For the first time since 2022, the Minnesota Gophers have advanced to the NCAA nationals as a team, and Mya Hooten, their assistant coach and one of the program’s most decorated, will have the unique experience of seeing these championships from both a gymnast and coach perspective.
Hooten is no stranger to the NCAA stage with four national appearances, two as a team and two individually, and now, her first on staff. “It’s truly an honor to coach a team I was once a part of. I had such a great experience here, so being able to give back to this program and these athletes means a lot,” Hooten shared. “I always knew I wanted to stay involved in gymnastics, and after my time here, I didn’t want to leave, [so coaching] felt like a natural next step. The best part has been being able to connect with the athletes and support them; I was just in their shoes, so I can relate and give advice that’s real and meaningful.”
Having been to nationals as both an individual and with her team, Hooten knows firsthand how exciting this competition is, but also the immense amount of pressure attached to these final moments of the season, and those feelings haven’t changed even as her role has. “As an athlete, your focus is doing your job, hitting your routines, while also supporting your teammates and bringing energy to the group,” said Hooten. “As a coach [now], [your job] shifts to the whole team, making sure everyone feels confident, prepared, supported, and bringing great energy to the team.”
The Gophers, both the athletes and the staff, certainly did just that to end up in Fort Worth after an upset win they knew they were capable of. Having a strong three events leading up to the final rotation at regionals, Minnesota needed one of its best hit beam rotations in order to advance. Hooten, in her first year as a coach for the program and primarily coaching beam, has already made such a mark on that event, the Gophers’ highest nationally-ranked event as they head into this weekend at No. 12. One may think the nerves from a coaching standpoint would have been high ending on beam with the future of the season attached to the performance, but Hooten knew this team could clinch one of the top spots. “I knew we just needed to be ourselves. Our beam group is so consistent; I watch them hit their routines every single day, so I had 100% belief in them,” Hooten said. “They all believed in each other; every single person on the team believed we could get it done. My message was to trust their preparation and go out there and do the routine they do every day. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Preparing for what is most likely the biggest competition of these athletes’ lives, the Gophers have gotten this far this season with a routine and mentality that has worked wonderfully for them, and nothing is changing as they head into the semifinals. “As a staff, [leading into this week, we focused] on keeping things the same. We’re not changing anything leading up to nationals, we trust what’s gotten us here,” said Hooten. “It’s about staying in our normal routine, keeping them confident, and making sure they feel prepared to go out and compete like they always do.”
Jenny Hansen, head coach for the Gophers in her eleventh season, adds to this sentiment, sharing, “We’re just so thrilled for this opportunity. This has been the goal for this team since the beginning of the season. This team has been incredibly focused on this goal since day one. To see it come to fruition here these last few weeks is so amazing. We’re excited to get to Fort Worth and we know we have a lot more in us.”
With having the final day just in reach and being able to compete for one of the top two spots, Hooten is excited to watch this team succeed and enjoy this experience from a new perspective. “I’ve been here as part of a team and as an individual, and now getting to be there as a coach is really special. I’m looking forward to supporting the team and just embracing this moment with them,” she shared.
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Article by Julianna Roland
