Following a breakout season for both herself and her Carolina gymnastics team, freshman Julia Knower was named the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association Region Six Gymnast of the Year on Thursday.

Knower was one of several freshmen to lead the Tar Heels to their first postseason appearance since 2017. She competed in the all-around in each of Carolina’s 18 meets this past season, winning the all-around title in four of them and winning individual event titles six times. Knower was a standout on beam, where she posted five scores of 9.90 or better and ended the year ranked No. 6 in the East Atlantic Gymnastics League. She won three beam titles during the season, and was named EAGL Rookie of the Week three times.

Knower finished the regular season in strong form, winning three-straight all-around titles, including a career-best 39.400 against No. 24 Georgia in the regular season finale. For her performances, Knower qualified as an individual competitor in the all-around at this year’s Raleigh Regional of the NCAA Tournament.

Knower is part of a strong freshman class of gymnasts for head coach Danna Durante, one which includes Lali Dekanoidze and Isabelle Schaefer. Dekanoidze was named EAGL Gymnast of the Week three times before suffering a season-ending injury in February.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati

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