Michigan State Gymnastics: A Historic Season Closes with Pride and Potential
A Stellar Finish at the NCAA Championships
FORT WORTH, Texas – The No. 8 Michigan State gymnastics team wrapped up an unforgettable season in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships, finishing fourth with a score of 197.3625 at the Dickies Arena. This remarkable performance marks the culmination of a season filled with hard work, dedication, and record-breaking moments.
Season Highlights: Wins and Records Galore
With an impressive 29-8 record, the Spartans matched their program-high win total from the previous season. Their strong semifinal performance placed them behind powerhouse teams like Utah, which clinched the top spot with 197.7625, and UCLA, which secured the second spot with 197.7375. LSU took third, scoring 197.525.
Spotlight on Podium Finishes
During the meet, four Spartans shone brightly, earning podium honors that showcased their individual talent:
- Sage Kellerman: Secured runner-up on vault with a phenomenal score of 9.950.
- Amy Doyle: Finished fourth on vault with a career-high of 9.9125.
- Gabrielle Stephen: Captured bronze on bars, scoring 9.9375.
- Skyla Schulte: Claimed fifth place on floor with an impressive 9.9375.
In the words of head coach Mike Rowe, “We’ve known we can hang with the big dogs. I couldn’t be more proud of them. Lots of blood, sweat, and tears.”
Thrilling Rotations and Competitive Performances
As the competition unfolded, Michigan State displayed their prowess, starting strong with a 49.3875 on vault, which placed them in second after the first rotation. Kellerman led the charge with her stellar performance, while Doyle’s impressive score marked her first time reaching the 9.900 range.
Bars: A Show of Consistency and Strength
In the second rotation, MSU excelled on bars with a score of 49.450, taking the lead at the midway point of the competition. The standout performers included:
- Gabrielle Stephen: Achieved the highest score in the lineup, earning 9.9375.
- Olivia Zsarmani: Notably scored a career-high of 9.925, including a perfect 10.000 from one judge.
- Sage Kellerman: Contributed with a solid 9.9125.
Narrow Margins Define the Final Rotations
The third rotation proved to be fiercely competitive, with Michigan State only 0.1875 points shy of UCLA after scoring 49.1625 on beam. Freshman Cady Duplissis emerged as a key player, anchoring with a top score of 9.8625—a sign of the team’s unwavering determination.
As they entered the final rotation with high hopes, MSU finished strong on floor, achieving 49.3625. While they showcased their collective talent, Utah and UCLA surged ahead to claim the final spots in the championships.
A Season to Remember and Celebrate
With their 197.3625 score ranking fifth among the semifinal teams, the Spartans made their mark at the NCAA Championships, an event they haven’t competed in since 1988. The season was brimming with milestones, including eclipsing the 198.000 team score mark twice and achieving two perfect 10.000s.
As MSU reflects on this momentous season, the future shines bright. The Spartans have proven that they can compete on the biggest stages, and while they bid farewell to talented seniors like Skyla Schulte and Gabrielle Stephen, a promising group of young athletes has emerged, eager to keep Michigan State’s gymnastics legacy alive.
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