Gymhawks Launch 2026 Season at SEMO Tri‑Meet Featuring Military Appreciation and International Student Night

Breaking: SEMO Gymnastics Reveals 2026 Roster, Sets Ambitious Schedule

SEMO Gymnastics has unveiled its 2026 roster and competition plan, signaling a year built on deep experience and key performers ready to lead the Gymhawks. The program brings back a robust veteran group and introduces timely newcomers as it eyes a competitive spring slate.

Roster snapshot: Experience at the Forefront

The Gymhawks welcome back 15 returners, including 11 who contributed in 2025 and logged 10 or more rotations across the season. Leading the returners is senior Taylor Ingle, who competed in the all-around in every meet last year, anchoring SEMO’s lineup.

standout performers returning for 2026

• Beam specialist: Junior Jaidan Kossuth returns after appearing in every 2025 meet on beam and posting a SEMO-career-high 9.850 on January 31. She produced multiple scores of 9.800+ and consistently posted 9.700+ in all but the first two events of the season.
• Floor leader: Springfield, Missouri native Kailyn Hamilton comes back for her senior season, a familiar fixture on SEMO’s floor routines. her 9.825 floor mark stands as a season high (3/8), and she achieved seven meets with 9.700 or higher, including two scores of 9.800+.
• Standout freshman (2026 sophomore): Joselene Hernandez enters her sophomore year after a strong rookie campaign that featured 16 vault appearances, a run at the WCGNIC Individual Event Finals, and a 9.637 on vault in the championship meet. Hernandez also saw action on floor and beam.

Newcomers and 2026 Outlook

The roster also adds fresh talent, including newcomers Reagan Sams, a So./Ohio State transfer, who joins the Gymhawks to contribute to a multi-event lineup as SEMO eyes both depth and consistency across events.

Schedule at a Glance

SEMO will compete in an 11-meet regular season before postseason action. The Gymhawks square off against five Power 4 opponents—Arkansas, Iowa, Arizona, Ohio State, and Arizona State—across January and March, while also facing three Midwest Independent conference programs in Illinois State, Texas Woman’s, and Centenary ahead of the MIC Championship Meet on March 20.

Category	Details
Total Returners	15
Returners with 10+ 2025 Meets	11
Leading All-Around Returner (2025)	Taylor Ingle
Beam Standout	Jaidan Kossuth — career-high 9.850 (1/31)
Floor Leader	Kailyn Hamilton — 9.825 floor high (3/8)
Standout Freshman/2026 Sophomore	Joselene Hernandez — 16 vaults in rookie year; 9.637 vault in finals
Upcoming MIC Championship	March 20,2026

Season Outlook: What to watch

With a roster featuring extensive returners and several event specialists,SEMO heads into 2026 poised to balance depth with peak performances on beam and floor. The presence of a proven all-around competitor alongside a dynamic beam roster suggests SEMO can stack multiple strong lineups each week and push for event finals late in the season. The incoming newcomers and Hernandez’s second season add additional layers of versatility that could reinforce SEMO’s consistency across meets.

Evergreen Angle: Why Experience Matters Here

Mid-major programs frequently enough hinge on a mix of veteran leadership and multi-event athletes.SEMO’s plan leverages Ingle’s consistency across the all-around, Kossuth’s beam reliability, and Hamilton’s floor artistry to build a foundation that can adapt to varying competition styles. Hernandez’s development provides a valuable arc for the program, possibly elevating SEMO’s performance in both regular-season and championship settings.

What matchup are you most excited to see for SEMO this season, and which event will define the Gymhawks’ success in 2026? Do you think the added depth will translate into more consistent team scores across the year?

Share your thoughts and join the conversation below — how do you think SEMO’s 2026 roster will shape its journey through the MIC and beyond?

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event Overview: Gymhawks Kick Off 2026 Season at SEMO Tri‑Meet

• Date & Time: January 8, 2026 – doors open at 5:00 PM,competition begins at 6:30 PM.
• Location: Houck Field House, Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), Cape Girardeau, MO.
• featured Programs: Women’s gymnastics (Gymhawks), men’s gymnastics, and SEMO cheerleading squad.
• Special Themes: Military Recognition Night and International Student Night, both integrated into the meet schedule.

The tri‑meet combines SEMO’s home gymnastics program with visiting teams from the Mid‑America Conference,delivering a compact,high‑energy showcase that draws students,alumni,and community members alike.

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Schedule & Highlights (All Times Central)

Time	Segment	Details
5:00 PM	Gates Open	Concessions, merchandise booths, and a military welcome station.
5:30 PM	Pre‑show Entertainment	Local marching band performance and a cultural dance troupe representing international student groups.
6:30 PM	Opening Ceremonies	National anthem, SEMO flag presentation, and a salute to service members.
7:00 PM	Competition – Women’s Gymnastics	Gymhawks debut the 2026 floor routine, vault, uneven bars, and balance beam.
8:15 PM	Military Appreciation Segment	Dedicated tribute, veteran athlete spotlight, and “Heroes in Uniform” photo booth.
8:45 PM	International Student Night	Student‑led showcase, culinary tasting stations, and a global music playlist.
9:30 PM	Men’s Gymnastics Finals	Highlighting new skill releases from visiting teams.
10:15 PM	Closing Remarks & Awards	Team awards, MVP declaration, and thank‑you to sponsors.

All events are live‑streamed on the official Gymhawks YouTube channel and SEMU Athletics Facebook page.

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Military Appreciation Segment

• Veteran Athlete Spotlight: Meet former U.S. Marine Sgt. Emily Harris, now a sophomore Gymhawk on scholarship.
• Recognition Program: Each service member receives a complimentary ticket, a custom Gymhawks lapel pin, and a meet‑and‑greet with the team.
• community Partnerships: Collaboration with the SEMO Veterans Services Office and local nonprofit Operation Homefront provides donation bins for care packages.

Key Benefits for Attendees

1. Direct interaction with active‑duty and veteran athletes.
2. Opportunity to learn about scholarship pathways for military families.
3. Support of veteran‑focused charities through ticket sales and on‑site contributions.

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International Student Night

• Cultural Showcase: Over 20 international students perform conventional dances and share brief anecdotes about gymnastics in their home countries.
• Global Cuisine Corner: Food trucks feature dishes from Brazil, Nigeria, South korea, and India, each labeled with allergen information.
• Language Exchange Booth: Participants can practice basic gymnastics terminology in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and French.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early to explore the culinary stalls before the competition begins.
• Wear agreeable shoes; the hospitality area includes a designated walking path for mobility‑assisted guests.
• Bring a reusable water bottle—refill stations are located by entrance and concession areas.

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Athlete Spotlights: Gymhawks 2026 Season Leaders

Athlete	Class	Event Focus	2025 Highlights	2026 Season Goals
Sophie Tran	Junior	vault & Floor	9.85 vault (regional champion)	introduce a new double‑twist vault.
Mia Rodriguez	Senior	Balance Beam	Perfect 10.0 beam routine (last season)	Maintain a 9.9+ average across all meets.
Leah Barnes	Sophomore	Uneven Bars	First‑year NCAA All‑American	Add a release move with a full‑axis turn.

each athlete will wear a special “2026 Season” wristband, searchable on the Gymhawks app for real‑time performance stats.

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Ticketing & Live Streaming Options

• General Admission: $15 online, $20 at the door (includes access to all pre‑show activities).
• Military & Veteran Pass: Free with valid ID; includes priority seating.
• Student Pack: $10 (valid for SEMO students with ID) – 20% off at concession stands.
• Premium VIP Experience: $45 – Reserved front‑row seats, backstage tour, and a signed Gymhawks water bottle.

Live Streaming Packages

1. Free Stream: Live video with basic commentary on YouTube.
2. Premium Stream ($5): Multi‑camera angles, athlete mic feed, and a post‑event highlight reel download.

All tickets are sold through the SEMO Athletics Ticketing Portal (semoathletics.com/tickets).

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Volunteer & Partnership Opportunities

• Volunteer Roles: Gate ushers,merchandise assistants,military appreciation coordinators,and international student liaison volunteers.
• Required Commitment: Minimum of 3 hours on the event day; training session held on January 5, 2026.
• Partner Benefits: Corporate sponsors receive logo placement on the event banner, digital ads on the live stream, and a dedicated thank‑you segment during the military appreciation block.

How to Apply

1. Visit the Gymhawks “Get Involved” page.
2. Complete the online volunteer form.
3. Receive confirmation and schedule details via email by December 20, 2025.

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How to Follow the Gymhawks 2026 Season

• Official Website: www.gymhawks.com/2026schedule – full calendar, athlete bios, and ticket links.
• social Channels:
• Instagram: @GymhawksOfficial – behind‑the‑scenes Stories, daily training clips.
• Twitter: @Gymhawks – live scores, meet reminders, and fan polls.
• TikTok: @Gymhawks2026 – short reels of skill breakdowns and campus life.
• Newsletter Subscription: Sign up for the weekly “Gymhawks Pulse” for exclusive interview drops and merchandise offers.

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Practical Tips for First‑Time Attendees

1. Parking: Use Lot A (north side) – free with ticket scan; overflow parking available at Lot C (south side) with a $2 shuttle fee.
2. accessibility: ADA‑compliant entrances, wheelchair‑accessible seating, and sign‑language interpreters available on request.
3. Weather Plan: The event is fully indoor; no rain delay concerns, but bring a light jacket as Houck Field House can be cool during evening hours.
4. Safety Protocols: Mandatory mask‑optional policy; hand sanitizing stations placed at each entry point.

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Real‑World Impact: Community & Campus Engagement

• Economic Boost: Local hotels reported a 12% increase in bookings for the weekend of the tri‑meet, according to the Cape Girardeau Tourism Board.
• Student Involvement: Over 200 SEMO volunteers participated, earning 30 community‑service hours each—eligible toward graduation requirements.
• Veteran Outreach: The event generated $3,500 in donations to Operation Homefront during the military appreciation segment, surpassing the target by 20%.

These metrics illustrate how the Gymhawks’ season launch serves both athletic excellence and broader community objectives.