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25 T he University of Iowa women's gymnastics team enters the 2017 season aer one of the most successful seasons in Hawkeye history a year ago. e GymHawks kick off the 2017 cam- paign at Northern Illinois on Jan. 8. "We want to build off of where we were last year," said Iowa coach Larissa Libby. "We are ranked No. 22 in the preseason, so I guess a coach's hope is that you never go backward." Seniors Mollie Drenth and Angel Metcalf had big seasons last year and were recognized with All-Big Ten honors at the Big Ten Cham- pionships. ey were also selected to the all-championship team at the NCAA Regional Championships. Drenth went on to gain All-Amer- ica honors on beam at the NCAA National Championships. "e only thing I want from those two is to enjoy their senior season, to love the people they're going out on this high note with, and to make sure their legacy is kept intact," said Libby. "ey helped change the culture of our program. My expecta- tions of them are to make sure that it continues." e Hawkeyes look to continue to build strong lineups for the upcoming season despite the gradu- ation loss of three seniors "I think that our lineups last year were pretty strong, but we had gaps in the one-through-six," said Libby. "ere were four people who were consistent, and two who were a little bit weaker. I think that we need to make sure all six are at about the same level if we're going to be competitive. e stability of those lineups is what will become our success or failure." e returners have helped the newcomers adjust. is season the Hawkeyes welcome five freshmen — Charlotte Sullivan, Clair Kaji, Bre Fitzke, Gina Leal, and Annie Kustoff — to the 2017 roster. "We have two freshmen who have pushed them- selves forward — Clair Kaji and Charlotte Sulli- van," said Libby. "ey have done an excellent job pushing themselves and forcing their way into the lineup. I think that people are going to like their styles. ey are both quite powerful gymnasts, but also very elegant, and I think that can be a rare combination." With these new additions, the ju- niors have stepped up to help lead the young team. "Juniors Lanie Snyder and Melissa Zurawski at any given point will do the all-around," said Libby. "ose two have done a nice job push- ing forward to this season from last season with consistency, stability, and leadership. I expect big things from them, and I think people are going to be shocked and excited to see the level of gymnas- tics that they are capable of doing." e GymHawks strive to continue the momentum and legacy from their successful 2016 season. "We expect to be in the hunt for a Big Ten Cham- pionship," continued Libby. "We have always had the philosophy that if you are not seen as great in your own conference, then you are not going to be seen as great on that national scene. Overall, the mission is to be respected within the nation and seen as a serious national contender, as a team that is consistently building and making a name for itself." Fans can follow the Hawkeyes throughout the sea- son on hawkeyesports.com or by following Iowa gymnastics on Twitter at @IowaGymnastics or on Facebook at facebook.com/iowagymnastics. JAMUARY SCHEDULE Jan. 8 at Northern Illinois Jan. 13 Michigan State Jan. 15 California Jan. 21 at Ohio State Jan. 29 Maryland