University of Minnesota’s Thrilling Journey Concludes in Regional Finals: A Closer Look at the Season’s Highlights

The Minnesota gymnastics team finished fourth at the NCAA Regional Finals in Salt Lake City, scoring 196.825. The team wrapped up their 2025 season with a solid 17-7 record, including an impressive 8-1 in the Big Ten.

Head coach Jenny Hansen expressed pride in her team’s performance despite facing tough competition. "The energy from Utah’s fans was incredible, something we hadn’t experienced this season. Our athletes handled it well," she said. Although it wasn’t the outcome they hoped for, the Gophers remained steady throughout the meet, especially excelling on beam.

The competition was fierce, with No. 4 Utah taking first place at 197.825, followed by No. 5 UCLA at 197.625 and Denver at 197.350. Both Utah and UCLA advanced to the nationals, along with Michigan State and LSU, making up four of the eight teams moving forward.

During their performance, the Gophers earned strong scores: 49.125 on vault, 49.175 on bars, 49.350 on beam, and 49.175 on floor. Individual highlights included Mya Hooten’s standout moments with a 9.875 on vault and matching that on floor, alongside 9.900s on beam from both Jordyn Lyden and Lauren Pearl.

Mya Hooten, who will be making her fourth trip to the NCAA Championships, qualified individually on floor with a score of 9.925, showcasing her as an athlete to watch. Coach Hansen shared her excitement, saying, “I’m thrilled Mya gets one last chance to shine. She’s remarkable on floor.”

Here’s how the Gophers fared in each event:

• Vault: They kicked off with a 49.125, led by Hooten’s 9.875.
• Bars: A score of 49.175, with Lyden leading at 9.875, kept Minnesota competitive.
• Beam: This was their best event, scoring 49.350 thanks to career-highs from Lyden and Pearl, both earning 9.900.
• Floor: Closing out with a 49.175, Hooten’s 9.900 shone brightly in her final performance.

Noteworthy moments included Lyden’s season-best score on bars and Emily Koch’s farewell routine, where she scored 9.875 on beam.

This marks the fourth time in five years that the Gophers have reached the Regional Finals, demonstrating their consistent strength in competitive gymnastics. As they now pivot to prepare for the 2026 season, Mya Hooten looks ahead to her national performance on April 17 in Fort Worth, Texas, showcasing the resilience and talent within the Minnesota gymnastics program.

In today’s era of gymnastics, where precision and artistry are crucial, it’s noteworthy that Hooten’s ageless talent reflects the evolving standards of the sport—and perhaps, her journey will inspire young gymnasts across the nation.

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