University of Denver gymnastics preseason training is underway in preparation for the 2013 season. Head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart has added seven freshmen gymnasts to an already deep returning Pioneers' roster.

This is the first installment of a seven-part series to meet that freshmen class that opens its collegiate career with the Pioneers this January.

Maggie Laughlin (Scottsdale, Ariz.) sat down with DenverPioneers.com on Thursday to discuss her first few weeks on the DU campus.

Why did you choose the University of Denver?

-          I loved the campus when I came to visit. I think it is very beautiful and I love the weather here in Denver. My brother also lives in Denver, and I'm very close to my brother, so it just seemed like a good fit.

What are your first impressions of collegiate gymnastics?

-          It is really awesome. The girls get along really well and it's just a lot of fun. There is always something to do, and we are all really close.

What are your goals for the 2013 season?

-          I would like to be able to compete in all four events and really help the team out on every event.

How has life as a college student-athlete been?

-          It has been stressful. I've been really busy. Every day we have something to go to, but I think that's just because school just started. We've had a lot of meetings, but for the most part it is really fun. Every day I've met new people and made new friends.

Laughlin competed in club for Desert Devil Gymnastics for 13 years prior to arriving on the DU campus. The Pioneer freshmen qualified for the Junior Olympic National competition each of the last four seasons, finishing 19th in the all-around and fourth on bars in 2012.