Long before the University of Oklahoma joined the Southeastern Conference, K.J. Kindler had her eye on women’s gymnastics powerhouse Georgia. 

One of the first things OU’s new coach did after arriving in Norman in the summer of 2006 was borrow a page from the Bulldogs’ success on and off the mat.

The GymDogs had just won their seventh of 10 national titles. 

“They had this incredible booster club that was really able to serve the student athletes above and beyond what the university would or could do,” Kindler told Boyd Street Magazine. “And it elevated their recruiting … it elevated the experience of the student-athlete.

“For us here, one of our motivations was that our athletes need to feel that same kind of support and we need to have that recruiting advantage so we could go above and beyond in servicing our student athletes in ways that our athletics budget couldn’t do.” 

Nearly two decades and six national championships of her own later, Kindler and Team 10 — the booster club she modeled after Georgia’s — is still looking for ways to give OU gymnasts an edge by enhancing the experience for student-athletes and the fans who support those efforts. 

Whether it is Nike carry-on suitcases that make traveling easier or competition leotards with a greater number of stones than those worn by other teams, Kindler is all about enhancing the experience for her gymnasts. 

Team 10, which relies on membership fees to fund team activities that include an annual summer retreat and end-of-the-season banquet, is separate from 1Oklahoma, the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) partner that supports OU athletics.  

“We have nothing to do with 1Oklahoma or anything NIL related,” said Ryan Teubner, president of the Team 10’s board of directors. “Team 10 can provide a lot of resources and experiences, but we just don’t pay athletes.” 

Team 10 provides the “bells and whistles” Kindler said it takes to keep OU — ranked No. 1 nationally in the WCGA 2025 Preseason Coaches Poll — on top. 

 “To be honest, we haven’t had any bells and whistles in our facilities … until now,” she said. 

Private donations are funding a state-of-the art 7,000 square-foot addition and complete overhaul of the Sam Viersen Gymnastics Center on Imhoff Road across from the Lloyd Noble Center. 

“Our facilities didn’t measure up, so I had to dig deep to find other ways, you know, to intrigue people and so this was part of it,” Kindler said.  

The existing locker room will grow from about 70 square feet to 900 square feet in the new facility, which is scheduled to be completed in June. 

“Obviously our athletic budget has increased since I’ve been here but so have costs,” she said. “Everything is always going up and now with NIL, we’re faced with a serious financial challenge, as an athletic department and as a sport.” 

When Teubner joined the board in 2021, Team 10 had approximately 30 members who contributed to the cause and received benefits or special experiences in return. 

 “We have built that up to around 70 members now, which is awesome but nowhere near where our goals are as a board,” he said.   

Memberships range from $10 per month for an Alumni Membership to $5,000 or more for a National Championship Membership, which comes with two complimentary NCAA tickets in a priority section and a two-night stay in a Fort Worth hotel. 

“Over the past few years, we have increased our incentives for the members and added new membership levels,” Teubner said. “Within those levels of membership are unique experiences that wouldn’t otherwise be offered if you aren’t a Team 10 member.” 

Depending on the level, a fan can go to a practice of their choice or take part in the couch experience at a meet (relaxing on a couch positioned on the floor near the competitors).  

Kindler, Teubner, Melissa Simmons, Kindler’s director of operations, and two former gymnasts who competed for Kindler — Jackie Heredia (Flannery) and Jordan Hamilton (Draper) — comprise the panel. 

“Specifically, Jackie, Jordan and I are there to provide insight and advice and make sure KJ’s vision of Team 10 is executed,” Teubner said.  

That vision, depending on the year and the needs, costs between $75,000 and $100,000 to support, Teubner said. 

“We as a board continually find ways to create new experiences for not only the members, but the student athletes, too,” he said. “We pay for the alumni social during the alumni weekend.” 

As a new season begins, Kindler and the Team 10 board are once again studying the SEC for ways to get better — this time how to improve the Sooners’ brand appeal.  

Defending national champion LSU, with its 8,200 season-ticket holders and vast social media reach, thanks in part to gymnast and internet personality Livvy Dunne, is another model for success.  

Branding is a key component in the drive to grow membership for Team 10 and increase support for student-athletes, Teubner said. 

“When people see the logo and wear the brand, it’s a source of pride,” he said. “Not only are they supporting a team like OU women’s gymnastics, but they know the money raised will help further our mission to provide additional resources above and beyond what the athletic department currently provides.” 

Kindler envisions a time soon when the Lloyd Noble Center is packed to the rafters for a home meet. 

“I want to be the place in the SEC no one wants to come to, and right now that’s not us,” Kindler said. “We need to have that kind of environment, where, when you walk in our building, you know it’s going to be packed to the ceiling, and it is going to be difficult to compete because our fans are engaged and energetic and the seats are filled.”– BSM

By Tim Willert