ISU Gymnastics Takes First at Home Tri-Meet

Image courtesy of Redbird Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. – The Redbirds posted a season-high score last Friday while tumbling to first at their home tri-meet, all while looking pretty in pink. 

Illinois State University’s 195.200 took the top spot of the night, with Bowling Green State University trailing behind at 192.650 and Centenary College sitting at 186.200. 

The Redbirds also debuted their new pink leotards, designed for the first time by assistant coach Megan Harrington, for their annual breast cancer awareness meet. 

However, leotards were not the only thing making a competition debut. 

A junior studying early childhood education, Carly Hawksworth recently saw the competition floor for the first time since her arrival at Illinois State. 

Hawksworth landed the first spot in the uneven bars lineup after two years of training with the Redbirds. She spoke about how she felt after competing her first routine. 

“The moment I landed and saluted the judges, a whole bunch of emotions were just stirring inside of me,” Hawksworth said. “And then I also wanted to cry, because it’s just such a rewarding feeling…that moment was just an unforgettable experience for me.” 

Hawksworth said that she faced obstacles during practice, but that did not stop her from working her hardest every day in the gym. 

“I have struggled for the past two years,” Hawksworth said. “For all the days I wanted to give up, that was my reminder that I should never give up.” 

The Redbirds hit the road this weekend to Forth Worth, Texas, competing against the University of Utah and the University of Georgia in the Metroplex Challenge. The meet is set to take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday.