A strong opening rotation and steady performance across all four events highlighted a successful meet for the UW-Whitewater gymnastics team, as multiple athletes delivered season-best and team-leading scores in a fast paced collegiate environment. They took down Gustavus Adolphus College 191.875-183.950.

The meet began on vault, an unfamiliar starting event for the team, but one that quickly set the tone. A standout performance came from freshman Juliette Rider, who posted a meet-high 9.775. The score provided an early spark and injected confidence into the lineup.

“I think it’s definitely taking my time,” Rider said. “I like to rush things, especially in competition with all the nerves. But patience on the run, patience when you’re hitting the board, and trusting your timing really helps.”

The performance followed a personal record vault the week prior, but this meet carried a different emphasis. Rather than chasing scores, the focus shifted to consistency and team contribution.

“My main goal was just staying on my feet and hitting it for my team,” Rider said. “I have keywords that I say and my coaches being there really help pull me out of my head.”

Starting on vault was a new experience for the team, particularly in a home-meet setting. As a transfer competing in her first season with the program, the adjustment came with added emotion.

“For me, nailing the routine is what sets the tone,” Rider said. “People screaming and cheering adds to the passion and the fire.”

That momentum carried into later rotations, including beam, an event often regarded as one of the most pressure-heavy in gymnastics. Sophomore Sofia Spadafora followed with a 9.550 on beam, maintaining composure after the high energy vault rotation.

Meanwhile, consistency defined the bars and beam performances later in the meet. Junior Paige Magel recorded a 9.750 on bars and a 9.700 on beam, both among the team’s top scores.

“Practices are very consistency based,” Magel said. “What you do in practice determines what you get later.”

That consistency is built through repetition and routine, particularly mental preparation.

“I have the same keywords, the same preparation before I touch any mat or board,” Magel said. “And I always have to remind myself to breathe.”

Beam required a deliberate mental reset, especially while competing late in the lineup where scores directly impact the team’s total.

“Before I even get on the beam, I take one deep breath and tell myself to settle down,” Magel said. “Sometimes I close my eyes and just feel where I am.”

Despite the pressure, she avoids tracking teammates’ routines or scores.

“I don’t watch anything,” Magel said. “I just go up there assuming everyone hits and that takes the pressure off.”

Preparation throughout the week played a major role in the team’s performance. With fewer practices during the competitive season, efficiency and recovery are emphasized.

The team-first mentality remained a common theme, especially with injuries limiting lineup spots.

In a sport that demands precision under pressure, the team’s ability to combine patience, preparation, and collective support translated into one of Whitewater’s most complete performances of the season.