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109 T he University of Iowa women's gymnastics team accomplished a lot in 2015. e GymHawks held steady in the national rankings, peaked at the right time with a season-high 196.500 team score at the Big Ten Championships, had a program-best five gymnasts named to the All-Big Ten Championship team, and earned an NCAA Regional bid for the seventh time in the last eight seasons. But this year, the team is ready to do even more. "e whole team stayed in Iowa City this summer, and were constantly talking about the things they needed to do and the things they needed to change to make the next jump," UI head coach Larissa Libby said. "ey are the ones, not us so much as coaches, that set the tone and they have high expectations for this team. "We have leadership in every class and that's a coach's dream. We don't have to control the culture of the team. It's already there." Iowa has its largest roster in recent history, carrying a squad of 22. Libby loves the intensity that depth has provided in the preseason. "We haven't carried a large roster in the past, but it's helped us this year," Libby said. "e more people we have working for a spot in the lineup every day, the harder they have to work to maintain their spot. It impacts them mentally and physically. ey can't sit back, they have to compete and constantly push for a spot, and that is what makes the good teams great." e GymHawks have the core of its 2015 squad back this year with 16 returners who have been instrumental in spreading team culture to seven gymnasts in the freshmen class. "We got lucky last year because a lot of our success was a result of the freshman class buying in," Libby said. "ere was not a single person who didn't want to push the team to a higher level. We thought that was rare, but we're fortunate to be in the same situation this year. "e freshmen have bought in to what we're doing, fit in our philosophy, and value what they see in our program. ey know the impact they should have on this team, and I love having them in the gym. ey work so hard every day, but they are also the comic relief in the gym." e motivation and determination of this year's team has found a home in the newly renovated practice facility inside the UI Field House. e GymHawks now have a facility that allows them to push their skills — and the program — to higher heights. "It's been a new experience to train in the renovated gym," Libby said. "It's one of the most exciting things about this year and it's been an adventure to train in there with a large team. It's helped us in so many ways and we've been able to develop new skills that will help us be successful this season." DECEMBER SCHEDULE Dec. 5 Black & Gold Intrasquad (at the Field House)