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Out to Make a Statement By Patrick Sojka T o say the University of Iowa women's gymnastics team will be young in 2013 would be an understatement. "We have some really great freshmen," said Libby. "We have some great sophomores. We have a great core of our team." Of the 12 student-athletes on the roster, nine are freshmen or sophomores (five freshmen, four sophomores) to go along with three seniors. Now — in the weeks leading up to the season — is the crucial time to strengthen that core. Entering her ninth year as head coach of the Hawkeyes, Libby has her eyes set on a sixth consecutive NCAA postseason appearance, the seventh in her tenure. In 2012, the Hawkeyes finished the season ranked 26th nationally, the highest finish since 2004. The team pushed through the fall so the studentathletes could rest now and focus on academics. It presents a delicate balance with finals, the Unlike many other collegiate programs around the holidays, and time away, with competition right country, no matter the sport, Hawkeye freshmen around the corner. are expected to contribute immediately and make an impact. "With the lack of depth on our team, it is a process," said Libby. "It is a very delicate process "We are a very young team," said UI head coach for us right now. We are constantly balancing give Larissa Libby. "We are relying on our freshmen. and take. We are not talented enough to just shut We don't make excuses for anyone on our team for it down for the next three weeks. They are driven not doing their job. Whether you are a freshman or enough that they would not do that, but it is a a senior, it makes no difference." delicate balance." Six letterwinners return, including seniors Emma Stevenson, Kaitlynn Urano and Maya Wickus, to go along with six newcomers. "This is why we have pushed so hard to be ready sooner than we have been in the past," said Libby. "You want to be able to take them down for a little bit, knowing that they are already ready. Mentally they have competed in a full competition and know what it is like. They know where their strengths and weaknesses are." 23