DENVER – The University of Denver gymnastics team will welcome two student-athletes for the 2021-22 season, head coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart announced on Thursday.
 
Mia Hebinck (Lone Tree, Colo.) and Momoko "Momo" Iwai (Dallas, Texas) have signed their National Letters of Intent to attend DU beginning in fall 2021.
 
"We are excited to welcome Mia and Momo into our DU Gymnastics family," Kutcher-Rinehart said. "They both fit our philosophy of teamwork, character and excellence; and they're both competitive athletes who will continue to build on the Denver legacy. They excel academically and athletically, and as all-around athletes, they will add depth to our lineups."
 
Mia Hebinck is a Level 10 gymnast from Colorado Aerials in Colorado Springs, Colo. She is a two-time JO Nationals qualifier and the 2019 Region 3 all-around and bars champion. In 2020, she won the all-around, beam and floor titles at the Metroplex Challenge; and she placed in the top three in the all-around and on vault, bars and beam at the Winterfest Classic. In addition to her 2019 Region 3 all-around and bars titles, she also placed second on floor and third on vault.
 
"Mia is a Colorado athlete who already has strong ties to our community," Kutcher-Rinehart said. "She brings talent, commitment and passion. She has great fundamentals and a very strong work ethic, and is a determined, resilient athlete."
 
WATCH: Mia Hebinck Highlight Video
 
Momoko "Momo" Iwai is also a Level 10 gymnast from Texas Dreams Gymnastics located outside of Dallas. In 2017 and 2018, she collected a combined seven top-three finishes at the Texas State Championships, including wins in the all-around and on beam and floor in 2017. In 2018, she tied for second on vault and placed third on beam at the state championships. She has competed internationally at meets in her birth country of Japan, including at the 2019 All-Japan Junior Championships.
 
"Momo has domestic and international competitive experience that will benefit her at the collegiate level," Kutcher-Rinehart said. "Her gymnastics is simultaneously dynamic, powerful and graceful. She also has strong technique, a variety of skills and is incredibly focused."
 
WATCH: Momo Iwai Highlight Video
 
Denver was enjoying a record-setting 2020 campaign when the season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March. The Pioneers had spent the entire season ranked in the top seven nationally, which included achieving a program-record No. 2 ranking in January. DU is preparing for the 2021 season, led by returning All-Americans senior Lynnzee Brown (Kansas City, Mo.) and junior Alexis Vasquez (Arcadia, Calif.).
 
For the latest University of Denver updates on the coronavirus, click here.
 
SHOP PIONEERS
Get dressed for game day! Get your Pioneers gear at ShopPioneers.com, the official online store of University of Denver Athletics.
 
DONATE 
Fans interested in making a donation to the gymnastics program can do so online. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.
 
- OUR JOURNEY, OUR TIME –
Like Denver Pioneers and Denver Gymnastics on Facebook.
Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_Gymnastics on Twitter.
Follow @DenverPioneers and @DU_Gymnastics on Instagram.