The Oklahoma Sooners women’s gymnastics team is set to kick off their 2025 season with high expectations and a fierce competitive spirit. As the top-ranked team in the nation, the Sooners will open their season at the American Gold Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Classic in Nashville, Tennessee.
This meet will see the Sooners face off against No. 17 Auburn, No. 23 Nebraska, and BYU in a podium quad meet on January 4th at 5:15 p.m. CT.
With a rich history of success and a roster brimming with talent, the Sooners are poised to make a significant impact this season.
Season Opener in Nashville
The 2025 season marks the third consecutive year that the Sooners will begin their campaign with a podium quad meet away from home. This time, they will compete in Nashville against formidable opponents, including Auburn, Nebraska, and BYU.
The Sooners have a strong track record in season openers, boasting a 25-3 all-time record under head coach K.J. Kindler. Notably, the Sooners have not lost their season-opening meet since 2016, underscoring their dominance in early-season competitions.
Returning Talent and Newcomers
The 2025 Oklahoma squad returns 17 routines from last season and welcomes six incredible newcomers. This blend of experienced athletes and fresh talent promises to elevate the team’s performance.
Under the guidance of head coach K.J. Kindler, the Sooners have consistently excelled, and this season is expected to be no different.
Key Points:
- 17 returning routines
- Six new team members
- Undefeated in season openers since 2016
A League of Her Own: Head Coach K.J. Kindler
Head coach K.J. Kindler is a trailblazer in NCAA gymnastics, being the only coach in history to lead two different programs to the NCAA Finals. In 2006, Kindler’s Iowa State team advanced to the Super Six, and she has 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, joining the ranks of Bev Plocki (Michigan, 2021) and Jay Clark (LSU, 2024). However, neither Plocki nor Clark has more than one title, highlighting Kindler’s exceptional achievements.
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Transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC)
The 2025 season is monumental for the Sooners as they transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Although new to the league, Oklahoma is no stranger to SEC competition, having faced four SEC teams during the 2024 regular season.
The move to the SEC follows a successful tenure in the Big 12 conference, where the Sooners won 15 conference titles, including 14 under Kindler’s leadership.
With an impressive 136-26-1 record against SEC opponents, the Sooners are well-prepared for this new chapter.
Reflecting on the 2024 Season
The Sooners enter the 2025 season after a bittersweet end to their 2024 campaign, finishing sixth at the NCAA Championships. Despite this, the Sooners had an outstanding season with a 36-2 overall record and an undefeated run through regional competition.
Audrey Davis and Faith Torrez shone brightly, earning individual national championships on the uneven bars and balance beam, respectively. The team also secured its third-straight Big 12 Championship with an NCAA scoring record of 198.950, sweeping the event titles.
Notable Performances
Jordan Bowers was a standout performer, claiming four event titles (AA, VT, UB, FX) with a Big 12 record all-around score of 39.925, including perfect 10s on vault, bars, and floor.
Torrez earned her first career perfect score on the floor, while Ragan Smith secured a 10.0 on beam.
Bowers was named Big 12 Gymnast of the Year and Regional Athlete of the Year, while Davis was a finalist for the prestigious AAI Award.
Chasing the 198 Mark
Oklahoma has a storied history of achieving high scores, with 75 scores of 198 or better in program history, including 67 since 2016. Of these, 46 have been earned at road or neutral site competitions.
In 2024, the Sooners set a national record with 12 scores of 198-plus, surpassing their previous record of 10. They also posted 11-straight marks of 198-plus, a feat unmatched by any other program. The Sooners’ streak included nine-straight scores of 198.300+, another record in NCAA history.
Club 197
The Sooners have consistently posted scores of 197 or higher, achieving this mark in 58 of their last 60 meets. Although their program record streak of 45-consecutive meets with a 197-plus score was snapped at last year’s NCAA Semifinals, their dominance remains evident.
During the streak, 32 of the 45 meet scores were 198 or higher, showcasing the team’s exceptional consistency.
Scouting the Competition
As the Sooners prepare for their season opener, they will face strong competition from Auburn, Nebraska, and BYU.
Auburn, ranked No. 17 in the WCGA Preseason Coaches Poll, advanced to the NCAA Championships last season, finishing third in the second round of the Berkeley Regional.
Nebraska, ranked No. 23, also reached the NCAA Championships, with a third-place finish in the second round.
BYU, ranked No. 27, boasts a trio of athletes named to the All-Big 12 Preseason Team, adding depth to their roster.
Upcoming Meets
Following their 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 highly anticipated meet will air on ABC on January 11th at 2:45 p.m. from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Fans can stay updated by following @OU_WGymnastics on Twitter and Instagram or liking Oklahoma Women’s Gymnastics on Facebook.
With a talented roster, a storied coaching staff, and a history of success, the Sooners are poised for another remarkable season.
As they transition to the SEC and face tough competition, their resilience and skill will undoubtedly shine through.
For more detailed information and updates, visit the official [Oklahoma Sooners women’s gymnastics page](https://soonersports.com/news/2025/1/3/womens-gymnastics-no-1-sooners-to-open-season-in-nashville).
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