Michigan State and UCLA Ready to Shine at the NCAA Gymnastics Championships
ROSEMONT, Ill. – Excitement is building as UCLA and Michigan State have both earned coveted spots at the 2025 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas! These powerhouse teams will compete for glory in the semifinals set for April 17 at Dickies Arena, with sessions kicking off at 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET. Fans can catch all the exhilarating action live on ESPN2 and see the champions crowned in the Finals airing on ABC at 4 p.m. ET on April 19.
UCLA: A Close Call in the Regionals
The fifth-seeded Bruins put on a stellar display in the Utah Regional Final, finishing strong with a score of 197.625, just shy of the fourth-seeded Utah team (197.825). This marks a triumphant return to the NCAA semifinals for UCLA, who last showcased their talents at this prestigious event in 2023. Their performance was a reminder of the Bruins’ resilience and determination to reclaim their spot as one of collegiate gymnastics’ elite programs.
Michigan State: A Historic Comeback
Meanwhile, the No. 8 seed Michigan State Spartans dazzled spectators with a remarkable score of 198.000, securing their place in the next round. They finished second in the Pennsylvania Regional Final, narrowly falling behind the top-seeded LSU (198.050). This is particularly significant for the Spartans, who are making only their second-ever appearance at the NCAA Championships, their first being back in 1988. What a comeback story!
Big Ten Conference Representation
The Big Ten Conference is well-represented this year, with three individual qualifiers competing alongside UCLA and Michigan State. Notable athletes include:
- Sophia Diaz from Michigan will showcase her skills on vault and will rotate with UCLA.
- Mya Hooten from Minnesota will demonstrate her talents on floor exercise while rotating with Missouri.
- Mary McDonough from Washington will compete in the all-around, rotating with Florida.
This impressive roster underlines the fierce competition and talent within the Big Ten, marking a significant presence at the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2022, when both Minnesota and Michigan participated.
Semifinal Schedule Breakdown
2025 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships
Semifinal I – 4:30 p.m. ET
- Mary McDonough, Washington – All-Around (rotating with Florida)
- Mya Hooten, Minnesota – Floor Exercise (rotating with Missouri)
Semifinal II – 9 p.m. ET
- Sophia Diaz, Michigan – Vault (rotating with UCLA)
- Michigan State – Competing on Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise
- UCLA – Competing on Floor Exercise, Vault, Uneven Bars, and Balance Beam
The Road Ahead
As the stakes rise and expectations loom, both UCLA and Michigan State are prepared to deliver performances that will be etched in history. Fans are encouraged to join the excitement as these talented athletes strive for excellence at the 2025 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships.
For more updates and details, stay tuned to NCAA.com and follow your favorite teams on social media to cheer them on!
This is a moment of pride for the Big Ten, showcasing dedication, perseverance, and the thrill of collegiate gymnastics. Let the competition begin!
