UNH Gymnastics Stars Shine Bright at NCAA Alabama Regional Championship
A Promising Spotlight on the Gymnastics Team
As the gymnastics season reaches its climax, the spotlight shifts to two remarkable athletes from the University of New Hampshire. Sophomore Anne Challman from Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and freshman Aine Reade from Merrimac, Massachusetts, have both earned coveted spots to compete as floor exercise specialists at the much-anticipated NCAA Alabama Gymnastics Regional Championship on April 4 at the iconic Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
A Journey to the Spotlight: Challman and Reade
In a thrilling twist of fate, Challman and Reade both achieved a National Qualifying Score (NQS) of 9.875, ranking them tied for No. 88 nationally. These talented gymnasts are part of an exclusive group, with only 13 individual event specialists and three all-around competitors invited to the Alabama Regional from teams that did not qualify. Competing for just two spots to advance to the NCAA National Championships from April 17-19, the competition is fierce. Teams vying for glory include No. 3 Florida, No. 6 Cal, No. 11 Alabama and others.
Where to Find Them and When
Challman and Reade will take center stage during Session I of the second round, commencing at 2 p.m. ET. The competition layout is as follows:
- Reade will rotate with North Carolina in the third rotation.
- Challman will follow Alabama in the fourth rotation.
This is an exciting opportunity for both gymnasts to showcase their talent on a national stage, and fans are eagerly anticipating their performances.
Challman’s Standout Season
During the regular season, Challman established herself as a powerhouse with an EAGL ranking of No. 6 on floor, securing a 9.855 NQS and earning All-EAGL First Team honors. In a stunning display at the recent EAGL Championship, she scored an impressive 9.925, finishing in second place and solidifying her spot on the All-Tournament First Team. Notably, Challman has been recognized as the EAGL Specialist of the Week four times this season (Jan. 8, Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 17) and has clinched the top spot on the floor podium three times (Jan. 19, Feb. 19, March 19). Her career-high of 9.950 on February 9 stands as the fourth-highest floor score in program history, underlining her incredible skill.
Reade’s Rising Star Status
On the other hand, Reade has made waves as a formidable competitor throughout the season, being named the EAGL Rookie of the Week on eight occasions. At the EAGL Championship, she matched her personal best with a 9.900 on floor, tying for third place and earning All-Tournament First Team honors alongside Challman. Reade’s impressive regular-season performance placed her at No. 3 in the EAGL with an NQS of 9.865. With 12 of UNH’s 13 meets featuring scores of 9.800 or higher, she has also topped the floor podium four times (Jan. 26, Jan. 31, Feb. 2, March 16), showcasing her consistent excellence.
Get to Know the Competition
The Alabama Regional Championship will feature a steeply competitive lineup, including:
Teams:
- Alabama (host)
- California
- Clemson
- Florida
- Iowa
- North Carolina
- NC State
- Oregon State
- Rutgers
All-Around Competitors:
- Luciana Alvarado-Reid, Central Michigan
- Taylor Ingle, Southeast Missouri State
- Zoe Middleton, Ball State
Individual Event Specialists:
- Vault – Halle Faulkner, Western Michigan
- Uneven Bars – Delaney Adrian, Rutgers
- Balance Beam – Gabrielle Dildy, Rutgers
- Floor Exercise – Anne Challman, UNH
- Floor Exercise – Aine Reade, UNH
NCAA Regional Championships Overview
The NCAA regional championship showcases the top 36 teams based on their NQS, with selections made by a committee to seed the top 16 teams while placing teams 17-36 at one of the four regional sites. Each site will feature nine teams competing for a chance to advance to the national stage.
Mark your calendars for April 17-19 when the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship takes place at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas–an event that promises to be a grand celebration of talent and athleticism.
Support UNH Gymnastics
This thrilling journey would not be possible without the support of the Army ROTC, the proud presenting sponsor of UNH Gymnastics this season. The Army ROTC offers invaluable leadership skills and training, preparing students for success in their academic and professional endeavors. To learn about the exciting opportunities available, visit goarmy.com/rotc.
Follow the UNH Gymnastics Team
Stay connected with the Wildcats and catch all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes action:
- Instagram: @UNHGymnastics
- Facebook: Facebook.com/UNHGymnastics
- TikTok: @unh_gymnastics
- Twitter: @UNHGymnastics
As we get ready to cheer on Anne Challman and Aine Reade at the NCAA Alabama Regional Championship, let’s celebrate their remarkable achievements and the bright future of UNH gymnastics!
