Winona, Minn. - While all Winona State student-athletes, coaches and staff look forward to returning to training and competition, new Warrior gymnastics coach Aixa (Ace-a) Evenson is potentially the Warrior most eager  get back into the gym. 

Evenson was elevated into the interim head coaching role for Winona State officially on August 15, following the retirement of Beckie Rolbiecki, who has led the team since 2005.   Evenson had served as Rolbiecki's assistant for the past two seasons and was a member of the WSU team between 2010-14.  While at Winona State as an undergrad, Evenson earned two bachelor's degrees in Mass Communication/Public Relations and the other in Spanish. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree of Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Sports Management at WSU. 

The former Winona Senior High School standout heads into her first season as a head coach not only leading her own program, but also preparing for the 2021 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) national championships.  Winona State was selected by the NCGA leadership committee to host the NCGA National Championships for the first time in program history last October.   The 2021 NCGA National Championships are slated for March 27, 2021 with McCown Gymnasium and WNB Financial Court serving as the venue. 

Joining Evenson on staff will be Stephanie (Wojton) Geislinger, a former Warrior gymnast who earned All-America honors as a senior in 2013.  After graduating from Winona State, Geislinger went on to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University. Geislinger and her family, husband Andrew a former Warrior baseball standout and daughter Avery Brooke, recently moved back to the Winona area where Andrew will pursue his dental practice at River Hills Dental after earning his Doctorate in Dentistry at Creighton.  Read more about the Geisinger's in our Warrior Stories features at this link.

This week we had a chance to catch up with Aixa as she transitions into her head coaching role at Winona State University.  Read on for a look into what the next chapter of Winona State gymnastics has in store. 

How long have you been a part of the WSU program and what were your roles?  "I have been part of the WSU program since my college years, 2010-2014. I was the head gymnastics coach for our Galaxy gymnastics team when we had a competitive rec program. I came back to WSU as the Assistant Gymnastics coach starting in the 2018-2019 season."

What events did you compete in as a gymnast?  "I competed as an "All- Rounder" – vault, bars, beam, and floor – but it is worth noting that my biggest contribution to a team was most definitely on balance beam…most definitely NOT on uneven bars (I was secretly terrified of being upside down on the high bar)."

In addition to coaching, you are one of the most accomplished gymnasts from the Winona Senior High School program. What is it like coaching in the community you grew up in?  "I was fortunate to grow up in the Winona community, which is incredibly supportive of arts and athletics at all levels.  Doing so graciously allowed me the experience of establishing a reputation in a community of supporters that recognizes the importance of rooting for people, in whatever makes them feel most passionate. I traveled the United States with a company out of college, and managed multiple large corporate teams but there is something special to be said about returning to my roots and giving back to the community that gave me so much humility and pride. My goal is to represent Winona well and make proud the generations who watched me as an athlete, as well as the young female athletes who have yet to be built."

What are some of the traits you look for in recruits? "Grit, compassion, honesty, self-starter, natural goal setter, self-discipline, empathy, strong sense of self-motivation, team-oriented spirit, optimism, inner desire to succeed, coachable."

How will Warrior gymnastics look different (if at all) under your coaching style? Will practices be similar, different? " I was coached by Beckie for majority of my gymnastics career so I'd be amiss to say the expectations in the gym would differ. However, stepping away and coming back to the sport has allowed me to come at coaching young women with a renewed sense of organization and enthusiasm. I plan to incorporate a strong foundation for fan engagement, a larger social media presence, a refined agenda for our daily practices, and a refreshing take on the culture of physical and mental health of our gymnasts."

What are some of your short-term goals? "Short term goals include establishing a code of ethics with our current team to come back to it throughout the year, expanding the relationship with our Athletic Training and Strength & Conditioning staff to increase strength and communication, launch a stronger online presence for our Galaxy gymnastics program, define our updated team goals for each day's practice, and create more internship opportunities for our Student Athletes as it relates to their careers after completion of their sport."

Can you speak to the role of the Galaxy program and how it connects with WSU gymnastics?  "Galaxy Gymnastics program is one of Winona State Gymnastics biggest fundraisers and financial supporters. In addition, it provides employment opportunity for our WSU Gymnasts to coach young athletes aged 2-14. We are tremendously grateful for the families who choose Galaxy as their child's gymnastics journey. Currently, we plan to continue Galaxy classes in our regular six-week sessions with appropriate COVID 19 precautions. To find out more, please email aixa.evenson@winona.edu"

Winona State is scheduled to host the NCGA national championships this March. What should Warrior fans know about that competition and the WSU opportunity to host this event?  "The opportunity to host a National championship is few and far between. To host, a college has to send in a bid and be chosen by a committee. This will be Winona State University's first time hosting the NCGA National Championship which will not only bring added business to the community due to the number of incoming athletes and fans but give WSU a chance to showcase the outstanding venue it provides for such a prestigious event. Because we are the host, we get to choose four WSU Gymnasts to take part in the competition regardless of their natural qualification at the Regional qualifying meet. Warrior fans should know, the magnitude of a National Championship being held at the University is being well anticipated by schools around the country and it is easily one of the most dynamic sporting events Winona State will host to date."

What else would you like to share with the Warrior faithful?   "I'm incredibly grateful to Beckie for being a predecessor of mine. Without her guidance and opportunity to be part of the program she dedicated her career to building, I wouldn't be the coach I am today. I am humbled and ecstatic about working with the ambitious young women who walk through those gym doors. My hope is that since my taking over this program, each athlete departs from their college career with a sense of pride and a confident drive to use their voice for the good around them. In my heart, I will forever work to be their advocate in whatever form necessary; as their coach, sister, friend, or mom away from home."

For more on Winona State Athletics, please visit  www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH. About Winona State University Athletics: 

The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words: Graduate Champions.  

Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).  Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.

Media Contact: Pete Watkins, Director of Athletic Communications | Ph: 507.457.5577 |Email: pwatkins@winona.edu