Coaches’ Corner: Kasey Crawford at Wisconsin-La Crosse

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wisconsin-La Crosse gymnastics has long been a consistent force in Division III gymnastics, built on a culture that values heart, honesty, and finishing what you start. For Head Coach Kasey Crawford, recruiting is not just about finding talent, but identifying athletes who fit a program that has spent decades competing at the top of their stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Recruiting Process</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The recruiting process at Wisconsin-La Crosse begins typically with junior-year athletes. The staff identifies potential recruits by tracking Instagram accounts, reviewing competition results, and building early follow-up lists. From there, the process becomes relationship-driven. Starting with following an athlete's Instagram, then emailing and making phone calls to build rapport. An invitation to a summer high-performance camp will follow, along with an official visit in the Fall of the athlete's senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What Coaches Look For</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most commitments occur during the athlete's senior season, allowing both athlete and staff time to evaluate long-term fit. Camps, in particular, play a major role in building early connections and giving athletes a real sense of the program environment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While gymnastics ability is always the starting point, Wisconsin–La Crosse takes a broader view of recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key traits include:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Strong academic performance</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Campus and cultural fit</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Genuine passion for gymnastics</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Desire to improve and stay in the gym</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Team-first mentality</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Strong work ethic and positive energy</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Above all, the program is looking for athletes who want to grow and be a good teammate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When evaluating routines, the coaching staff focuses more on skills than scores alone. Key skills the staff look for include:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vault</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Yurchenko layout full in competition</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bars</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>10.0 Start Value routines with bonus</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Strong release move</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beam</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Clean, consistent level 10 routines</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Increasing interest in triple series connections</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Floor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Either two D-level tumbling passes or one E-level pass</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Strong amplitude and 180-degree leaps</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Across all events, consistency and competitiveness matter as much as difficulty.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wisconsin-La Crosse does recruit specialists, but with structure in mind. While specialists are welcomed, the program prefers athletes who train at least two events, provide roster flexibility, and can contribute in multiple lineup scenarios. Roster construction is always influenced by team needs and balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The College Transition</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest adjustments in college gymnastics is the shift in training structure. At Wisconsin-La Crosse, athletes quickly learn that there are fewer repetitions, training becomes more intentional, and quality replaces quantity. That transition can be mentally challenging at first, especially for athletes used to high-volume training. Another major adjustment is lineup competition. Unlike club gymnastics, athletes must earn their competitive spots every week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The difference between thriving and struggling often comes down to mindset. Athletes who succeed tend to be growth-minded, open to coaching, flexible in their approach, and willing to adapt. Those who struggle are often more rigid and want to do things their own way instead of embracing development within a team system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Advice and Common Recruiting Mistakes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For athletes aspiring to compete at the collegiate level, the message is clear: focus on becoming the right kind of athlete, not just the highest-scoring one. Key advice includes working towards strong level 10 skills and routines, prioritizing mental and physical health, being a supportive and team-oriented teammate, and enjoying your current level. College coaches are consistently looking for athletes who are coachable, growth-oriented, passionate about gymnastics, and excited to be a part of the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most common errors athletes make is targeting the wrong level of program. For example, athletes may aim for schools not aligned with their current scoring range and misunderstand the competitive landscape between divisions. Understanding where you fit is critical. Coaches recommend using recruiting resources to help evaluate realistic program categories-whether Division III, Big 10, Division II, lower Division I, etc. Clarity leads to better opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who Fits at Wisconsin-La Crosse?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wisconsin-La Crosse defines its culture in three words: heart, honesty, and finish. In the program, every athlete loves gymnastics (the heart). They WANT to work hard and be in the gym every day.&nbsp; They are honest with each other so that there's a strong team culture, and they finish what they begin. This takes grit, resilience, and perseverance. They have fun, but also work to win a national championship. The result is a team environment that blends high expectations with enjoyment; working hard while still loving the process. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ideal athlete is both high-achieving and team-oriented. The best fit gymnasts are:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>academically driven</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>strong communicators</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>extroverted and team-focused</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>hard workers who also enjoy the process</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>open, welcoming, and inclusive teammates</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wisconsin-La Crosse is a program where personality matters just as much as performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What Make Wisconsin-La Crosse Unique</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few Division III programs can match the sustained success of Wisconsin-La Crosse gymnastics. The program has spent more than 40 years consistently finishing in the top tier at the NCAA Division III National Championships, establishing itself as a true “D3 dynasty.” That sustained excellence is built on more than results. It comes from athletes who feel supported, valued, and motivated to chase excellence together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If there's one thing the coaching staff wants athletes, parents, and club coaches to understand, it's this: Educate yourself on the sport.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Follow programs. Watch meets. Learn the levels. Understand the landscape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The more athletes engage with collegiate gymnastics early, the better they can identify where they truly fit, and ultimately find a program where they can thrive. At Wisconsin–La Crosse, that fit is everything.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->