AUBURN, Ala. — The NCAA National Championships is a competition reserved for 12 of the nation’s most premier gymnastics programs.

For the second time in school history, Iowa State is part of this elite group.

Though the team is thrilled to have simply earned a spot in the competition, head coach K.J. Kindler said her team is prepared to make more than just an appearance — it is ready to make a statement.

“A lot of teams would say, ‘You’ve gotten here — that equals success,'” Kindler said. “I’ve talked with my team, and that’s not us. We’re not happy to just be here — we want to make something of this.”

The ultimate measure of the team’s success, Kindler said, would be to advance from Thursday’s opening round to Friday’s Super Six team final, a feat the Cyclones have never achieved. A season-best performance will be required if they hope to advance, as the team will face several of the nation’s most eminent gymnastics teams.

In the opening round’s second session, the Cyclones will face two-time defending national champion UCLA and national competition regulars Alabama, Georgia and Florida, as well as a strong squad from BYU.

To advance to Friday’s final, the Cyclones will have to place in the top three of this difficult field.

“I think [other teams’] expectations are low for us, so some of the high expectations placed on the other teams will be an advantage for us,” Kindler said.

Only four schools have ever won a national gymnastics team title. UCLA is one of them, claiming victory the past two seasons. The Bruins are making their 14th straight and 22nd overall appearance at the championships. The team will be lead by 2000 Olympians Kristen Maloney and Tasha Schwikert.

Alabama is making its 23rd consecutive appearance at the national championships, advancing to the Super Six each of the past seven years. Olympic silver medalist Terin Humphry and three-time NCAA National Champion Ashley Miles will lead the Crimson Tide in a quest for their fifth team title.

Additionally, both Georgia and Florida bring strong championship records with them to the championship.

Georgia has won five titles since 1987 and is making its 22nd consecutive appearance, while Florida has advanced to nationals for the 23rd time.

Despite the credentials of the rest of the competition, all-arounder and team co-captain Erin Dethloff said the team is prepared to block it out and focus on performing to the best of its ability. She said the team is confident it can advance if it hits 24-for-24 on its routines.

Kindler said the team is the healthiest it has been all season and is physically and mentally prepared to put forth its best performance of the season.

“If all things come together, certainly we’ll have an opportunity,” Kindler said.