Excitement Builds as Minnesota Women’s Gymnastics Prepares for NCAA Regional Finals
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – The thrill of competition is in the air as the No. 10 Minnesota Gophers women’s gymnastics team gears up for the 2025 NCAA Regional Finals this Saturday night in Salt Lake City. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Gophers will face a formidable lineup, including No. 4 Utah, No. 5 UCLA, and No. 18 Denver. Only the top two teams will clinch their spots at the national championship on April 17.
Meet Information
- Event: No. 10 Minnesota vs. No. 4 Utah, No. 5 UCLA, and No. 18 Denver
- Date: Saturday, April 5
- Time: 6 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. MT
- Location: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Broadcast: Stream live on ESPN+
- Commentators: Jason Ross (Play-By-Play) and Bridget Sloan (Analyst)
- Live Stats: Check out the latest updates at GopherSports.com
Event Rotation Order
- Minnesota: Vault – Bars – Beam – Floor
- UCLA: Floor – Vault – Bars – Beam
- Utah: Bars – Beam – Floor – Vault
- Denver: Beam – Floor – Vault – Bars
Regional Semifinals Recap
The Gophers showcased their tenacity in the NCAA Regional Semifinals held on Thursday, where they captured a second-place finish with an impressive score of 197.200. While No. 5 UCLA edged them out with a score of 197.750, the Gophers shone brightly, earning individual accolades:
- Vault: 49.150
- Bars: 49.375
- Beam: 49.325
- Floor: 49.350
Notably, Mya Hooten wowed spectators with a jaw-dropping score of 9.925 on the floor, putting her in strong contention for nationals should the team not qualify. Both Ava Stewart and Jordyn Lyden proved themselves on uneven bars, scoring 9.900, while Brooklyn Rowray delivered a stellar 9.900 performance on the beam.
Scouting the Gophers
As they head into the finals, the No. 10 Gophers boast an impressive 17-4 record (8-1 in Big Ten competition). Highlights include:
- Season-High Score: 197.425
- NQS (National Qualifying Score): 197.210
- Average Score: 196.740
The Gophers have demonstrated their prowess against stiff competition, defeating seven ranked teams in their triumphant bid to the finals. Minnesota ranks highly across event categories—12th on vault, 16th on bars, 16th on beam, and 11th on floor—paving the way for a solid showing.
Key Individual Performers
- Mya Hooten: Ranks 21st on vault and 14th on floor (WCGA Second Team All-America).
- Jordyn Lyden: 20th on uneven bars.
- Ava Stewart: 24th on vault.
Competitor Insights
Scouting UCLA
The No. 5 UCLA Bruins have navigated their inaugural Big Ten season with an impressive 19-3 record (9-0 in conference), capturing both regular-season and tournament championships. Their deep bench features Jordan Chiles, an accomplished two-time Olympian, earning frequent accolades for her phenomenal performances.
Scouting Utah
Led by head coach Carly Dockendorf, the No. 4 Utah Utes (14-4, 6-0 Big 12) have secured both Big 12 regular season and championship titles this year. Notable gymnasts include Grace McCallum, who was named Big 12 Gymnast of the Year.
Scouting Denver
The No. 18 Denver Pioneers (16-6-1, 4-2 Big 12), under Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart, are looking to make a statement at their 27th consecutive NCAA Regionals. They tied for first at the semifinals, showing they are a force to be reckoned with.
NCAA Regionals History
As Minnesota approaches its 44th appearance in NCAA Regionals, the team is on a quest to reclaim past glory. With two regional titles in 1980 and 1982, the program has made notable strides under the guidance of head coach Jenny Hansen, advancing to nationals three times in the last ten years.
Hooten by the Numbers
Mya Hooten is nothing short of an icon in Gopher gymnastics. With multiple accolades to her name, including:
- 12-time All-American
- 6-time Big Ten Champion
- 9 Perfect 10s on floor routines
Her commitment to excellence is evident in her performances—97 of her routines have scored 9.900 or higher.
Looking Ahead
The stakes for the Gophers could not be higher this Saturday. With a top-two finish within their reach, they would earn their ticket to nationals in Fort Worth, Texas from April 17-19. Will the Gophers bring home the championship and continue their legacy? Tune in and cheer them on as they aim for greatness!
For more thrilling updates on the NCAA gymnastics schedule, visit NCAA.com. Go Gophers! #GopherGymnastics
