Kelli More’s season was not supposed to start like this. The junior gymnast and owner of three school records suffered from bone spurs in her feet, requiring surgery on December 19.

More said she hopes to return to competition by the middle of February. Naturally, More said she wishes she could compete with her teammates.

“It’s frustrating not being out there, but I guess I’d rather miss the first part of the season than the important meets later on in the season,” More said.

One of the key gymnasts on the 21st-nationally-ranked Cyclones, More hopes to return to form once fully healed.

“I just want to get back and strong and contribute all I can to the team,” More said. “The team needs me, and I need them.”

Last season was an eventful one for More and the Cyclones. The squad finished fourth in the regional competition in their best season ever.

More was ranked third in the nation on the balance beam with a school record score of 9.950, leading her to the Big 12 beam championship. She became only the third gymnast in ISU history to capture a conference championship since 1978.

At the league meet, More also tied the school record on the uneven bars with a score of 9.925.

As a freshman in 1997, More earned an all-around score of 39.325 at the Big 12 Championship to finish second at the championship and tie Iowa State’s all-time record. She also set a career high with a 9.90 on the floor exercise at the Big 12 Championship.

More attributes her success to her coaches, both past and present.

“I had a tremendous club coach in Tom Koll and Coach Pyle and her staff coach are just great,” More said. He (Koll) built me. They (Pyle and assistants Lou Ball and K.J. Kindler) made me.”

Head coach Amy Pyle said that More is a motivator for her teammates.

“She motivates by her actions, but she’s very vocal and encouraging in the gym,” Pyle said. “She’s the first one in the gym and the last one out.”

More said that her injury has made her take on more of a vocal leadership role on the squad this season.

“Being injured, I’ve had to be more of a leader and motivator through encouragement. However, leading by example is the best quality in a leader,” More said.

Sophomore Angie Umbaugh agrees that More brings a leadership presence to the team.

“She’s a really good leader,” Umbaugh said. “She’s confident and the hardest worker in the world. Even though she’s hurt, she’s still in the gym all the time.”

Freshman Tanya Huey said that along with being a leader, More brings a positive, cheerful presence to the squad.

“Kelli is always spirited, always cheering. Even on a bad day, she’s cheerful,” Huey said.

Undoubtedly one of the most decorated gymnasts ever to compete at Iowa State, More said that she’s proud of her accomplishments and that her success drives her to do even better.

“When you see your name printed, it’s like your reward for all the work you’ve done,” More said. “It makes you feel good and want to work harder.”

That hard work could help propel More and the Cyclones to a Big 12 championship and perhaps even farther.

“It’s been my goal since my freshman year for us to win the Big 12,” More said. “We want to go to regionals and nationals and compete at a high level.”

What will it take for the squad to return to regional and national competition? Plain and simple, More said, work.

“Work, work, work. We have to realize that it’s not all fun and games all the time,” More said. “We have all the talent. We just have to be more aggressive in and out of the gym.”