Oklahoma Returns to NCAA Gymnastics Finals, Eyeing Redemption and Seventh Title
FORT WORTH, Texas – For head coach KJ Kindler and the Oklahoma Sooners, the return to Dickies Arena for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships wasn’t just about redemption – it was about exorcising the weight of a year’s worth of criticism and proving their mettle on the national stage.
“It’s been a long 364 days,” Kindler said Thursday (April 17). “And I don’t ever want to see TV footage of Oklahoma falling over and over again on vault. That dragon is slayed and we’re past it.”
One year prior, inside that very same arena, Oklahoma’s title defense crumbled in the opening minutes of the national semi-final after three falls on vault and two on beam. The No. 1-ranked Sooners, widely favored to win their seventh national crown, failed to advance to the championship final, a stunning upset that reverberated throughout the gymnastics community. The sting of that loss fueled a relentless training regimen and a renewed focus on mental fortitude in the months that followed.Since then, the spotlight has been harsh, and the expectations relentless, magnified by the increasing popularity of college gymnastics, with broadcasts regularly drawing extraordinary ratings on ESPN and social media engagement reaching new heights. the pressure to perform, especially on a team with Oklahoma’s pedigree, is immense.
“I do think they had a heavy weight on their shoulder,” Kindler said. “Not from their teammates, not from themselves so much, but the public and the media.”
She added, “It’s been tough to have that kind of criticism coming at you every week, weekend and week out for these 18 to 22-year-olds. maybe our staff can handle it, but I do think that the level of hate that has come their way is really disappointing.” The rise of social media has amplified both the support and the criticism, creating a challenging surroundings for young athletes navigating the pressures of elite competition.
On Thursday, the Sooners started on uneven bars and delivered a steady 49.400. There was a brief moment of panic on the balance beam after Lily Pederson slipped off the apparatus on a side somi, but senior leader Jordan Bowers followed next with a near-perfect effort, righting the ship. Bowers, a seasoned competitor with years of experience under pressure, provided the stability the team needed.
The team earned a 49.350 on the event before rotating to the floor exercise,where they picked up a 49.525 – their highest total of the day. They completed their 197.550 total, showcasing the depth and talent that have become synonymous with Oklahoma gymnastics.
That was good enough for the top score of the first of two national semi-finals. The University of Missouri finished second at 197.300 to advance to Saturday’s (April 19) final. The University of Florida was third at 197.300, followed by alabama at 196.825. Missouri’s advancement marks a notable achievement for the program, signaling their emergence as a national contender.
“It’s definitely been a challenge, especially being a senior trying to lead the team,” Bowers said of the past year. “It’s a new year,it’s a new team,what happened last year doesn’t matter,what the day before doesn’t matter.” Bowers’ leadership and resilience have been crucial in guiding the team through adversity.
Now, after a year under the microscope, Oklahoma gets one more shot to write a different ending. They’ll be joined by Utah (197.7625) and UCLA (197.7375) who finished in the top two spots in the second semifinal, setting the stage for a highly competitive championship final. Utah, a perennial powerhouse, and UCLA, with its rich gymnastics tradition, will provide formidable competition.
Defending champions LSU missed out on the final, earning a 197.525 for third. Michigan State rounded out the standings in the second semifinal at 197.3625. LSU’s failure to advance underscores the unpredictable nature of gymnastics and the challenges of maintaining peak performance throughout the season.While some argue that the intense scrutiny placed on college athletes is excessive, proponents contend that it comes with the territory of competing at the highest level. The pressure to perform, they say, is a necessary part of the development process, preparing athletes for the demands of professional sports and other high-stakes environments. Though, college athletic programs are becoming increasingly cognizant of the mental health challenges facing their athletes and are investing in resources to support their well-being.
FAQ: NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships
Q: How many teams compete in the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships final?
A: Four teams advance to the championship final.
Q: What are the four events in women’s gymnastics?
A: The four events are vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise.Q: How is the team score calculated in gymnastics?
A: The team score is calculated by adding the top three scores from each event.
Q: Where were the 2025 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships held?
A: The championships were held in Fort worth, Texas, at Dickies Arena.Q: What happens if there is a tie?
A: In the event of a tie, the tie-breaking procedure varies depending on the level of competition, but typically involves comparing individual event scores or using specific pre-determined criteria.
