Willmar Gymnastics Seniors Shine at State Meet

Carlee Brown and Mia Koosman lead Cardinals' return to state competition after 2-year absence

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Willmar Cardinals gymnastics team made a triumphant return to the Class A state meet, led by standout performances from seniors Carlee Brown and Mia Koosman. Despite not capturing a championship title, the team's eighth-place finish represented a significant milestone, as it was their first state appearance since 2020. Head coach Torrie Heitzman praised the seniors' trust and leadership in guiding the program's resurgence.

Why it matters

Willmar's state meet appearance signals a positive trajectory for the gymnastics program, which had been absent from the state competition since 2020. The team's success highlights the evolving landscape of Minnesota high school gymnastics, where powerhouses like Detroit Lakes continue to dominate, while other programs like Willmar work to rebuild and challenge the status quo.

The details

At the state meet, Carlee Brown led the Cardinals in three of the four events, posting impressive scores of 8.95 on balance beam, 8.925 on floor exercise, and 8.9 on vault. Brown's all-around score was completed with a 7.7 on bars. Teammate Brynnlee Carroll matched Brown's vault score of 8.9. While Willmar did not win the state title, which was claimed by Detroit Lakes for the seventh time, the team's eighth-place finish represented a substantial accomplishment.

  • Willmar's last state team appearance was in 2020.
  • Detroit Lakes has won five consecutive state championships from 2015-2019.
  • The 2026 Class A state meet took place on February 22, 2026.

The players

Carlee Brown

A senior gymnast for the Willmar Cardinals who led the team in three events at the state meet, including balance beam, floor exercise, and vault. Brown will continue her academic and athletic career at South Dakota State University, pursuing a degree in animal science.

Mia Koosman

A senior gymnast for the Willmar Cardinals who, along with Carlee Brown, helped lead the team's return to the state meet. Koosman will attend the University of Northwestern to study elementary education.

Torrie Heitzman

The head coach of the Willmar Cardinals gymnastics team, who has guided the program's resurgence since taking over when Carlee Brown and Mia Koosman were freshmen. Heitzman praised the seniors' trust and leadership in helping the team reach the state competition.

Detroit Lakes

A gymnastics powerhouse in Minnesota, Detroit Lakes has won seven state championships, including five consecutive titles from 2015-2019.

Brynnlee Carroll

A freshman gymnast for the Willmar Cardinals who matched Carlee Brown's vault score of 8.9 at the state meet.

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What they’re saying

“I can't thank them enough for the trust that they put into (Michael) Heitzman and I as we took over the program.”

— Torrie Heitzman, Head Coach, Willmar Cardinals Gymnastics

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Carlee Brown and Mia Koosman will continue their academic and athletic careers at South Dakota State University and the University of Northwestern, respectively, while the Willmar Cardinals gymnastics team looks to build on their state meet appearance and challenge the dominance of programs like Detroit Lakes in the coming years.

The takeaway

Willmar's return to the state gymnastics meet after a two-year absence demonstrates the resilience and potential of their program, led by the leadership of seniors Carlee Brown and Mia Koosman. The team's success highlights the evolving competitive landscape in Minnesota high school gymnastics, where established powerhouses like Detroit Lakes continue to set the bar high, while other programs work to close the gap and make their own mark on the sport.