beam set that boasts three “D” level skills and one “E” level skill. It should be among the toughest the country has to offer. Her grace paired with her power will undoubtedly impress. “Maggie is so confident and detailed up there,” Kindler said. “You can see her focus is directed and her intentions very clear. She aims to nail every skill, every line and every routine...every time. She has prepared well.” Adding even more depth are Jackson, Lovan, Marks and Wofford. These four are prepared to turn in top notch performances for the Sooners, capable of scoring 9.9 plus. Jackson got some opportunities in critical situations on podium last season. Marks and Wofford have shown dramatic improvements in the off season and are pushing for a spot. “Beam is our signature piece,” Kindler explained. “The options on our team make it extremely difficult to make decisions regarding competition. There are so many excellent choices. You never know who will emerge into this lineup, but you do know that they will be beautiful, poised and aggressive.”
FLOOR
Haley Scaman retires as one of the most decorated floor performers in Sooner history. In addition, senior Kmieciak freed a spot in the lineup. With two of the best stepping down, the door is open for new opportunity. Knocking at that door are two freshmen who have the whole package, Nichols and Degouveia. Both athletes open with dynamic “E” level tumbling and finish with “D” level tumbling. The key component is the charisma they bring to their presentation. Maggie is coming off a bronze medal in the 2015 World Championships and is well known for her finesse on this event. “Maggie and Jade definitely stand out when they perform,” Kindler said. “Your eye is drawn to watch them and they hold your attention. There is no doubt these two will be crowd favorites when we take the floor in January.” Returning to the Sooner lineup on this event is Dowell. Dowell is unique on floor, performing the majority of her difficult tumbling forward. Her double front stuns in competition. In 2016, Dowell performed a skill for the first time ever by anyone in national competition and it was named after her. The “Dowell” is a double front in the pike position and it received a value of “F” in the FIG Code of Points. “Brenna is so powerful and so different,” Kindler shared. “She will stand out in her composition with her one of a kind tumbling. It will be rewarding to see her back out on the floor for the Sooners.” Junior Jackson sparked the crowds with her high energy tumbling and her captivating dance. She creatively surprised fans when she blew chalk from her hand at the beginning of her routine, quickly referred to as “chalkography.” It has caught on across the country as this season other athletes are imitating the craft. “AJ is raw power and pure entertainment on floor,” Kindler said. “I know Sooner fans look forward to what she will do next and she definitely won’t disappoint. Of all our athletes, young gymnasts are immediately and particularly drawn to AJ and her compelling attitude out on the floor.” Returners Brown, Capps and Jones give a solid base to this strong lineup. Capps is well-known for her lyrical interpretation of her floor music, which tells a story as she executes. Brown is an elegant athlete whose expressions are both intriguing and mysterious. Jones is a powerful and exciting performer. “This event returns strong veterans and upperclassmen,” Kindler remarked. “They will lead the squad and set the tone for the event. Nat, Chayse and Charity are all capable of high end scores in the 9.9 range consistently and should set the bar high for their teammates. Other athletes prepared are Lovan and Showers. A senior and a freshman respectively, both athletes are fine tuning the details as the season creeps closer. “Floor is an event where you will see separation in the Sooners,” Kindler commented. “We have different dance and music styles, diverse tumbling and amazing expression. We deliver the whole package and our gymnasts appear to be dancing to their own beat, specifically designed for them.”