Three years ago, Michelle Hladky left the sunny skies of Orlando, Florida to attend Iowa State University and compete on the women’s gymnastics team. Now entering her senior season, Hladky is a vital component of the #14 nationally ranked Cyclones, who have started with a 4-1 record thus far this season.

Hladky is also the lone senior on this season’s squad, which is dominated by underclassmen and features six freshmen.

Hladky said that her three years of competitive experience adds a special dimension to the young team.

“I’m a veteran, and I know how important it is to come together to accomplish goals,” Hladky said. “I can teach others because of this.”

Competing primarily on the uneven bars and balance beam, Hladky has tallied some impressive marks over the past three seasons.

As a freshman in 1996, Hladky placed sixth at the final Big Eight Championship meet on the balance beam with a score of 9.675 and third on the uneven bars with a score of 9.80. That season, the squad also made an appearance in NCAA Regional competition.

Even today, Hladky said that her fondest memory thus far as an Iowa State gymnast was the 1996 Big Eight Championship.

“I just can’t explain in words what that meet was like,” Hladky said. “Everything just came together and we had such a great competition.”

1997 was another big year for Hladky, as she set a career-high score on the uneven bars of 9.875 in a victory over Penn State and tied her career-best score of 9.725 on the balance beam twice.

Hladky’s junior year saw the squad have its best season ever, taking fourth place at regional competition. She tied her career-high score on the balance beam in a victory over Iowa, placing second with a score of 9.875. At that same meet, she set a career-high score on the balance beam of 9.90.

She also tied for first on the uneven bars at Minnesota and placed first at Nebraska and against Missouri with scores of 9.825 and 9.875 respectively.

Coach Amy Pyle said that Hladky’s contributions to the team far exceed her consistent performances in competition.

“She gets her stuff done in the gym,” Pyle said. “She’s not a vocal leader, but more of a doer. She’s a calming influence for the team.”

Teammates agree that Hladky adds a variety of intangibles to the team.

“She is a leader,” sophomore Jessy Smith said. “She’s been here the longest and helps us out with everything we do.”

“Michelle is so much fun to be around and has a good sense of humor,” junior Sarah Stayberg said. “She’s a hard worker, and we look to her to see how things should get done.”

Since arriving at Iowa State, Hladky said she’s noticed many substantial changes in the gymnastics program at Iowa State.

“The talent level this year is better than any year since I’ve been here,” Hladky said. “The teams have continually improved, and the skill level is much better.”

As far as goals for the season, Hladky said that she wants the team to win the Big 12, place higher in regionals than ever before and make it to nationals.

The rising level of talent has contributed to the squad’s 4-1 start to the season, and Hladky said the sky’s the limit this season.

“This season will far exceed everything we’ve done in the past,” Hladky said. “We just need to put it together and do it.”