When it comes to veteran Gymhawks, one name stands out: fifth-year JerQuavia Henderson has remained an icon in the program, from setting high scores to being a reliable competitor through the ups and downs of a season.
Henderson first made her appearance on the Iowa roster back in 2020 and was featured on the Big Ten Women’s Gymnasts Watch List, but did not compete that year due to an Achilles injury.
After working back over the offseason, Henderson returned to competition for the Hawkeyes in 2021. It only took her five meets to make her way into the record books, as she scored a 9.975 on floor, tying the overall program-record set back in 2004 for event.
Since then, Henderson, or Q, as her teammates and coaches call her, competed in 37 meets over the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons, earning personal-highs, program bests, and some conference awards along the way. She prioritized her well-being over any accolades, opting not to compete in 2024 for mental health reasons.
With only three seasons of competition under her belt, Henderson decided to return to the program in 2025 under the new direction of head coach Jen Llewellyn, only to see that season go the same as her very first, with yet another Achilles injury, this time on her other leg.
The offseason rehab was much different this time around for Henderson, even though the injury was the same.
“A lot of my recovery was me relying on my faith and my relationship with God,” Henderson said. “It was more of leaning on his strength than on mine, which really helped me get through the bad days, but I really tried to focus on my mental health and personal trust in myself.”
Having not done any gymnastics in almost two years, Henderson finally made her collegiate return at this year’s season opener in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she competed in front of just over 11,000 fans, an event that many gymnasts may be overwhelmed by.
“I have really developed the mentality that every meet is just another practice, so I am still waiting on that nervous feeling for a meet,” Henderson said. “Every meet since then has really felt like a practice and trying to be the best I can be for my fellow Gymhawks.”
Throughout this season, Henderson has remained one of the more consistent performers for the Hawkeyes, something many will note comes with her multiple years in the sport. But for Henderson, the fact remains that there are always areas you can improve on, even when there is a common routine aspect.
“I see repetition as that comfort or fine line that allows me to reflect on my personal performances with a more positive and at-ease attitude,” Henderson said. “But there are things in daily life that can always be improved on, and I can always walk away knowing I can get even a half percent better.”
Through all of Henderson’s ups and downs, changes, and adjustments, the most noticeable one for her and her teammates is the new life that Llewellyn has brought to the Hawkeye program.
“The gymnastics aspect is still the same to me, but Jen is such an incredible human being,” Henderson said. “She has so much passion and love for us, the program, and the sport; she provides that foundation that this is who we are as not only as athletes but as strong women.”
Only being in her second season as head coach at Iowa, Llewellyn has still noticed the change and evolution that Henderson has gone through.
“Q brings a lot of energy and passion to the team,” Llewellyn said. “She continues to be resilient and never gives up, even though she has had so many adversities and still wants to be a part of this sport and team, which is just so remarkable.”
To her fellow Gymhawks, Henderson, and all the seniors and graduates of this season will truly be missed. Their impacts and connection to the underclassmen go beyond the aspect of gymnastics and remain as important imprints on many of their memories with the program.
“They are such amazing leaders and people,” second-year Aurélie Tran said. “They are all so reliable, and I always know I can reach out to them for advice or help any time I need.”
Now with only the NCAA Regional competitions remaining, Henderson gets a chance to look back and reflect on a rocky but renowned collegiate gymnastics career.
“Looking back, I have always been one to not focus on the scores, but rather to just have the personal feeling of being happy with my performance regardless of the outcome,” Henderson said. “Not everyone gets to do this or have the opportunity to perform in gymnastics, so I try to cherish every moment I can, especially the good and positive pieces with my teammates.”