TWU sophomore Schyler Jones is a Pioneer to look out for this season, as she was the 2015 MIC Conference Co-Newcomer of the year and boasts a career high all-around of 39.2. Jones competed as an all-arounder in 10 meets last season and scored a 38.275 or higher at eight meets. TWU kicks off their season versus Florida on Friday at 7pm. (WATCH LIVE!)

We caught up with Jones as she heads into an exciting season with her team:





FloGymnastics: First of all, how was practice today?
Schyler Jones: It was good. It was our last practice before the meet on Friday so just getting ready, putting everything together. 

You have a big meet coming up on Friday against Florida - Can you talk about how you feel about that meet and what you’re excited for?
It’s exciting because they’re reigning National Champions—three years in a row—so it’s incredible to just get the opportunity to be able to compete against them. Also, it’s the start of the season so that’s just really exciting to get to have that feeling again of getting to compete and everything. 

You’re a sophomore this year so it’s your second year…talk about what it’s like being back this year and what’s different about being a sophomore than a freshman.
It’s different. I mean, freshman year there's a lot of excitement but you don't know what to expect. This year I know more how I work in the gym and out of the gym, and just have a better feel for what I have to contribute...and just knowing what it feels like whereas freshman year you have no idea and you’re just excited to get out there

How has training been going for you, personally and for the team these last few weeks leading up?
After break, I think everyone just came in ready. We were excited to be able to train together these past couple weeks. Everyone was hungry to get those lineup spots and get back in the gym, and be all together to have that accountability. It’s just been fun and we are all excited to be able to show that hard work at the meet on Friday.

Do you have any personal goals for yourself or a goal for the team that you guys have talked about for this meet?
Yes, it’s the first meet so it’s hard to know where you’ll be at whereas further meets you can look back at what you did and what was off and try to fix it. Our goal is just to stay together as a team and back each other up and be all in to each routine, just pulling them along to see how they are out there. We have five freshman so it will be their first time—so to just be there for them as they compete. 

Last year when you were a freshman you had a huge breakout year. You were the 2015 MIC Co-Newcomer of the Year, so can you talk about what it’s like being a sophomore and having that on your back?
Yeah, it’s a little bit of pressure because I did have a successful year that I’m very proud of, but I feel like I still have so many things to improve on that will carry over to this season. But I’m just excited more than anything to be able to have that experience behind me and to be able to put it into this season.

Your sister was on the team with you last year, so what it is like now not having her on the team and you’re kind of following in her footsteps?
It’s very different because she always knew the right things to say because we grew up in the gym together. It’s weird not having her in the gym but I’m excited to see how I’ll react to without her there. But the good thing is, with being home, she can still come and support me from the stands. She just won’t be out on the floor with me. 

So overall, what would you say is your main feeling about this weekend. Against Florida—it’s going to be a huge meet. You and for the team, what does this meant to you? 
Just excited to get back out there…we’ve been training so hard this past fall and just getting to show that off and show off the routines we’ve been working so hard to get. And to see how to team reacts to such a big competition our first meet, and getting to see everything that everyone’s trained so hard for.


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