The Denver Pioneers welcome in three talented freshmen this season. The Pioneers have had a successful run over the past few seasons and are looking for their first berth to the NCAA championships since 2008. These freshmen have big shoes to fill with the absence of the spunky and powerful Nina McGee. The freshmen include:

Maddie Karr: Four-Time JO national team member (2013-16)
Courtney Loper: Five-Time JO national qualifier (2012-16)
Sam Ogden: Ninth all-around 2014 US Secret Classic

Denver head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart shares her thoughts on the freshman class: "All three of our freshmen have different gymnastics styles, but they all have very strong fundamentals and technique. They're strong, confident and have embraced the team's philosophy of character, teamwork, and excellence. We expect all three to contribute immediately and in a significant way.

They've added healthy competition to the team and with that, we are expecting a rise on the national stage.

Maddie Karr

Karr is from Stillwater, Minnesota, where she trained at Twin City Twisters. She was a successful level 10 gymnast and placed in top-three in the all-around (2014, 2015) at J.O. Nationals along with posting a huge 39.025 to win the all-around in 2016. Karr performs a strong Yurchenko 1.5 that will bring a 10.0 vault to Denver's lineup and likely be the Pioneers' anchor. On bars, she brings clean lines and stuck landings, and she will also make a big impact on beam with a unique series of aerial to back handspring along with great execution. Floor is another strength for Karr, who has solid landings and great amplitude on her leaps and jumps. Look for Karr to shine big in her freshman season for the Pioneers.

Coach Kutcher on Karr:

"Maddie is focused and determined. She's tough and powerful, and you can visibly see her competitiveness. She focuses on the details in her gymnastics--hitting handstands, sticking landings, everything in her form and execution. On vault, she brings a 10.0 start value with her Yurchenko 1.5, and she has a presence that's inspiring."

Karr's stunning vault from preseason training:
Also, watch Karr's preseason training on BARS and BEAM

Courtney Loper

Loper is from West Des Moines, Iowa, where she trained at Chow's Gymnastics. She comes to Denver with clean lines and solid landings in her gymnastics -- true to coach Liang Chow's reputation. Loper shines on beam where she has beautiful, strong arco elements throughout. On floor, she shows great extension  with solid tumbling, including a front double full. Loper has great difficulty and execution on all four events and the ability to be another all-around for Denver this season.

One more freshman first-look from bars: Courtney Loper! #DU1NATION pic.twitter.com/P9wQiYFvrq

— Denver Gymnastics (@DU_Gymnastics) September 14, 2016

Coach Kutcher on Loper:

"Courtney's an elegant and graceful gymnast. There's a uniqueness and style to her gymnastics. It's elegant but also powerful. On beam, she has style and beauty and can contend with anyone in the country."

Sam Ogden

Ogden is from Allen, Texas, where she trained both as an elite and level 10 gymnast at WOGA. On bars, she has a variety of skills including a Maloney, Pak salto, and a full out dismount, which will has the potential to make a great routine for the Pioneers. Odgen has clean lines and difficulty on beam, where she can provide depth to the lineup. In 2016, Odgen was limited to just bars and beam, not competing on vault or floor.

Coach Kutcher on Ogden:

"Sam brings experience and confidence in the gym, which comes from being a former elite gymnast. Her lines are beautiful, and her gymnastics looks effortless. Like Maddie, you can see her competitiveness. She has the drive and desire to be in our line ups and contribute to the team's success."

Ogden looks rock solid on beam in training:
Also, watch Ogden's bar routine from preseason training.


Related:
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Utah Adds Trio of Talented Freshmen
Georgia's Trio of Freshmen Looking to Boost the Gymdogs to Success
Alabama Freshmen Ready to Shine for the Crimson Tide
Auburn Freshmen Look to Continue Success