Breaking the Warriors’ record score on the uneven bars and being featured in two articles in the month of January alone, first-year gymnast Harper Hamilton has proved herself a crucial member of the Winona State University women’s gymnastics team. Hamilton stands out amongst the team for showing immense growth throughout the year, especially since she’s a first-year.
Hamilton has a unique skill set and practiced gymnastics for thirteen years. She competes with Winona State on the vault, bars and beam – three drastically different events. Yet, throughout her thirteen years of training, she rarely competed with a team. Her gym in Temple Park was small, and her team consisted of two coaches and herself.
Hamilton explained, “When I came to Winona, I was amazed. Going from no team to a team of 30 is such a huge change. Having that many people to compete with and cheer me on really “amped up” my energy and brought a refreshing joy to the sport. Honestly, competing on a team made me love gymnastics again.”
Despite the drastic change in team dynamics, Hamilton has found her place amongst the Warriors. She finds herself being the teammate to keep things light. She tells her teammates not to beat themselves up over the small things, helping to create a supportive community.
“I think it was just really easy to find my role here. I’m so grateful for all my teammates, and that I’m able to talk to them about anything,” Hamilton said.
Since joining the team, Hamilton’s scores have reflected her love for the sport. In their meet against University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on Jan. 3, Hamilton tied for the highest score on uneven bars at 9.675; this was also a personal best for her. Not only that, but the very next meet at NCAA Air Force Academy, she matched her score with another 9.675 on bars.
Hamilton said, “I think the biggest part of me that’s improved is just my confidence. I know I can walk up to the event and hit my routine. I trust myself more than when I first came here, thanks to the support of my coaches.”
Hamilton knew she wanted to commit to Winona in her recruitment visit. More than just getting a tour of the practice gym, Hamilton got the rare opportunity to watch one of the Warriors’ meets instead of practice, like on typical visits. She loved the crowds, costumes and community that Winona has. Specifically, she loved that audience members supported the team so regularly; many people had gone to meets throughout the season and intimately knew the gymnasts’ routines.
“Honestly, that’s my favorite part about home meets, is being able to look at the crowd and see [my community]. It makes me feel a lot less scared,” Hamilton said.
Ultimately, the Warriors are proud to claim Hamilton, and proud of how much growth she’s shown over six short months. She’ll get to show great contributions to Winona for the next three years and hopefully show similar growth in the future.
Winona State gymnastics head coach Dr. Sephanie Geislinger said, “She likes to compete. She thrives well under pressure. She’s proven herself as a competitor. I’m just glad that her story brought her to us.”
