North Crowley grad hopes to lead Alabama to NCAA gymnastics title
Alabama sophomore Kiana Winston returns home this weekend as the Crimson Tide seek their seventh national title at the NCAA women’s gymnastics championship at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
Winston, from North Crowley High School, has been one of Alabama’s best this season, owning season highs in the uneven bars and floor routine.
“The journey here at Alabama has been quite the ride,” Winston said. “I love it here at Alabama, we have a sisterly bond, and it’s been great to have all the support from the coaches, trainers and everyone I’m around.”
Winston scored 9.975 out of 10 on the uneven bars twice this year and had a 9.975 on the floor at home against Georgia.
“The jump from last year to this year has been amazing,” Winston said. “I just had to find my role, my job, and I found it and have taken it all in.”
Fort Worth is hosting the event for the second straight year. Semifinals are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday. The top three teams from each semifinal advance to the Super Six competition at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Alabama is appearing in its 34th straight championship. Oklahoma is also in the event, making its 13th consecutive appearance.
Two Tarrant County gymnasts compete for Oklahoma: Senior Nicole Turner is from Colleyville and attended iSchool High of Lewisville, and sophomore Samantha Craus is from Grapevine, and attended Southlake Carroll.
They won’t be competing, but they are ready to cheer on their team, and get the support from their family and friends.
“A championship would be indescribable, especially in your hometown, with all the support,” Craus said. “The chemistry on the team is amazing; we work so hard and get along so well with each other.”
Turner added: “The journey we’ve taken together is one that we put a lot of heart and soul into and no matter the outcome, we can walk away with our heads up high. It’s more special to go home for the championships; not many people can do that.”
Oklahoma finished third last year and was runner-up in 2013 and 2010. Alabama was fourth last season.
“I think every kid dreams of this,” Turner said. “Even not competing, this is so special to me and no matter what, coming away with a title is something I’ll never forget.”
Several former Olympians will be in attendance. Mary Lou Retton’s daughter, freshman McKenna Kelley, is a gymnast for LSU. Bart Conner is a broadcaster for ESPN. There will also be an Olympic autograph session each day.
NCAA women’s gymnastics championship
Fort Worth Convention Center, ESPNU
Semifinals: 1 and 7 p.m. Friday
Finals: 8 p.m. Saturday
Teams: Alabama, Auburn, California, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Stanford, UCLA, Utah.
This story was originally published April 14, 2016 at 5:20 PM with the headline "North Crowley grad hopes to lead Alabama to NCAA gymnastics title."