University of Michigan Women's Gymnastics: Chasing Glory at the NCAA Regionals
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Get ready for some heart-pounding gymnastics action as the 17th-ranked University of Michigan women's gymnastics team gears up for its 34th NCAA appearance! The Wolverines will take their talents to Penn State's Rec Hall in State College, PA, from April 2-5. Their journey kicks off with the second session on Thursday, April 3, starting at 7 p.m. and airing on ESPN+.
A Thrilling Competition Awaits
Joining the Wolverines in their quest for glory are heavyweights like No. 1 LSU, No. 16 Arkansas, and the victor from the Maryland-West Virginia face-off. With such fierce competition in the air, every routine will have to be executed with precision and flair.
Roadmap to Success
To secure their spot in the NCAA Regional Final on Saturday, April 5, at 5 p.m., Michigan needs to finish in the top two of their session. The stakes are high as they start on the uneven bars, transition to the beam, tackle the floor, and conclude with the vault.
Wolverines’ Stats and Highlights
With an impressive National Qualifying Score (NQS) of 196.945, the Wolverines have planted themselves firmly in the top 20 nationally across all events:
15th on Beam
17th on Floor
18th on Uneven Bars
20th on Vault
A Legacy of Excellence
This is not just another meet; it marks the 33rd consecutive year under the stewardship of head coach Bev Plocki that Michigan has qualified for the NCAA championships. Remarkably, they’ve advanced to the NCAA Championships in 25 of those 33 seasons. For perspective, when Plocki took over, Michigan had only participated in the NCAA Championships once—in 1982—where they impressively secured a 10th place finish.
Milestones and Individual Brilliance
In an astonishing feat, Michigan has seen at least one individual event winner in 13 of the last 14 regionals. This year, standout gymnast Gabby Wilson clinched a share of the vault title, signaling her prowess in her discipline.
Returning to State College
The Wolverines have a rich history in State College, having competed in the NCAA regionals on three occasions before. Their last visit was back in 2004, where they finished second to Georgia. Notably, they triumphed in the 2000 regional and secured second place again in 2002. Returning after almost two decades brings a sense of nostalgia and determination.
Recent Performances That Inspire
The Wolverines showcased their prowess by scoring a season-best 197.325 at the Big Ten Championships, with many athletes achieving career highs, including:
Ava Jordan, who tied for seventh on the uneven bars with a 9.900.
Jahzara Ranger, who scored 9.850 on vault, finishing 10th.
Freshman Sophie Parenti, who matched her personal bests with 9.850s on both the uneven bars and beam.
In an exhilarating display on the floor at the Big Ten Championships, they achieved a superb score of 49.550, thanks to:
Carly Bauman and Jahzara Ranger, each scoring an exceptional 9.950 to tie for fourth overall.
Freshman Peyton Davis, who earned a career-best 9.900.
Honors and Recognition
In recognition of their outstanding performances, four Wolverines earned spots on the 2025 Big Ten All-Conference teams. Bauman received first-team honors for the second consecutive year, while Kayli Boozer, Sophia Diaz, and Jahzara Ranger were all named to the second team. Furthermore, both Diaz and Ranger were recognized on the All-Freshman team.
As the University of Michigan women’s gymnastics team heads into this exhilarating NCAA Regional, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown. With a legacy built on excellence and a roster brimming with talent, the Wolverines are ready to showcase their determination and skill on a national platform. Will they rise to the occasion? Stay tuned!
