Broncos Recognize Next Hammer of Resilience Award Winners
This Thanksgiving Two Bronco Gymnasts are Especially Grateful
A small group of family, friends, alumni, support staff and fans gathered along the walls of the Boise State Gymnastics Practice Facility on November 22 to catch a glimpse of the 2025 Bronco gymnastics team. The intrasquad meet was the first “dress rehearsal” of the season for the reigning Mountain West Champions.
Over the course of two hours, a select group of gymnasts performed routines on vault, bars, beam and floor in front of three official judges. Following each performance, the judges score was displayed for all to see.
Throughout each sequence, teammates shared words of encouragement, celebrated every technical element and with each dismount, the facility vibrated with applause followed by high-fives and hugs from everyone around.
The event was the first opportunity in more than a year for Bronco gymnasts Julia Krzywanski and Julia Melchert to perform in a competition-type setting after both were sidelined during the 2023-24 season due to major injuries. From an outsider’s point of view, Krzywanski was fearless on vault and beam and Melchert was flawless on bars. Each gymnast completed her routines without any visible external discomfort.
Following the last floor routine of the night, Bronco Gymnastics Head Coach Tina Bird gathered the team around to announce a special presentation for two of the gymnasts and welcomed Keita Shimada, assistant athletic director, sports performance, health and wellness (SPHW) for Olympic Sports Medicine, to explain.
Shimada was joined by Lucas Johnson, director, and Rachel Phinney, assistant director, from the SPHW department, both specialize in Olympic Sports and support the gymnastics team.
These two gymnasts have shown us how to find meaning in their struggles and that you can truly be a positive influence during the most challenging times,” said Shimada. These two have also shown us their resilience. Today, we recognize gymnasts Julia Krzywanski and Julia Melchert with the prestigious Hammer of Resilience Award.
Following Shimada’s announcement, the loudest cheers of the night echoed through the gym, as Krzywanski and Melchert shuffled to the front of the team, both surprised and extremely moved from the acknowledgement. The gymnasts were then immediately encircled by their teammates, coaches and staff.
Character traits needed for student-athletes to recover from major injuries
For many student-athletes, suffering an injury can derail any future plans of an athletic career and often impact all other areas of life but there may be a few character traits that can aid in recovery.
"Recovering from any major injury requires student-athletes to embody resilience, patience, and determination,” said Shimada. “It’s about having the mental toughness to face setbacks, the discipline to commit to rehabilitation, and the optimism to envision a future beyond the challenges of today."
Kryzwanski signed with the Broncos in November 2022. Shortly after the start of fall camp, she sustained an Achilles tendon injury that required surgery. In addition, she needed treatment to address an abnormal growth in her heel bone, which led her to miss the entire 2023-24 season.
“During her journey to recovery, Julia brought a positive attitude every day and never backed away from the daily challenges,” said Shimada.
When asked how she persevered through rehab she shared, “...there were days I didn’t think I would make it.”
In July 2023, Julia Melchert announced she would transfer from Oregon State to Boise State. Melchert sustained an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL — one of the strong bands of tissue that help connect the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) during the 2023-24 preseason training which resulted in her missing the entire competition season. Melchert was on track for full recovery when she sustained a foot injury early in the fall.
“Despite the repeated trials, she demonstrated maturity and grace throughout her journey,” said Shimada.
Genesis of the Resilience Hammer Award
Launched in fall 2023, the Hammer of Resilience Award is designed to inspire and recognize Bronco student-athletes who are advancing through their recovery after a significant injury or injuries.
Award winners dedicate themselves to off-season rehabilitation even through the most difficult days. They embrace every rep especially when no one is watching and prepare themselves to get back on the playing field. Criteria for the award includes the following.
- Athletic season of a student-athlete ends prematurely due to significant injury
- Student-athlete demonstrates continuous hard work in the Boise State Athletic Training Room
- Student-athlete overcomes a difficult medical condition and returns to competition level
Award Winners
Krzywanski and Melchert are the third and fourth Broncos to receive the Hammer of Resilience Award. Kaitlin Burgess, women’s basketball, and Maggie Shirazi, women’s track & field, were recognized last year.
What’s Next
The Bronco gymnastics team will travel to Seattle for its first competition of the season, January 10. The meet will be hosted by the University of Washington.
Season tickets for the 2025 season are available by visiting BroncoSports.com/tickets, calling 208-426-4737 or in person at the Boise State Athletic Ticket Office. The Broncos will host four meets, welcoming Sacramento State and Utah State on January 31, San Jose State on February 14, Air Force on February 28 and Southern Utah on March 14.