June 5, 2012
SEATTLE - Now that the 2011-2012 season is in the books, head coach Joanne Bowers and the Washington gymnastics team can turn their eyes towards the 2012-13 campaign. With several key members of the team graduating they didn't waste much time in solidifying the team's leadership moving forward, electing Paige Bixler and Lauren Rogers as captains. Bixler and Rogers have established themselves over the last few years as vocal leaders and elite competitors and it is clear why Bowers and her team are so confident in their decision. "They are both great leaders and have big expectations for our program," said Bowers. "They have good relationships with my coaching staff, are respected by their teammates and are not afraid to say and do what is right for the team. They are also great competitors and will be great leaders during our season when we are competing." As a junior this last season Bixler (Rowlett, Texas) was recognized by her coaches not only for excelling in competition - especially on the beam and floor - but for her character as well. She has posted a high score on the beam a whopping six times over the last two years, including a 9.900 in a win against California in March of this year, and received a Special Recognition award at this year's team banquet for her performance on the beam. But perhaps the bigger honor was her selection as the winner of the coaches' award that recognizes the Husky gymnast who exhibits winning "In Life". Rogers' contributions to the team have been just as significant. The Plains, Pa., native has also won the coaches' "Creating Winners in Life" award back in 2010 as a freshman and her consistent excellence across all events helped lead the Huskies to a No. 18 ranking to end the 2011-12 season. She won individual events this year on both bars and floor, but her biggest impact came on vault, where she won the event six times this season alone. Her dominance this year earned her a Special Recognition for her performance on vault and her overall success earned her "Top Dog of the Year" honors after winning the Top Dog award four separate weeks during the season. Rogers also earned an Academic All Pac-12 honorable mention for performance in the classroom. "We need people that are vocal and are willing to put the team first," Bowers continued. "And these two young women will do just that. We are in great hands with Paige and Lauren!" With the experience and leadership that these two bring to the team it's no wonder that they were picked to be team captains. With a formidable pair of captains and the momentum from a successful 2011-2012, the sky is the limit for the 2012-2013 GymDawgs. |
