SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — The No. 15 Minnesota women’s gymnastics team kicks off its 52nd season tonight. They’ll face off against No. 5 Utah and No. 22 Iowa in a tri-meet at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Last spring, the Gophers ended their 2025 season here, placing fourth in the NCAA Regional Final.
The competition starts at 8 p.m. CT (7 p.m. MT) and can be streamed on ESPN+. Commentators Alisa Mowe and Nick Koop will bring the action to viewers.
In 2025, Minnesota had a solid season with a record of 25-7 and an impressive 8-1 in Big Ten play. They finished 15th in the final Road to Nationals rankings, tying for second place in the Big Ten regular season standings.
Looking back at their 2025 performance, the Gophers achieved some remarkable milestones:
- Top Scores: They earned a season-high score of 197.425, with an average of 196.825.
- Major Wins: Out of their 25 wins, nine were against ranked teams.
- Conference Success: They finished second in the Big Ten and took third at the Big Ten Championships with a score that ranks among the best in their history.
This year, the team hopes to leverage their experiences and make a stronger push for their seventh NCAA nationals appearance. With only two losses to teams that made it to the championships last year, Minnesota’s growth continues to build momentum.
Meet the Rivals
Utah: The No. 5 ranked team is under the guidance of head coach Carly Dockendorf. Utah maintains strong consistency, having made the NCAA National Championship for 49 consecutive years. With a core of returning gymnasts, including senior Makenna Smith and standout sophomore Avery Neff, they are set for another competitive season.
Iowa: The No. 22 team is led by Jen Llewellyn. After being projected to finish 10th, they made a strong showing in 2025, taking fifth in the season. Key player Aurélie Tran, who had a successful freshman year, is expected to be a major contributor again.
Coaching and Staff Updates
Head coach Jenny Hansen begins her 12th season with a record of 234 wins and 131 losses. She has built a strong foundation, leading the team to a Big Ten title in 2021 and a record-setting sixth-place finish at the NCAA Championships in 2022. This year, she welcomes former Gopher Gianna Gerdes back for her extra eligibility, enhancing the coaching staff’s experience.
New Faces and Rising Stars
The team has welcomed five freshmen this season, including notable talent like Arianna Ostrum. A three-time state champion, Ostrum has already made waves in the gymnastics community. Another promising newcomer is Emma Slevin from Ireland, who has an impressive international background.
As they look ahead, the Gophers are eager to build upon their achievements from last season. The upcoming meet against Arkansas on January 10 offers another opportunity to showcase their skills at Maturi Pavilion.
For more insights on gymnastics, including expert analysis, you can check the NCAA’s official stats at NCAA Women’s Gymnastics.
