Week 9 of the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics season has been nothing short of spectacular, filled with historic achievements, intense competition, and dramatic shifts in rankings.
From the SEC’s dominance to the first perfect 10 on vault, this week has provided fans with plenty to talk about. Let’s dive into the key highlights and storylines that have defined this exciting week in collegiate gymnastics.
The SEC’s Dominance and Key Highlights
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) continues to be a powerhouse in NCAA Women’s Gymnastics. This week, Alabama secured its first conference win, edging out Arkansas in a closely contested meet.
This victory not only boosts Alabama’s ranking but also increases their chances of qualifying for the SEC championship, set for March 22.
Alabama’s Crucial Win
Alabama’s win over Arkansas with a score of 197.650-197.425 was a pivotal moment in their season. This victory places them ahead of Arkansas in the SEC rankings, a crucial advantage as the season progresses.
With more away meets left than Arkansas, Alabama has a slight edge in the race to secure a spot in the SEC championship.
Florida’s Perfect 10
Florida’s Selena Harris-Miranda made headlines by earning the first perfect 10 on vault this season. Her flawless Yurchenko 1.5 against Missouri was a standout performance, showcasing her exceptional talent and contributing to Florida’s impressive team score.
Historic Moments and Individual Achievements
This week was also marked by individual gymnasts achieving remarkable milestones. Clemson’s Brie Clark made history by successfully competing the Biles I on floor, a skill named after the legendary Simone Biles.
This achievement not only earned her recognition from Biles herself but also made it to the SportsCenter Top 10.
Brie Clark’s Historic Performance
Brie Clark became the first college gymnast to successfully perform the Biles I, a double layout half on floor. This incredible feat places her among an elite group of gymnasts who have mastered this skill.
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Clark’s performance was celebrated widely, even catching the attention of Simone Biles, who congratulated her on social media.
Top Individual Scores
Several gymnasts delivered outstanding performances this week, earning top scores across various events. Here are the leading gymnasts based on their average scores after Week 9:
- All-Around: Jade Carey (Oregon) – 39.685
- Vault: Faith Torrez (Oklahoma) – 9.950
- Uneven Bars: Grace McCallum (Utah) – 9.955
- Balance Beam: Jade Carey (Oregon) – 9.965
- Floor Exercise: Jordan Chiles (UCLA) & Jordan Bowers (Oklahoma) – 9.960
Team Performances and Rankings
The competition among teams has been fierce, with several teams achieving scores of 198 or higher. Notably, LSU and Florida both surpassed the 198 mark this week, solidifying their positions among the top teams in the nation.
LSU and Florida’s Impressive Scores
LSU and Florida both achieved scores of 198.125 in their respective meets, demonstrating their strength and consistency. LSU’s performance at the Purple & Gold Podium Challenge and Florida’s victory over Missouri highlight their potential as contenders for the national title.
Oklahoma’s Road to the Top
Despite not being as dominant as last season, Oklahoma remains the top-ranked team in the nation. The Sooners earned a 198.050 in a true road test against North Carolina, showcasing their resilience and depth.
While there are questions about their heavy all-arounder approach, Oklahoma’s overall and event-specific rankings speak to their enduring excellence.
Injuries and Their Impact
Injuries have also played a significant role this season, affecting the performances and prospects of several top gymnasts. Auburn’s Katelyn Jong and Florida’s Sloane Blakely are among those sidelined with lower leg injuries, impacting their teams’ dynamics and strategies.
Katelyn Jong and Sloane Blakely
Katelyn Jong and Sloane Blakely are both dealing with lower leg injuries, with Blakely already ruled out for the season. Jong’s status remains uncertain, but the potential for an Achilles-related injury looms large.
These injuries are part of a troubling trend, with several other gymnasts also sidelined by similar issues this season.
Regular Season Champions and Notable Performances
The first regular season champions of 2025 were crowned this week, with several teams securing their conference titles. California, UCLA, and Boise State all emerged victorious, showcasing their dominance in their respective conferences.
California’s ACC Title
No. 5 California won its first ACC regular season title, besting in-state rival No. 14 Stanford, as well as No. 12 Oregon State and UC Davis. This victory underscores California’s strength and depth, positioning them as a formidable contender in the postseason.
UCLA’s Big Ten Triumph
No. 3 UCLA secured its first Big Ten regular season title with a commanding performance in its Big 4 meet. The Bruins outperformed No. 21 Nebraska, No. 22 Ohio State, and Rutgers, solidifying their status as one of the top teams in the nation.
Boise State’s Mountain West Dominance
Boise State continued its dominance in the Mountain West, winning its second-straight regular season title with a decisive victory over Air Force. The Broncos’ consistent performances make them a team to watch as the postseason approaches.
Fisk University’s Historic Win
In a notable moment from the weekend, third-year program Fisk University achieved a historic victory by defeating Division I team SEMO in a tri-meet. Led by interim head coach Nuriya Mack, Fisk won the overall title and at least a share of all individual titles, with standout performances from Morgan Price and Aliyah Reed-Hammon.
Morgan Price’s All-Around Victory
Morgan Price delivered an exceptional performance, winning the all-around with a score of 39.35. She also secured titles in vault (9.875), bars (9.85), and tied for the floor title (9.875), showcasing her versatility and skill.
Aliyah Reed-Hammon’s Beam Title
Aliyah Reed-Hammon won the beam title with a score of 9.85, contributing to Fisk’s overall success. This victory is a testament to the team’s growth and potential as they continue to make their mark in collegiate gymnastics.
AAI Award Nominees
The American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) announced the 2025 AAI Award nominees. This prestigious award has been presented since 1982.
This year’s list includes 59 nominees. Florida leads the nominations with five athletes.
For a more detailed recap of Week 9 and to see the full list of AAI Award nominees, visit Gymnastics Now.
As we move into the final weeks of the regular season, the excitement and intensity of NCAA Women’s Gymnastics continue to build.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the road to the championship unfolds.
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