Mizzou gymnastics is gearing up for an exciting match against Kentucky on February 13 at 6 p.m. CT. This showdown marks their second Southeastern Conference road meet of the season and will be broadcasted on the SEC Network.
The Tigers are riding high after a historic victory over No. 2 Florida, achieving their highest score yet against a top-ranked team. They’ve shown remarkable consistency, scoring 197.000 or more in 36 of their last 43 matches going back to 2023. Under head coach Shannon Welker, Mizzou gymnastics has been a fixture in the national top 15 for six years straight.
Key Highlights
- Strong Firsts: Mizzou boasts two athletes ranked in the top five nationally: Addison Lawrence on the beam and Kimarra Echols on the bars. This is a first for the program.
- Historical Matchups: Historically, Mizzou has faced Kentucky 39 times, holding a 19-20 record. Last season, they triumphed over the Wildcats twice, including a match in Columbia where they scored 197.200, their highest ever against Kentucky.
- Current Rankings: The Tigers are consistently ranked seventh nationally and have secured a spot in the top five on the floor exercise, signifying their place among the NCAA elite.
Individual Achievements
Addison Lawrence: Continuously impressing on the balance beam, she’s scored 9.950 or higher five times already this season, ranking her fourth nationally with an average of 9.937.
Kimarra Echols: The freshman has quickly made a name for herself, scoring 9.900 on the uneven bars and landing her on the College Gym News Freshman of the Year Watchlist.
Hannah Horton: Another standout, Horton has improved significantly, ranking 14th nationally on vault with a career-high of 9.975.
Looking Ahead
The Mizzou gymnastics team has set its sights on more historic wins this season, especially as they welcome top teams like Oklahoma and LSU to Mizzou Arena.
Their journey showcases the remarkable growth of the program. In 2025, Mizzou captured third place at the NCAA Championship Final, marking it as their most successful season to date. Under Coach Welker, the focus has been on building a strong team culture that emphasizes resilience and joy in the sport.
Fresh Faces and Experienced Transfers
Mizzou also added a talented group of freshmen this year, including five-star recruit Kimarra Echols, while welcoming transfers who bring valuable experience. This diversification in talent has strengthened their line-up and offers more depth for competitions.
As the Tigers continue to rise, they exemplify determination and excellence in collegiate gymnastics. The blend of seasoned athletes and fresh talent sets a promising stage for the rest of the season, making Mizzou a team to watch in the NCAA landscape.
For the latest updates on the team’s progress, events, and achievements, you can visit the official Mizzou gymnastics site here.
