Welker Triumphs as SEC Coach of the Year, Hu Shines as Event Specialist of the Year
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The excitement surrounding the University of Missouri gymnastics program has reached new heights! This week, head coach Shannon Welker was honored as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Coach of the Year, while redshirt senior Helen Hu claimed the title of SEC Event Specialist of the Year—a recognition that amplifies an extraordinary season for the Tigers.
A Season to Remember: Welker’s Leadership
In a stunning display of skill and dedication, Welker has led the gymnastics team to one of its most successful seasons in program history. This recognition marks the second time he has received this esteemed honor, previously winning in 2022.
Under Welker’s strategic guidance, the Tigers have tied their best-ever finish at the SEC Championship meet and established a record-high national qualifying score (NQS) of 197.510—the highest in the history of the program. This achievement propelled the team to its best-ever NQS ranking of No. 7, with all four events making appearances in the top 10 nationally.
Historic Achievements Under Welker’s Watch
- First score of 198 recorded by the team.
- Highest scores on both floor (49.725) and beam (49.575).
- Notably, the team’s floor exercise ranking peaked at No. 3 nationally during weeks nine and ten—an unprecedented achievement for Missouri gymnastics.
- For the first time, three Tigers achieved four perfect 10s in a single season, with Mizzou earning the top seed for the NCAA Seattle Regional, marking a historic milestone for the program.
Helen Hu: A Specialist Like No Other
On the individual front, Helen Hu’s performance has been nothing short of spectacular. Securing her third All-SEC Team honor and second Specialist of the Year award, Hu has displayed an unrivaled level of talent and determination throughout the season.
Record-Breaking Performances
- She kicked off the season strong, achieving the season’s first 10 on beam at No. 1 Oklahoma and following up with consecutive scores of 9.975.
- Hu became the sole gymnast nationally to score two perfect 10s on beam during the season—one coming in the final regular-season meet against No. 16 Arkansas.
- With five SEC Specialist of the Week awards under her belt, she etched her name in the record books as the first gymnast in SEC history to achieve this feat, sharing the SEC Beam Championship title while finishing second nationally on beam.
Remarkable Contributions from Teammates
The accolades didn’t stop there, as teammates also garnered recognition:
- Amari Celestine emerged as a formidable force in her final season, recording an impressive NQS on floor that ranks No. 9 nationally and showcasing an array of personal bests.
- Jocelyn Moore wrapped up her season with season-best performances, cementing her place within the All-SEC Team.
- Mara Titarsolej consistently shined on bars, earning her second All-SEC recognition and marking her place among the nation’s elite with an NQS of 9.945 on uneven bars.
What Lies Ahead for the Tigers?
Looking forward, the Missouri gymnastics team is set to compete as the second seed at the NCAA Seattle Regional, facing off against No. 10 Georgia, No. 21 Arizona, and No. 26 Arizona State on Friday, April 4 at 3 p.m. CT at Alaska Airlines Arena. The top two teams from each quad meet will advance to the NCAA Seattle Regional Final on Sunday, April 6 at 7 p.m., with the top two finishers receiving an automatic berth to the national championship in Fort Worth, Texas.
Stay Connected with the Tigers
For fans eager to stay involved with the remarkable journey of Mizzou gymnastics, be sure to check out MUTigers.com and follow the team on social media:
As the Tigers head into this pivotal moment, their hard work and dedication shine through, promising an exhilarating conclusion to a truly historic season.
