Nearing the end of their two very strong careers as ASU gymnasts, senior all-around Jada Mangahas and graduate student all-around Hannah Scharf have been acknowledged as Pac-12 preseason watch list members.
With all their hard work and dedication over the seasons, both athletes felt grateful to be recognized on this well-built Gym Devils roster.
"I was very surprised and humbled by it," Mangahas said. "Being seen by people recognizing my hard work and efforts, especially among all the talent on the team and in the conference, is very special to me."
While this is Mangahas' first time being named to the preseason watch list, this isn't new territory for Scharf, as she made the list in 2023. Nevertheless, the moment is just as meaningful as the first for her.
"I feel very honored to be recognized," Scharf said. "I work hard in the gym, and I am happy people see the effort I put into this sport daily."
Although they are only four meets into their season, both have already made strong cases for showing they’re deserving of this title.
This season, Mangahas competed for the first time all-around in her career and the second time on beam since her first year at ASU. She scored a career-high on beam against No. 6 Denver with a score of 9.825. During the Sun Devil's recent meet, Mangahas scored a season-high on vault with 9.900, proving herself as a threat through being able to compete strongly in all four events.
As for Scharf, she’s done nothing less than impress her standards. Similar to Mangahas, she also reached a season high with a score of 9.900 on vault.
Taking advantage of their years of experience, these two have taken leadership positions, allowing their teammates to follow and learn from their successes.
"Both are leaders who have been on the team a long time," head coach Jay Santos said. "They're able to take the lead using their voice, and neither are afraid to speak up and offer what we need as the two people we rely on the most in all standpoints. The team listens when they talk."
But with so much attention and towering expectations surrounding them, these two are competing wanting nothing more than the best for themselves.
"That's the nature of being an athlete: to be better than you once have," Scharf said. "I am trying to enjoy every moment, especially in my last year. I look forward to having fun and working hard."
Similar to Scharf, Mangahas is ready to bear the high demand that comes with making the list.
"It adds pressure reading about what they said about me," Mangahas said. "Seeing me as an all-around contender puts me into a spot that I can be and I do deserve to be on that list. I want to live to that standard, and it makes me feel grateful to do so."
Sharing this spotlight, these two teammates couldn’t be more thrilled to work together and bounce off each other's similar competitiveness, drive and spirit to make the most of their closing season.
"It has always been so special to have Scharf as a teammate," Mangahas said. "I have always looked up to her since I have been here. With all her experience and great competitive nature, she is like a role model for me. It is an honor to be recognized alongside her. It is our last year together, and it is exciting to compete with her."
With nine meets left to go before the Pac-12 championship, the major objective for the team is to go to Nationals. Both Scharf and Mangahas hope to make their final mark in the conference, leaving with an achievement to reminisce about for years to come.
"The biggest goal is to go as a team," Scharf said. "I've been there before, alone twice, but it's my priority as a team to be there to end my career. We're putting our all out there every single meet and going after what we want."
Edited by Vinny DeAngelis, Sadie Buggle and Grace Copperthite.
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