The landscape of NCAA Women’s Gymnastics is experiencing a surge in perfect scores, reminiscent of the high-scoring 2024 season.
On February 14, 2025, five perfect 10.0 scores were awarded in various meets, marking a potential shift towards more lenient judging.
This recent uptick in high scores has sparked debates within the gymnastics community about the impact on the sport’s integrity and viewership.
The Resurgence of Perfect Scores in NCAA Gymnastics
After a modest start to the 2025 season, the sudden influx of perfect scores on February 14 has brought back memories of the record-breaking 2024 season.
During the 2024 season, a staggering 31 perfect scores were awarded by mid-February, compared to only five in 2025 before this recent outburst.
This dramatic shift has raised questions about whether the 2025 season is on track to mirror the high-scoring trend of its predecessor.
Highlights from February 14
On the evening of February 14, five perfect scores were awarded across various NCAA gymnastics meets. Here are some of the standout performances:
- Lily Hudson, a senior from Alabama, achieved a perfect 10.0 on the floor exercise at the “Zou in the Lou” meet hosted by Missouri. This marked her third career perfect score, bringing her closer to completing a coveted ‘Gym Slam’ with a perfect score on every event.
- Kennedy Griffin of Missouri also scored a perfect 10.0 on the floor, her first career perfect score and the second in program history. Her Beyoncé-inspired routine captivated the audience and contributed to a program-record total on the floor.
- Utah’s Grace McCallum, a 2021 Olympic silver medalist, earned her first perfect score of the season on the uneven bars, maintaining her position as one of the top gymnasts in the nation on this apparatus.
- Florida’s Sloane Blakely and Leanne Wong both achieved perfect scores in their meet against Auburn. Blakely earned her second career perfect 10.0 on the floor, while Wong received a perfect score on the balance beam, despite some controversy over her landing.
Judging Controversies and Debates
The recent wave of perfect scores has not come without its share of controversies.
In the primetime matchup between No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 2 LSU, NCAA Champion Faith Torrez received a perfect score on vault despite a noticeable hop on her landing, which typically incurs a deduction.
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This has reignited debates about the consistency and accuracy of judging in NCAA gymnastics.
Impact on Viewership and Attendance
The increase in perfect scores has coincided with a rise in attendance and viewership for NCAA gymnastics meets.
Social media influencer and LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne recently voiced her opinion on the matter. *If you want fans to enjoy the sport and increase viewership, you have to look at what makes the crowds go crazy,* Dunne stated in a post on X.
While some in the gymnastics community agree with Dunne, others argue that the integrity of the sport is at risk if judging standards are compromised.
The balance between maintaining rigorous judging criteria and making the sport more exciting for spectators remains a contentious issue.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Week Eight
As we move into week eight of the 2025 NCAA gymnastics season, all eyes are on the judges.
Will the trend of high scores continue, or will there be a return to stricter evaluations?
The performances in week eight will be crucial in determining whether the surge in perfect scores is a temporary anomaly or a sign of things to come.
Potential for More Perfect Scores
If history is any indication, the odds of more perfect scores being awarded in the coming weeks are high.
The 2024 season saw a consistent flow of perfect 10.0 scores, with no fewer than five awarded every weekend after week three. If the judging continues to loosen, we could witness a similar pattern in 2025.
However, the gymnastics community remains divided on whether this is a positive development.
While perfect scores are undeniably exciting and can draw more fans to the sport, *imperfect* perfect scores can undermine the credibility of the competition.
The Role of Gymnasts and Coaches
Gymnasts and coaches play a significant role in navigating this evolving landscape.
As athletes strive for perfection, the pressure to deliver flawless routines is immense. Coaches must balance pushing their gymnasts to achieve high scores while ensuring that the integrity of their performances is not compromised.
Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where gymnasts can showcase their skills and be rewarded fairly for their efforts. This requires a collaborative effort from judges, coaches, and gymnasts to uphold the standards of the sport while keeping it engaging for fans.
Conclusion
The resurgence of perfect scores in NCAA Women’s Gymnastics has sparked excitement and controversy alike. As the 2025 season progresses, the gymnastics community will be closely watching to see if the trend continues and how it impacts the sport.
With the potential for more perfect scores on the horizon, the balance between maintaining judging integrity and increasing fan engagement will be a key focus for all involved.
For more detailed insights into the recent judging trends and their impact on NCAA gymnastics, visit this Forbes article by Caroline Price.
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