ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Friday night saw Lindenwood gymnastics honored at the annual Midwest Independence Conference award banquet on the campus of Lindenwood University with the Lions taking home three awards including Coach of the Year: Catelyn Branson.
Branson, in the program's final season, helped the Lions to be one of the top schools in the conference leading the Lions to a Road to Nationals rank of 44, the highest since the 2019 season.
She helped the Lions to multiple records this season including a team high score of 197.075 at the Tennessee Collegiate Classic earlier this season. The Lions also posted a season opener score of 194.000 at the Mizzou Invite which was a program record to start a season.
During their home meet on February 11, the Lions posted a score of 196.075 which marked a program record at a home event. They also set the uneven parallel bars record at the Tennessee Collegiate Classic with a team score of 49.250.
Sam Scherwinski and Sienna Crouse were also named the Assistant Coaches of the Year helping lead the Lions under Branson. Scherwinski and Crouse were able to help the Lions in their last season.
All three coaches helped the Lions break many records including some individual program records.
Hannah Moon posted a 9.925 on bars earlier this season which set a new record. They also coached graduate student
Gayla Griswold to a program best 9.975 score on floor.
Elli Brownfield was also honored on Friday evening as the recipient of the Sylvia Keiter Memorial Award. This award goes to the gymnast who best represents the qualities of former Centenary gymnast Sylvia Keiter, who was killed by a drunk driver when she stopped to help a motorist in need.
Brownfield showed the following characteristics this season; incredible work-ethic, dedication, encourager, loyalty to team, selflessness, both a leader by example and a vocal leader, along with the ability to make a positive impact on everyone she met.
Lindenwood will compete tomorrow evening at 5:00 p.m. CT inside Hyland Arena for the MIC Championships. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.
