Photo by: Andrew Fielding

Gymnast Brianna Springer is making a habit of advancing to the postseason.

Springer, a junior from Arvada, Colo., will be attending the gymnastics’ NCAA National Championship for the second consecutive year.

Springer and her teammate, freshman Jorie Hall, qualified as individual performers after the 2011 NCAA North Central Regional in Magness Arena on April 3.

Last season Springer finished in 11th place, with an overall score of 39.175 at nationals. She posted scores of 9.800 on bars and vault, as well as a 9.725 on beam and a 9.850 on floor.

Springer topped her previous record set at regionals, where she finished with an overall score of 39.250 as the second all-around competitor not on a qualifying team.

“I am so proud of Brianna and Jorie. They have worked so hard to get to this point, and tonight it really paid off,” said head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart. “Of course it is disappointing not to be going to nationals as a team, but we performed well [at regionals], and I am so proud of this team.”

Springer has been practicing gymnastics for 13 years. Due to the fact that she was involved in club gymnastics, she traveled a lot and was initially worrying about doing college gymnastics. While a part of 5280 Gymnastics, Kutcher-Rinehart spotted her and was eager to have her join the team.

“Everything happened so fast, I came here and got recruited all within about two days,” said Springer.

After being recruited, Springer said that she fell in love with college gymnastics. Since then, she has always aspired to give 100 percent in her work ethic and enjoys the experience of a team. Springer feels that this has been a great opportunity for her and she continues to work hard.

Though the DU gymnastics team did not qualify for nationals, they have overcome a great deal of adversity. Due to the many disappointing injuries that the team has endured, they have had to rely on athletes that were not on the line-up, according Springer. Despite the tough year, the team still came out strong.

“For next year, I want to work on being a leader and set new standards and goals for what we want to accomplish. I would like to see us work really hard, come out strong, and make it to nationals and the Super Six,” said Springer.

The NCAA National Championships will take place on April 15-17 in Cleveland.