Denver Gymnastics Team Gears Up for Season
The University of Denver gymnastics team is ramping up its preseason preparations. They held the Crimson & Gold Intrasquad in Magness Arena, showcasing the talents of their gymnasts.
During the event, the team performed 33 routines across four events. For many, it was their first experience competing in this arena. Coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart expressed pride in the athletes, noting their strong performances, especially given the number of newcomers.
“This gave us valuable insights into our lineup for the upcoming season,” she said. “The energy was high, and everyone stayed focused. Now, we need to work on the details and build on this momentum.”
In total, 14 gymnasts participated in the event. Each competitor strategically paced themselves to prepare for the season. Four gymnasts took part in the all-around competition, with senior Cecilia Cooley scoring 39.450 in her first appearance. Freshman Shyla Bhatia closely followed her, marking an impressive debut in Magness Arena.
On vault, Bhatia executed a Yurchenko 1.5, scoring 9.850—matching Cooley’s score for a Yurchenko full. Cooley also excelled on bars, hitting a 9.925, the highest of the meet. Other top scores included 9.850s from Bhatia and senior Kiley Rorich.
The beam event saw ten gymnasts competing, with Cooley leading again at 9.900. Newcomers Terra Rutter and Sevana Kasparian made their mark, successfully hitting their routines.
On floor, junior Maddison Reidenbach topped the charts with a score of 9.925, followed by Bhatia and Cooley. Notably, many returning gymnasts tried events they hadn’t competed in before, expanding their versatility.
In total, five out of seven new gymnasts demonstrated their skills, adding to the depth of the team. Even those not yet fully prepared showcased potential, indicating a promising future.
After the event, Coach Kutcher-Rinehart acknowledged the support from fans. “Their energy was fantastic! It’s great for the team to connect with the community.”
Looking ahead, the team resumes training in late December before kicking off their season against Stanford on January 11. This year promises exciting developments, especially with such a blend of seasoned talent and new energy.
For more information on their season, you can find updates on Denver Gymnastics.
