Coaches' Corner: Jessie DeZiel at Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Wisconsin-Eau Claire gymnastics has built its identity around consistency, connection, and a strong team-first culture. From the first Instagram message to final roster decisions, the recruiting process is intentional, relationship-driven, and focused on finding athletes who truly fit the program's competitive and cultural standards. Head coach Jessie DeZiel talks about what they look for in potential recruits.   Recruiting Process: From First Contact to Commitment   For Wisconsin-Eau Claire, recruiting primarily targets senior-year athletes, with most of the process taking place in the fall. The staff aims to have the majority of their incoming class committed by December 31st.    The initial connection often starts through Instagram, where coaches reach out to prospective athletes. Once interest is established, the process typically follows a structured path:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Introductory response and engagement</li>   <li>Scheduled phone call for program details</li>   <li>Continued communication</li>   <li>Campus visits for deeper evaluation and fit</li> </ul>   From there, the relationship continues to develop through ongoing contact and official or unofficial visits, giving both athlete and staff a clearer picture of fit within the program.   What Coaches Look For   At Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the foundation of recruiting starts with work ethic. Coaches are consistently looking for hard-working athletes, a genuine passion for gymnastics, and a “gym rat” mentality-those who love being in the gym. Beyond effort and attitude, the program values athletes who train with intent and show a consistent desire to improve.   Skills and Competitive Priorities   From a performance standpoint, the major benchmark that stands out is 10.0 start value routines. Those routines remain a key standard in evaluating potential recruits across events. In terms of team needs, the program frequently has a need for bars and vault workers. Being strong on those two events can help athletes stand out.   Wisconsin-Eau Claire does consider event specialists, but with an important baseline expectation: most athletes should compete in at least two events. Roster decisions can shift and vary depending on the graduating senior class and where gaps appear on the team. Flexibility remains a key part of the evaluation process.   The College Transition   The jump from club to collegiate gymnastics brings several major adjustments, both physically and socially. One of the biggest transitions is strength training. Many incoming athletes are not accustomed to lifting weights at a collegiate level. Once they arrive on campus, the added strength demands can lead to significant soreness, which temporarily impacts performance and consistency. Another major adjustment is simply becoming part of a new team environment. Building chemistry with new teammates is a major part of the freshman experience.     The difference between athletes who thrive and those who struggle often comes down to preparation. Athletes who arrive in the fall already physically and mentally prepared tend to adapt more quickly and contribute sooner. Those who are less prepared often find themselves in a cycle of catching up, which can carry through the season.   Advice and Common Recruiting Mistakes   The advice for future collegiate gymnasts is centered on persistence. Even if an event feels out of reach, athletes are encouraged to continue training consistently and stay committed through the challenges. Trust in the process and that every event contributes to long-term development as a gymnast. Progress in one area can often emerge unexpectedly from continued effort.   A common mistake the staff sees is timing. At the Division III level, they see a lot of athletes who delay committing because they are still pursuing Division I opportunities. While aspirations are understood and respected, waiting too long to commit can create unintended consequences. As enrollment progresses, delays may result in limited housing options, fewer ideal roommate pairings, and less flexibility in class scheduling, which can create potential conflicts with practice times. Early decision often allows for a smoother transition both in academics and athletics.   What Defines Wisconsin-Eau Claire   Wisconsin-Eau Claire describes its culture as “top-notch”, built on strong relationships and shared standards. Athletes within the program are often described as being extremely close, like sisters. Core values include accountability, transparency, and selflessness. The team is made up of driven athletes who are constantly working to improve and push one another forward.    The ideal athlete profile blends both performance and personality. On the athletic side, coaches look for hard-working competitors, gritty performers, athletes committed to continual improvement, and strong communication with coaches. On a personal level, the best fits are fully invested in team success, willing to support others, selfless in mindset, and focused on contributing to something larger than themselves. At its core, the program values athletes who elevate the group, not just themselves.    Wisconsin-Eau Claire's identity is shaped by both its culture and its academic environment. The program stands out not only for its team dynamics but also for the strength of the university itself. As a strong academic institution, particularly in science-based fields, it attracts student-athletes who already have a clear sense of academic direction. The combination of focused students and a tight-knit athletic culture that helps define the program's overall identity.   Closing Perspective: The Advice That Matters Most   If there's one message the coaching staff wants athletes, parents, and coaches to understand, it's this: start early and stay consistent. The program strongly encourages athletes to attend camps, where coaches can evaluate skills firsthand while also getting to know athletes beyond their routines. Visits are also an important part of the process, and families are encouraged to plan strategically so multiple opportunities can be maximized.   Above all, consistent communication and early engagement remain key throughout the entire recruiting journey. For Wisconsin-Eau Claire Gymnastics, success starts long before college; it starts with connection, preparation, and the willingness to grow from day one.

Wisconsin-Eau Claire gymnastics has built its identity around consistency, connection, and a strong team-first culture. From the first Instagram message to final roster decisions, the recruiting process is intentional, relationship-driven, and focused on finding athletes who truly fit the program's competitive and cultural standards. Head coach Jessie DeZiel talks about what they look for in potential recruits.