WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University acrobatics and tumbling team enters the 2026 season with fresh energy, new faces, and an emphasis on precision as the Hilltoppers prepare for another competitive spring under head coach Kelsey Streets.
West Liberty opens the season on February 7 with a road tri-meet at Fairmont State, facing the host Falcons and West Virginia State, before returning home for the home opener against Wheeling on February 16.
"This team has been working hard all year," Streets said. "We're a very young group with a lot of new faces, but they're ready to get out there and compete."
The Hilltoppers feature one of the youngest rosters in the conference, with 12 freshmen making up nearly half of the team. That youth brings both challenges and excitement, as West Liberty will debut new athletes and skills throughout the lineup.
"We're debuting new athletes and skills that our program hasn't competed before," Streets said. "I'm excited for our fans to see everything come together once the season begins."
Despite the inexperience, Streets is confident in her group's preparation and work ethic, noting that the freshmen class has already brought depth and a high skill level across every event.
Experience remains a key piece of the Hilltoppers' identity, led by Bella Paternoster, the program's lone four-year senior. Paternoster has transitioned into a new role as a base this season and continues to be a versatile, all-around contributor capable of filling multiple positions.
Graduate student Liv Kniola has also emerged as a leader, setting the tone both in practice and competition.
"She's someone everyone on the team looks up to," Streets said.
Another name to watch is Maryn Donnelly, a three-year senior and former walk-on who has become one of the team's most improved athletes. Donnelly is expected to appear frequently throughout West Liberty's meet lineups.
With many newcomers bringing strong gymnastics backgrounds, the Hilltoppers are emphasizing technique, cleanliness, and execution over raw difficulty.
"Our technique is very strong this season," Streets said. "We're prioritizing clean routines and minimizing deductions."
That approach extends to how the team measures success.
"We'd rather start from a 9.5 and score a 9.2 than start from a 10.0 and score a 9.0," Streets said. "Point differential is a major focus for us."
Rather than focusing strictly on results, West Liberty's goals center on growth and confidence.
"With new athletes competing in every event, success for us means seeing them trust their training and grow their confidence as the season goes on," Streets said. "We're taking it one event at a time."
The Hilltoppers face a challenging slate that includes strong MEC competition and two Division I opponents in Duquesne and Canisius. Fans can catch West Liberty at home just three times this season, making each meet a must-see:
"We want to see you at our meets," Streets said. "We only have three home opportunities this season, so don't miss your chance to support this team."
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
