The 2025 women’s gymnastics season is set to kick off with a bang. The top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners will head to Nashville for the American Gold Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Classic. This highly anticipated event will see the Sooners face off against No. 17 Auburn, No. 23 Nebraska, and BYU in a podium quad meet.
With a strong roster and a history of dominance, the Sooners are poised to make a significant impact right from the start. Let’s delve into the details of what promises to be an exciting season opener and explore the key aspects that make the Sooners a team to watch.
Season Opener in Nashville
The 2025 season officially begins on Friday, January 4, at 5:15 p.m. CT, as the Oklahoma Sooners compete in the American Gold Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Classic in Nashville, Tennessee.
This meet will feature top-tier competition, with the Sooners going up against No. 17 Auburn, No. 23 Nebraska, and BYU. Notably, this marks the third consecutive year that the Sooners will begin their season with a podium quad meet away from home.
Returning Athletes and Newcomers
The 2025 Oklahoma squad is a blend of experience and fresh talent. The team returns 17 routines and welcomes six incredible newcomers.
Under the guidance of head coach K.J. Kindler, the Sooners are well-prepared to start the season strong. Kindler boasts a remarkable 25-3 all-time record in season openers. The team has not lost a season-opening meet since 2016, showcasing their consistency and competitive edge.
Head Coach K.J. Kindler: A Legacy of Excellence
K.J. Kindler is a name synonymous with success in NCAA women’s gymnastics. She stands alone as the only coach in NCAA history to take two different programs to the NCAA Finals.
In 2006, Kindler’s Iowa State team advanced to the Super Six, and she has since guided 12 Oklahoma teams to the finals in her 19 years in Norman. Kindler is one of just three active head coaches to win an NCAA team title, with the other two being Bev Plocki of Michigan and Jay Clark of LSU.
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Transition to the Southeastern Conference
The 2025 season is particularly significant for the Sooners as they transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
While OU is new to the SEC, they are no strangers to competition against SEC teams, having faced four league squads in the 2024 regular season. The Sooners have a strong track record against SEC opponents, with a 136-26-1 record under Kindler’s leadership.
This move marks a new chapter for Oklahoma, who previously dominated the Big 12 conference with 15 titles, including 14 under Kindler.
Recap of the 2024 Season
The Sooners enter the 2025 season after a remarkable but bittersweet 2024 campaign. They finished sixth at the NCAA Championships, ending their season with a 36-2 overall record.
The team was undefeated through regional competition, and standout athletes Audrey Davis and Faith Torrez earned individual national championships. Davis was crowned the champion on the uneven bars, while she and Torrez shared the top spot on balance beam.
Big 12 Championship Dominance
Oklahoma’s dominance was evident at the 2024 Big 12 Championships, where they won their third-straight title with an NCAA scoring record of 198.950.
The Sooners swept the event titles, with Jordan Bowers claiming four titles (All-Around, Vault, Uneven Bars, Floor Exercise) and setting a Big 12 record with a 39.925 all-around score. Bowers also achieved perfect 10s on vault, bars, and floor.
Faith Torrez and Ragan Smith also excelled, with Torrez earning her first career perfect score on floor and Smith winning beam with a 10.0.
Scoring Milestones and Records
Oklahoma has a history of achieving high scores, with 75 scores of 198 or better in program history, including 67 since 2016.
Notably, 46 of these scores have been earned at road or neutral site competitions. In 2024, the Sooners set a national record with 12 scores of 198-plus in a single season.
They also became the first program to post 11 consecutive marks of 198-plus, a feat unmatched in NCAA history. Their streak included nine-straight scores of 198.300 or higher, another unprecedented achievement.
Consistency in High Scores
The Sooners have demonstrated remarkable consistency, posting a score of 197 or higher in 58 of their last 60 meets.
Although their program record of 45 consecutive meets with a 197-plus score was snapped at the 2024 NCAA Semifinals, they continue to set the bar high with their performances.
During their streak, 32 of the 45 meet scores were 198 or higher, highlighting their ability to deliver top-tier performances consistently.
Scouting the Opposition
The Sooners’ season opener will see them face formidable opponents:
- Auburn: Ranked No. 17 in the WCGA Preseason Coaches Poll, Auburn advanced to the NCAA Championships last season, finishing third in the second round of the Berkeley Regional.
- Nebraska: Ranked No. 23 in the preseason poll, Nebraska also reached the NCAA Championships, concluding their season with a third-place finish in the second round. The Huskers return 16 athletes, including First-Team All-Big Ten recipient Emma Spence and Second-Team All-Big Ten member Sophia McClelland.
- BYU: Entering the season ranked No. 27, BYU boasts a trio of athletes named to the All-Big 12 Preseason Team. Sophomore Brynlee Andersen was named to the Preseason Beam Team, fifth-year senior Anna Bramblett-Wilde earned a spot on the Preseason Bars Team, and senior Sophie Dudley secured a position on the Preseason Floor Team.
Looking Ahead
Following the season opener, the Sooners will face a top-five battle against No. 2 LSU, No. 4 California, and No. 5 Utah at the Sprouts Farmer’s Market Collegiate Quad. This meet will air on ABC on Saturday, January 11, at 2:45 p.m. from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Fans can follow updates on Twitter and Instagram or like Oklahoma Women’s Gymnastics on Facebook for the latest news and highlights.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the Oklahoma Sooners are set to continue their legacy of excellence under the leadership of K.J. Kindler. With a strong roster, a history of high scores, and a new conference to conquer, the Sooners are undoubtedly a team to watch.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating season of women’s gymnastics.
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