CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – SEMO Gymnastics' Taylor Ingle was selected as the Newcomer of the Week in the Midwest Independent Conference, the league announced Wednesday morning. 
 
Ingle, a Coppell, Texas-native, made her Redhawks debut on Sunday competing in all-four rotations. The Freshman was slotted in the number one spot in both the bars and floor routine(s), and was in the second position for the beam and vault. 
 
Her best finish was fifth place which came on the floor routine where she registered a 9.675. Ingle, however, finished second with a score of 38.275 in the 'All-Around' category to put a stamp on an impressive freshman debut. 
 
Coaches Choice Award
This year, new to the MIC, there is a "Coaches' Choice Award"  which is decided on and voted for by the conference's coaches. The first winner of the MIC Coaches Choice Award was given to Kyla Podges of Texas Woman's University. 
 
This is what Texas Woman's Head Coach Lisa Bowerman said about Podges: "Kyla is a senior athlete on our team and in our opening meet this weekend competed and hit on 3 events.  Bars 9.625, Beam 9.675, Floor 9.625.  What makes this performance the most special is that this was Kyla's first time competing on Floor in her career….she has been working 4 years for this moment!  After coming in as a freshmen ready to compete all around she suffered injuries that held her back from being able to compete at all freshman and sophomore years. Last season she was a strong competitor on Bars and Beam.  Even with all of this she has always had her heart set on competing floor in her senior year.  After more setbacks and a TON of hard work, she earned a spot as our leadoff in Floor line-up! She NAILED her routine. She is truly the heart of our team.  She brings energy, passion, commitment and joy to this team every single day.  She is a true leader and a very special athlete who I feel is very deserving of this award". 
 
 2023 MIC Weekly Awards: 
Performance of the Week: Madison Kipp, Illinois State
 
Newcomer of the Week: Taylor Ingle, SEMO
 
Gymnast of the Week: Angelica Labat, Illinois State
 
Coaches Choice Award: Kyla Podges, TWU 
 
SEMO will be back in action on Saturday, Jan. 14, from the friendly confines of Houck Field House. The Redhawks will host Greenville and Centenary for the home-opening meet, slated to begin at 2 p.m., CT.