DENTON, Texas (April 4, 2023) – The Texas Woman’s University (TWU) gymnastics program is celebrating a significant achievement as its coaching staff has been recognized with three prestigious Regional honors by the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA). This accolade underscores the dedication and expertise inherent in Pioneer Coaching, a philosophy that has propelled the TWU Pioneers to new heights. Leading the pack, Lisa Bowerman has been named the Division II Region Head Coach of the Year. Adding to the triumph, Kristen Harold and Matthew DeGrandpre have been honored as the Region Co-Assistant Coaches of the Year, marking a clean sweep for the Pioneers’ coaching team.
Under Bowerman’s guidance, the Pioneers have demonstrated exceptional progress throughout the season. A testament to their hard work and pioneer coaching methods, the team achieved a season-high score of 195.650 at the Rose City Classic on March 4th. Furthermore, TWU’s overall National Qualifying Score (NQS) reached an impressive 195.055, positioning them second in the USA Gymnastics (USAG) rankings. This consistent high performance reflects Bowerman’s strategic approach and commitment to fostering athletic excellence.
Image alt text: Lisa Bowerman, Head Gymnastics Coach at Texas Woman’s University, recipient of the WCGA Division II Region Head Coach of the Year award, smiling confidently.
Bowerman’s expertise extends to her role as the primary balance beam coach for the Pioneers. In the 2023 season, her pioneer coaching on beam has been particularly impactful. The team boasts the second-highest NQS in USAG on beam with a score of 48.865, and ranks 53rd nationally in this event. The Midwest Independent Conference (MIC) Championships further highlighted the team’s beam prowess, with three Pioneers securing top-three finishes: Alix Pierce tied for second (9.875), and Madeline Gose and Steelie King tied for third (9.850). Pierce’s exceptional NQS on beam also earned her a Division II WCGA All-American honor, a direct result of Bowerman’s specialized coaching.
Associate Head Coach Kristen Harold emphasized Bowerman’s leadership style, stating, “Lisa leads with her heart and always puts the needs of her student-athletes first. Her servant leadership shows in how she truly cares about each and every student-athlete and her staff. Her dedication to continuing the tradition of success for this program is unmatched.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of pioneer coaching – a holistic approach that prioritizes athlete well-being and long-term development alongside competitive success.
Kristen Harold and Matthew DeGrandpre’s recognition as Region Co-Assistant Coaches of the Year builds upon their earlier accolade as Co-MIC Assistant Coaches of the Year. Harold, in her eighth season with TWU, plays a crucial role in the Pioneers’ success. Her pioneer coaching focuses primarily on floor exercise and vault, and she also manages recruiting and in-gym conditioning.
Image alt text: Kristen Harold, Texas Woman’s University Co-Assistant Gymnastics Coach of the Year, specializing in floor and vault, pictured in the gym with athletes.
Under Harold’s guidance, the Pioneers’ floor team has reached impressive heights, ranking second in USAG with an NQS of 48.965 and 52nd nationally. Daisy Woodring’s second-place finish at the MIC Championship on floor (9.900) exemplifies the team’s strength in this event. TWU also achieved its highest national vault ranking at 49th (NQS 48.845), leading USAG in this category. Harold’s pioneer coaching has directly contributed to the success of Division II WCGA All-Americans Alix Pierce and Daisy Woodring on floor.
Bowerman praised Harold’s relentless drive: “She is relentless in her pursuit of excellence in every aspect of her life and the lives of our athletes. She is someone who is always there to help anyone who may need it. She is a valuable coach and mentor to our program and to women’s gymnastics.” This dedication to excellence and mentorship are key components of the pioneer coaching philosophy.
Matthew DeGrandpre, in his first season with TWU, has quickly established himself as an invaluable asset. Beyond his responsibilities overseeing academic success and team travel, DeGrandpre serves as the primary coach for uneven bars and vault. His pioneer coaching approach has already yielded significant results.
Image alt text: Matthew DeGrandpre, Co-Assistant Gymnastics Coach at TWU, honored as Region Co-Assistant Coach of the Year in his first season, coaching on bars and vault.
The Pioneers’ bars team currently holds a national ranking of 60th. DeGrandpre has coached two Division II WCGA All-Americans on bars: Maddie Griffith and Brooke Ferrari, who achieved the top two NQS scores in Division II. He also coached two All-Americans on vault: Daisy Woodring and Madeline Gose, further demonstrating his impact across multiple events.
Bowerman highlighted DeGrandpre’s rapid integration and positive impact: “As a first-year assistant coach in women’s collegiate gymnastics, Matt has taken on many new responsibilities and challenges. He has invested fully in our program and in our student-athletes. He is always open to learning new things and taking on any opportunity that comes his way. Matt brings great perspective and experience to our team and has definitely made a positive impact on our program in this short time.” This adaptability and commitment to growth are vital aspects of pioneer coaching.
This marks the third time Bowerman has received the Coach of the Year award, solidifying her legacy of pioneer coaching at TWU. It is the first regional honor for both Harold and DeGrandpre, recognizing their significant contributions to the program. These awards collectively celebrate the exceptional pioneer coaching staff at Texas Woman’s University and their commitment to developing outstanding student-athletes.
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