans there are plenty of ways to keep up with your Missouri Women's Basketball team outside of this blog. On mutigers.com there is constantly news stories, releases, player features, and much more about your Lady Tigers as well as the On the Prowl video posts, the most recent one features your Head Coach Robin Pingeton. You can like Mizzou Women's Basketball on Facebook, and follow the team on both Twitter and Instagram @MIZZOUWBB. With the season vastly approaching make sure you are keeping up with everything going on in the wonderful world of Mizzou Women's Basketball.

 Until next time,

                Jordan

Hey Tiger Fans,

We are now headed into our third week of official practices! The first practice was on October 2^nd, and on October 1^st the women's basketball team took a special trip to Canvas on Broadway here in downtown Columbia. If you have not made it out there yet, it is a real treat. Typically, the artists put out a calendar of different paintings the community can sign up for. The artists walk participants step by step through the painting until they are able to leave with a masterpiece of their own!

What was so special about this trip for the women's team is that they were able to come up with a very inspirational painting idea for themselves. Once complete, the canvas depicted a basketball goal with an extremely colorful sunset background and included each person's choice of a quote. The paintings are on display in the locker room for as a reminder for motivation. I took a good look at all of them, and one that stood out to me most was crafted by senior Bri Kulas. The quote she picked says, "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I'm possible."

I asked Bri why she chose this quote, and she said, "I wanted something that I could look at every day before I go out to practice and just remind myself that no matter the situation, if I'm having a bad day, etc., anything is possible if I put my mind to it. I personally have to take responsibility for my actions, and no one else can do that for me. As an individual I am capable of doing things that maybe I didn't think I could do, but with an open mind, and belief in myself, building confidence every day, anything is possible!"

It is that kind of mentality that makes me so excited for the 2013 season to start. I think the trip to Canvas on Broadway was the perfect way to start the first week of official practices. The girls are really putting in a lot of work and are getting after it day in and day out. One thing Coach P has really stressed to the girls these past two weeks is communication, and as a communication major I know how important that is.

The scout team, composed of male students on campus, has made their first appearance in practicing with and scrimmaging against the team, and they are really helping to push them to their full potential. We have also had a few extra helping hands with two new managers who will replace myself and our other senior manager once we graduate.

There are quite a few things I have shared with you all in my last three blogs, but tomorrow night is your chance to see all those things come to life! The Black and Gold Games between both your men and women's teams will take place October 15^th at Mizzou Arena at 6pm. Admission is $3 or free with three canned food items that will be donated to the Tiger Pantry. For more information check out the release on mutigers.com.

Remember fans, our first exhibition game is coming up on October 29^th at Mizzou Arena against Southwest Baptist at 7pm. To stay even more updated be sure to keep up with the "On the Prowl" video series also found on mutigers.com under women's basketball.

Hey Tiger Fans,

We are now headed into our third week of official practices! The first practice was on October 2^nd, and on October 1^st the women's basketball team took a special trip to Canvas on Broadway here in downtown Columbia. If you have not made it out there yet, it is a real treat. Typically, the artists put out a calendar of different paintings the community can sign up for. The artists walk participants step by step through the painting until they are able to leave with a masterpiece of their own!

What was so special about this trip for the women's team is that they were able to come up with a very inspirational painting idea for themselves. Once complete, the canvas depicted a basketball goal with an extremely colorful sunset background and included each person's choice of a quote. The paintings are on display in the locker room for as a reminder for motivation. I took a good look at all of them, and one that stood out to me most was crafted by senior Bri Kulas. The quote she picked says, "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I'm possible."

I asked Bri why she chose this quote, and she said, "I wanted something that I could look at every day before I go out to practice and just remind myself that no matter the situation, if I'm having a bad day, etc., anything is possible if I put my mind to it. I personally have to take responsibility for my actions, and no one else can do that for me. As an individual I am capable of doing things that maybe I didn't think I could do, but with an open mind, and belief in myself, building confidence every day, anything is possible!"

It is that kind of mentality that makes me so excited for the 2013 season to start. I think the trip to Canvas on Broadway was the perfect way to start the first week of official practices. The girls are really putting in a lot of work and are getting after it day in and day out. One thing Coach P has really stressed to the girls these past two weeks is communication, and as a communication major I know how important that is.

The scout team, composed of male students on campus, has made their first appearance in practicing with and scrimmaging against the team, and they are really helping to push them to their full potential. We have also had a few extra helping hands with two new managers who will replace myself and our other senior manager once we graduate.

There are quite a few things I have shared with you all in my last three blogs, but tomorrow night is your chance to see all those things come to life! The Black and Gold Games between both your men and women's teams will take place October 15^th at Mizzou Arena at 6pm. Admission is $3 or free with three canned food items that will be donated to the Tiger Pantry. For more information check out the release on mutigers.com.

Remember fans, our first exhibition game is coming up on October 29^th at Mizzou Arena against Southwest Baptist at 7pm. To stay even more updated be sure to keep up with the "On the Prowl" video series also found on mutigers.com under women's basketball.

The Mizzou Gymnastics squad is in full swing with weekly practices, as they prepare for the upcoming 2013-14 season in Columbia, Mo. The Tigers will host Lindenwood University with a December 8th exhibition at the Hearnes Center, before kicking off the regular season at Alabama on January 10th.

With two inter-squad practices in the books for Mizzou, team captains Rebecca Johnson (Pewaukee, Wis.) and Katelyn Trevino (Ovilla, Texas) look to lead the team's off-season preparation.

As a senior, Trevino reflected on her time within the gymnastics program up to this point and what it personally means to her.

"To be named a captain was a huge honor, and a surprise to be honest," said Trevino. "My collegiate career in Columbia as a Mizzou gymnast has been an adventure so far, to say the least. I don't think anyone would have predicted that I would have become a team captain, including myself."

"It's such a rewarding feeling knowing that my coaches and teammates support me, and have confidence in me to help accomplish all the goals we set for this season."

While she's only a junior, Johnson also recognizes the meaning of being named a team captain by her teammates and coaching staff.

"Plain and simple, it's an absolute honor to help lead this amazing group of girls this season," said Johnson. "Being a captain is never really something I could have ever imagined, but I've learned a lot in the last two years both as a gymnast and in becoming a team leader."

While being named a team captain for any sports team may appear as all glitz and glamour, the day-to-day responsibilities for these individuals often go un-noticed. For both Trevino and Johnson, long hours at practice and in the classroom will lead to many challenges for the upcoming season.

Arguably above anything else, the captains will both be looked upon for their leadership and positive attitude every day at the Tiger Performance Complex.

"I would say that our main role as captains is to lead by example," said Johnson. "There is nothing more powerful than living in a way that other want to model after."

This year, Head Coach Shannon Welker welcomes five freshman to the Tigers roster. With a brand new coaching staff, Trevino knows the importance of helping them in transitioning the new girls from their old high school atmosphere to the new expectations surrounding a gymnastics college program.

"I always want to try to help the freshman out, since I know what it's like to feel lost and a little overwhelmed with a whole new world in collegiate gymnastics," said Trevino. "I want each of them to feel comfortable in asking me for help whenever they're struggling or if they need any kind of guidance."

"All in all, I'm here to help them have a freshman year at Mizzou that is unforgettable in a positive way."

The 2013-14 season will mark the second year in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for the Tigers, and the girls look to improve on their performance from last season. For Johnson, the excitement and anticipation of redeeming themselves as a team serves as motivation this year.

"We did not, by any means, have the year we wanted last year," said Johnson. "For me personally, since I was injured all of last season, I'm looking forward to contributing to this incredible program and getting out on the competition floor again."

"We are all hungry to show the SEC that we can compete every time out, and succeed in this incredibly talented conference."

For the latest information on all things Mizzou Gymnastics, check-in to MUTigers.com. You can also follow the Tigers on social media, by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter and Instagram.

Hey Tiger Fans!

My name is Jordan Cook, and I have been a student manager for your Missouri Women's Basketball team since my freshman year at Mizzou in 2010. I am a senior now, and also a Mizzou Strategic Communications Assistant for the Athletic Department. That means I will be updating the blog this year!

I hope to give you all team updates and insights through my eyes as a student manager.

In my last blog I informed you on where our most recent alumni are now, as well as introduced you to the incoming freshman. Since then the program was happy to announce the addition of two new transfers. First we have Tania Jackson, a 6-3 senior forward from Kansas. Second is Davionna Holmes, a 6-3 redshirt freshman forward from Louisville. Jackson will wear number 15 for the Tigers this season, and Holmes appears on the roster as number 5. For more information on both fans can access player bios on MUTIGERS.com.

Not only do we have new players, but some new staff on the squad as well. Michael Porter who served as The Director of Basketball Operations last season has been named as an Assistant Coach. Mike Donovan, who was a graduate student coach this past season has been named Coordinator of Video Operations. Heather Page who was working as Coordinator of Operations in the past is now Director of Operations. Even though their titles have changed, all three are already very familiar with the Women's Basketball Program here at Mizzou and are very eager for these new opportunities.

For video updates fans can look forward to keeping up with our "On the Prowl" feature under news which has live video from your Missouri Women's Team.

The month of September has been all about team individual workouts. This is one of my favorite parts of the year because you really get a good look at each player hands on. Individuals take place in the pre and post season. Pre-season individuals are always right after the summer, and I like them the most because it is so awesome to see the amount of work the girls put in over the summer reflect into their individual workouts. They just keep getting better and better. Their shooting, ball handling, passing, post moves, and everything else just looks really solid. I am very excited to see what is in store for our team this season, as well as what the new members of our program will have to add.

Official practices will begin on October 2^nd and our first exhibition game will take place on October 29^th at Mizzou Arena against Southwest Baptist at 7pm.

Hey Tiger Fans!

My name is Jordan Cook, and I have been a student manager for your Missouri Women's Basketball team since my freshman year at Mizzou in 2010. I am a senior now, and also a Mizzou Strategic Communications Assistant for the Athletic Department. That means I will be updating the blog this year!

I hope to give you all team updates and insights through my eyes as a student manager.

In my last blog I informed you on where our most recent alumni are now, as well as introduced you to the incoming freshman. Since then the program was happy to announce the addition of two new transfers. First we have Tania Jackson, a 6-3 senior forward from Kansas. Second is Davionna Holmes, a 6-3 redshirt freshman forward from Louisville. Jackson will wear number 15 for the Tigers this season, and Holmes appears on the roster as number 5. For more information on both fans can access player bios on MUTIGERS.com.

Not only do we have new players, but some new staff on the squad as well. Michael Porter who served as The Director of Basketball Operations last season has been named as an Assistant Coach. Mike Donovan, who was a graduate student coach this past season has been named Coordinator of Video Operations. Heather Page who was working as Coordinator of Operations in the past is now Director of Operations. Even though their titles have changed, all three are already very familiar with the Women's Basketball Program here at Mizzou and are very eager for these new opportunities.

For video updates fans can look forward to keeping up with our "On the Prowl" feature under news which has live video from your Missouri Women's Team.

The month of September has been all about team individual workouts. This is one of my favorite parts of the year because you really get a good look at each player hands on. Individuals take place in the pre and post season. Pre-season individuals are always right after the summer, and I like them the most because it is so awesome to see the amount of work the girls put in over the summer reflect into their individual workouts. They just keep getting better and better. Their shooting, ball handling, passing, post moves, and everything else just looks really solid. I am very excited to see what is in store for our team this season, as well as what the new members of our program will have to add.

Official practices will begin on October 2^nd and our first exhibition game will take place on October 29^th at Mizzou Arena against Southwest Baptist at 7pm.