Four seniors named as 2017-2018 team captains

PROVO, Utah - Jill van Mierlo, Mackenzie Douglas, Kyleigh Greenlief and Brittni Hawes have been named team captains for the 2018 gymnastics roster.

BYU gymnastics head coach Guard Young chose the four seniors to lead this year’s team of 24 gymnasts because of their experience, dedication and enthusiasm for the program.

This will mark the second year as team captain for Hawes.

“With the new freshmen and the experience of the others, we will have a great, strong year,” said Hawes. “It will be fun for this team to become united and have a fun year together.”

Hawes was a three-time MRGC Bars Specialist of the Week this past season. She also earned a career-high of 9.950 on bars to tie for second-best score in program history, tying for first in the conference this season.

Van Mierlo comes from a family of student-athletes; both of her parents were gymnasts at the University of Michigan. This past season, she placed third in the all-around at the MRGC Championship with a 38.700.

“I can’t wait to combine the unique talents and personalities of the girls, both on and off the floor, to create a united and unstoppable team,” Van Mierlo said. “I want to set a great example of hard work and determination, both academically and athletically, while having a lot of fun.”

Greenlief comes into her senior year after recording a 9.800 or higher in six-consecutive meets on floor. The exercise science student from Washington hopes to continue the enthusiasm and unity of the team this coming season.

Douglas, a political science student from Arizona, wants to build on what the team accomplished last season.

“This program and the coaches have taught me so much beyond just gymnastics,” Douglas said. “I am excited to help lead this team and accomplish great things in the coming season.”

Douglas was named 2017 All-MRGC Vault Co-Champion this past season and earned first-team honors. She also posted a 9.800 or higher on vault in 9 of 13 meets.