The ASU women’s gymnastics team is looking fresh and ready to start this new season. The Sun Devils are sporting a very strong squad, which is ranked seventh in Pac-12 preseason polls and is nearly cracking the nation’s top 25.
Handling the Aggies
The Sun Devils will seek their first win of the 2012 season in the season opener at Wells Fargo Arena. The opener — which will be against two-time Mountain Pacific Sports Federation champions, the UC Davis Aggies — will not be easy. The Aggies have younger players than it has had in previous years, so look for them to be fired for their opening meet.
32 years and counting
Coach John Spini will be entering his 32nd season at ASU as the head of the program. “We’ve been working hard, and I’d say we’re very ready to go,” he said. Spini’s announcement that Kent State’s Tom Ward will join the team as assistant coach marks a huge addition. Ward, who served as assistant coach at Kent State for the past three years, helped the Golden Flashes reach their highest national rank ever at 12th in the nation. He was honored with the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/ Women 2011 National Assistant Coach of the Year. He will help plenty in vault, bars and floor events. Ward explained how he and the team has some high expectations. “We want to be one of the top teams in the Pac-12,” he said.
Staying healthy
Facing setbacks from numerous injuries in past two seasons, ASU has made the best of its bad luck. Last season alone, the Sun Devils suffered four season-ending injuries. This year, the team hopes to avoid injures and stay healthy for a successful season.
Leading the way
Senior standout Beaté Jones is sure to lead the Sun Devils this year. Alongside senior Madison Snowden, Jones made regionals last year. The two are expected to be the team’s biggest contributors. The 2012 squad has a good mix of upper and underclassmen. “We have some strong freshmen, plus we have lots of leadership with all these seniors,” Beaté said. “For the opener, I want to be a good example for the freshmen.”
Pac-12 among nation’s best
The Pac-12 being one of the strongest conferences in the nation has become an annual trend. This year is no different: the Pac-12 boasts six teams in the national preseason top 25 poll, with two other schools, including ASU, receiving top 25 votes.
The Sun Devils will take on the Aggies Jan. 6 at Wells Fargo Arena at 7:00 p.m.
Reach the reporter at gdemano@asu.edu
