Session I StatsÂ
FORT WORTH, Texas -Â Illinois juniors Mia Takekawa and Mia Townes finished their 2022 seasons with performances at the NCAA Championships on Thursday, April 14.Â
"I could not be more proud of these young ladies and how they represented themselves and the program on the big stage today," said head coach Nadalie Walsh. "They definitely belonged out there, they were calm, comfortable and confident, I think this experience is something they'll be able to bring back and share with the rest of the team that will light a little fire under everyone else as well. The way they finished this season has made them hungry for more, to get back in the gym and start working on new goals for next year. We have to take care of ourselves and rest our bodies but I know they are as excited as I am about next season!"
The two Mia's rotated with fellow Big Ten team Minnesota during the first session of the NCAA semifinals. Townes was up first to present the Illini. She scored a 9.8375 on her Yurchenko 1.5, tying her for 14th in the session.
"It was so rewarding to be able to see her compete today after battling back this season," said Walsh. "To not only survive but to thrive at the end of the season, she deserves all the praise for how she handled her adversity and how well she performed today."
Takekawa competed in the final rotation and was one of the final routines of the afternoon. She also scored a 9.8375 on her routine, placing T-20th in the session.Â
"Tak had to wait the whole meet to compete and it didn't shake or rattle her at all," said Walsh. "She did beautiful, hit her handstands, stuck her dismount and did exactly what she always does. I think she had a great time and we really could not have asked for anything better!"
