I chose Iowa because I loved the coaches and atmosphere in the gym. The girls are great, and I felt a connection with the team right away. Also, the campus is perfect with the beautiful buildings and great Hawkeye spirit. I liked the size of the school and loved the feel of the university city.  --Kaitlynn

I loved the overall atmosphere of the campus and how the community was intertwined with the university. I also loved how everything was so close together. When I first met the girls on the team, they were showing off these collages that they made about themselves, so I got to know them very quickly. I liked the fun but serious atmosphere in the gym, and I knew this was the type of place I would fit best. --Rachel

I chose Iowa for many reasons. I love the coaches and atmosphere in the gym, and I felt like I fit in really well. Also, Iowa is perfect for my major, and the campus is beautiful! I can tell Iowa City is a tight-knit community and everyone is really friendly here. I love it! --Emma

First, I really hit it off with the coaches and when I came to visit, I realized how amazing the team was. Everyone works so well together and I could sense the  supportive and fun atmosphere. I also liked that the team was able to work hard, but have fun and be goofy at the same time. Also, The University of Iowa  is a distinguished school with a great journalism program that was the perfect size for me.  --Annie

I chose Iowa because I loved all the aspects of it. First, the academic programs here are great. I am studying chemical engineering, and the engineering department here is amazing. I wanted to compete in college, and Iowa was the perfect fit. I love the girls on the team, the coaches, and the amazing atmosphere in the gym. --Jordan

Despite the misconception that people always think of Iowa; Iowa City is amazing. As an East Coast girl, I love the laid-back attitude of the Midwest. I knew Iowa was the right place for me to grow as a student, athlete, and person. Being a GymHawk meant that I was going to adopt a new family where I could be myself. I absolutely love Iowa and would not ask to be anywhere else. Go Hawks! --Arielle

Even though I wasn't looking strictly at gymnastics when I was deciding what university to attend, the gymnastics team's sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm made me take a closer look at Iowa. Other than having a great atmosphere, I liked that I'm so close to home. Both of my siblings attended Iowa and these factors, combined, made my college decision an easy one.      --Andrea

                                                                   Our 1,700-acre campus sits in one of the nation's most livable cities (USA Today, 2006) and one of the best small metropolitan areas for careers (Forbes Magazine, 2009)

First, I came to Iowa because of the amazing team atmosphere. Secondly, since my sister was at Iowa while I was being recruited, I thought it would be cool if we were on the same team. I also love how the campus is conveniently laid-out and close to everything you need. Lastly, I felt that the coaches were very supportive and I instantly fit right in. It was an easy decision for me to choose to come to Iowa for four years. --Becky

After my official visit, I knew I wanted to come to Iowa. I fell in love with the campus, Kinnick stadium, and the amazing academic programs. When I first stepped on campus, my mom and I got lost a few times, and the Iowa people were so friendly and helpful. When I met the coaches, I could tell how passionate they were about the team; additionally, the girls on the team were exteremely friendly. Iowa is perfect. I love it! --Jennie

I chose The University of Iowa because I loved the team and the coaches. This university has excellent academics; including an amazing athletic training program which is the career path I plan on pursuing. Also, I wanted to move away from home, and I thought Iowa would be a great change for me.--Houry

After my visit, I knew I wanted to go to Iowa. I loved the coaches and the university, but the deciding factor was the team. My host was so welcoming, and I felt like I was a part of the team as soon as I met them. Additionally, I came during the Iowa vs. ISU meet, and I saw how hard the team worked and the fun they had competing against their in-state rival. I know I am where I am suppose to be. --Tesla

I chose to transfer to The University of Iowa for many reasons. The coaches are great, and I love the team. I enjoy all the spirit on campus, and there is always an activity going on. Iowa has a beautiful campus, and I appreciate the priority level placed on academics. Finally, I love being close to home. --Maya

I chose Iowa because I loved the coaches, team atmosphere, and academic opportunities offered at Iowa. I was always a Hawkeye fan growing up, but after taking my official visit, I had no doubt this was the place I wanted to be.  --Jessa

I choose Iowa because, not only is it a very good school with a great gymnastics program, but it just felt like the perfect fit. From the first contact I received to my official visit, I felt that it was the only school where I wanted to continue my gymnastics. On my visit, the team welcomed me like family. I'm so happy it all worked out, and I'm looking forward to spending the next four years here. --Nicole

VIDEO: BY THE NUMBERS