Wolverines Name Tri-Captains for 2020-21
5/18/2020 2:07:00 PM | Women's Gymnastics
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Rising seniors Anna Dayton and Anne Maxim and rising junior Abby Brenner recently were voted tri-captains for the 2020-21 University of Michigan women's gymnastics team.
Dayton has not competed in her two years with the Wolverines but has been a contributor to the team culture inside and outside of the gym. She returned to gymnastics as a walk-on her sophomore year at Michigan after taking a break from the sport and has renewed her love for gymnastics being around her teammates. The culture the team has built in her two years has motivated her to make it a priority to make sure everyone feels involved and has a voice on the team.
"It is definitely an honor as well as a challenge that I am looking forward to," said Dayton. "I am feeling very motivated and committed because, in so many ways, this team has brought back my passion and spirit. My teammates and coaching staff mean everything to me, and it will always be my priority to make sure that everyone feels involved and has a voice on our team."
Maxim also joined the team her sophomore year of college, transferring to U-M from Michigan State as a walk-on. After a solid sophomore season, she was awarded a scholarship heading into her junior year. An injury during warmups on the uneven bars just before the season opener kept her out for the entire season. She leads by example in practice, putting her head down and working as hard as she can every single day in the gym, also while finding the right time to motivate a teammate who is having a difficult time.
"It's an honor my teammates have put their trust in me to lead this team," said Maxim. "I look forward to sharing my experiences and wisdom with Team 45 and hope to help each individual find their light. I'm very excited to share this role with Anna and Abby, and cannot wait for the upcoming season!"
Brenner becomes a captain as a junior, joining the likes of recent captains Lexi Funk and Emma McLean. She has been a consistent competitor on three events in her two years with the Wolverines, earned second team WCGA regular-season All-America honors this past season on vault. A two-time first team All-Big Ten selection, Brenner has five career event titles and career highs above 9.900 on vault, uneven bars and floor exercise. Awarded the Chip Hills Spirit Award for 2020, Brenner's positive and energetic personality is infectious.
"I am humbled and honored to be named captain this year," said Brenner. "With a team this talented and filled with so many amazing gymnastics, for them to choose me as a leader is an honor that I do not take lightly. I am excited to help lead this team to great things."
All three captains point to the leadership the last two years as excellent examples to follow. Adversity brought the team together and out of it came a close-knit group that is like a family. Previous captains pulled the team together when faced with a challenge, and that is something these three captains want to replicate. Bringing the team together to finish what they started in 2020 is a goal on the mind of all three captains.
Players Mentioned
