University of Washington Athletics

SEATTLE – The GymDawgs will have their first competition of the season Monday, December 4  in the annual Purple and Gold intrasquad exhibition.  The Purple and Gold meet will begin at 10:00 am at Alaska Airlines Arena, with admission free to all.  Doors open at 9:00 am.
 
After competition ends, the GymDawgs will sign autographs for all interested fans.  A question and answer session with Head Coach Elise Ray and the team will follow as well.

"Our Purple & Gold exhibition is always an anticipated event for us because it's the first time the team gets to show off all their training from pre-season," said Ray.  "Up until now, it's been a lot of hard work, grind, and preparation behind closed doors. It will be rewarding to watch the hard work pay off and get a gauge on where we are in front of judges." 

Washington will be welcoming three freshmen to this year's team, with the Purple and Gold meet the first chance for fans to see Jennifer Oh, Geneva Thompson, and Hannah Willmarth in competition.  Those newcomers join 11 returning GymDawgs from last year's NCAA Nationals team. 
 
In 2017, Washington finished eighth in the nation, its best finish since 1997 and second-best finish ever.  Back are All-Americans Hailey Burleson (all-around) and Madison Copiak (bars), as well as Pac-12 All-Conference performer Joslyn Goings (beam).  Kristyn Hoffa (floor), Zoey Schaefer (beam), Malory Rose (beam), and Haley Roy (vault) all return as well after winning individual events for the GymDawgs in 2017.

"I continue to be so proud of these young women, and we're all anxiously awaiting the start of season," said Ray.

The 2018 regular season kicks off for the GymDawgs on Friday, January 12 when Washington travels to California to take on Sacramento State.  The first home meet for Washington is Saturday, January 20 against the California Golden Bears.
 
Make sure to follow the GymDawgs on Twitter with the username @UWGymnastics and on Instagram at uwgymnastics.