In this week's installment of freshman class previews, FloGymnastics takes a look at the reigning national champion Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners welcome in three incredibly talented freshmen who have an impressive resume with national and international experience. Their accomplishments as a class include multiple state and regional titles, J.O. Nationals appearances, and a World Championship medal. The experience and talent of this class will be an incredible combination to help the Sooners defend their national title. The freshmen include:

Jade Degouveia -- 2015 J.O. National Championships, third-place finish
Maggie Nichols -- Five-time U.S. National Team member (2012-2016), 2016 Olympic Trials competitor
Brehanna Showers -- U.S. National Team member, Nastia Cup qualifier

Oklahoma coach K.J. Kindler on this year's freshman class: 

This class is literally giving me goosebumps. The talent is huge. The passion, unmatched. The excitement is honestly immeasurable. These young women are intelligent, motivated, and accomplished.

Jade Degouveia

Degouveia is a level 10 gymnast from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she trained at American Twisters Gymnastics. She qualified to the 2015 J.O. National Championships and finished third all-around. She is a very powerful and elegant gymnast who will fit into the Oklahoma program and provide great depth for the Sooners. Degouveia's bars routine features a high-flying jaeger, along with beautiful lines and effortless swing. She also has a sky-high Arabian double front on floor. Degouveia will be another gymnast to watch on all four events and will be a boost to the Sooners this season. Watch her routine from preseason training below:

Swinging through preseason #committo3 @OU_WGymnastics pic.twitter.com/lFEHfrN2YQ

— Jade Degouveia (@jadelindzey) September 23, 2016

Kindler on Degouveia:
"The first time we saw Jade do gymnastics we were completely impressed. She is powerful yet elegant, and she was a fierce competitor. Once we got to know her, it was obvious that she was a perfect fit for our program. She is a goal-setter and is constantly checking achievements off her list while aiming for the next. She is a role model in her gym and a positive influence and example to her teammates. She wants to go as far as she can go."

Maggie Nichols

The Sooners welcome in Nichols, who is undoubtedly one of the most talented gymnasts in the country. Nichols is coming out of elite gymnastics after a successful career that includes competing for a spot on the 2016 Olympic Team, earning two World Championship medals in 2015, and much more. Nichols is from Little Canada, Minnesota, where she trained at Twin City Twisters. She is an incredible all-around athlete who will make an immediate impact for the Sooners on all four events. Nichols will be a standout on vault, bars, and floor, with stellar execution along with incredible difficulty and power. She has looked impressive in training this preseason, as she has been training many of her elite-level skills. Watch her stuck vault in training here. Known as "Swaggie Maggie," look for Nichols to be a fan favorite this season. Watch Nichols' preseason training highlights below.



Kindler on Nichols:
"When Maggie said 'yes' to Oklahoma, it was one of those 'aha' moments. She has been on our minds since she attended camp as a 10-year-old. At a very young age you could see the fire and passion she had for gymnastics. It seemed like she couldn't get enough. It has been so fun to watch her bloom into the incredible person and athlete she is today. We are honored that she has chosen Oklahoma as her future gymnastics home."

Brehanna Showers

Showers is a very talented level 10 gymnast from Rockford, Michigan, where she trained at R-Athletics. Showers had great success as a level 10 gymnast, garnering four first-place finishes in 2012 (vault, bars, floor, all-around) and two in 2013 (vault, floor). She also competed at the 2014 Nastia Liukin Cup, where she finished in fourth place. Showers suffered a season-ending injury in 2015, tearing her ACL on a beam dismount. She is looking strong in preseason and is training a Markelov on bars (watch here) and a new side somi on beam (watch here). Showers is a powerful athlete who competes with great confidence. Look for her to compete for a lineup spot this season and help add depth for the Sooners.

Kindler on Showers:
"To watch her practice is to witness a perfectionist at work. She is the kind of athlete that desires critique and improvement at every turn, always pushing herself for a better result. She is captivating in competition and Sooner fans will be mesmerized by her strength, quickness, and confidence. There was an immediate connection on her visit that is magnified now, two years later. We are ecstatic to have her join the family!"


Related:
Florida Freshmen Aim to Get Gators Back on Top
LSU Tigers Add International Talent