The all-around, a category of women’s gymnastics that includes competing in all four of the events, is both physically demanding and quite difficult to master due to the distinct skills the gymnast must possess on every apparatus. Though, it is in this position that Jessica Miley, a first-year student on the Winona State Women’s Gymnastics team, has stepped into the spotlight. 

Miley grew up in Olathe, Kan., a larger city that is a part of the Kansas City major metropolitan. It was there that she began participating in high school club gymnastics, where she practiced for several hours a week. 

Then, the choice to pursue gymnastics further into her athletic career surely was not one of difficulty.  

“I chose gymnastics because I’ve always loved the competition part of the sport,” Miley said. “When you finally make a routine that you’ve been working so hard on, the feeling is unmatched.” 

Not only does Miley get to show off her skills as a gymnast, but she thrives when her teammates are right beside her to provide the upbeat and positive energy that she needs to truly give every meet her all and feel as though it were worth the effort when it is done.  

Which is why, moving into college, the excellent atmosphere of the team was one of many factors Miley considered to choose Winona State as the place where she would hone her skills.  

Coming in alongside several other first-year students, the team has been entirely inclusive of the younger Warriors. They strive to create a tight-knit bond among themselves through general positivity and team bonding activities, but it is not just them that encourages that family-like bond. 

“We always urge the girls to do things outside of the gym,” Dr. Stephanie Geislinger, the head coach of the Winona State Gymnastics team, said. “They spend so many hours in the gym with each other to build a relationship, but we want them to have that similar relationship outside of the gym as well.” 

This insistence from the Warrior staff encourages a team that competes as one, rather than one whose gymnasts are forced to either succeed or lose on their own.  

The coaches were another significant factor in Miley’s persistence to become a Warrior during her recruiting process. Even in the short time that Miley has been at Winona State, she has certainly been pushed to reach for the stars. 

Among other skills, the staff especially pushes for self-confidence and consistency while performing. There is also an intolerance for negativity, as a positive environment is far more heartening for the gymnasts and tends to negate nervousness.  

But one of the most important things that Miley has learned from her coaches is to compete at her very best for her team rather than for herself, especially since she is sure that they are doing the same for her.  

However, Miley’s optimistic and self-driven attitude is certainly leaving a mark on the staff as well.  

“She is fun for us to coach, but I also know she’s really fun for the girls to be around too,” Geislinger said. “I think they feed off of her positive attitude that she has in the gym.”  

In practice, Miley shows up every day ready to make small improvements to her routines while encouraging her team to do the same. In competition, she is fierce and focused, but it does not come without preparation.  

Before a meet, Miley likes to listen to her own music to calm her nerves and curb any remaining fluttering feelings of worry. Interestingly, Miley is also superstitious which has resulted in a routine of brushing her teeth in the locker room before she competes.  

Unique as it is, these preparations have excellent results, as Miley has done exceedingly well in the last several meets.  

Miley’s goal is to continue to grow with every competition, and as a young team, the sky is the limit.  

“I just hope that we continue to keep building,” Geislinger said. “By the end of the season, I just want them to feel really confident in themselves as gymnasts and as students.” 

Though, the team’s ultimate goal is to make it to nationals, and with this young star on board, it is undoubtedly within their reach.