NCAA Gymnastics Semifinal Recap: Upsets and Showstoppers
The NCAA gymnastics semifinals took place on April 17, 2025, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, where eight teams battled for the chance to compete in the finals. Ultimately, four teams advanced, including familiar powerhouses and a surprise finalist.
Finalists: A Closer Look
The final four teams heading into the championship round are:
- Oklahoma
- Utah
- UCLA
- Missouri
This lineup marks the end of the road for defending champion LSU, who faced a surprising upset, as they were edged out by UCLA in a tense and closely contested session.
Key Performances and Upsets
In the second semifinal, LSU, which entered ranked No. 1 after a strong season, placed third in their session, just behind UCLA and Utah. The team finished with a heart-wrenching .2125-point deficit to UCLA, despite intense competition.
“Tonight’s competition was absolutely everything you can hope for in a national championship,” remarked UCLA coach Janelle McDonald.
Florida, also a top contender coming into the championships, did not make the cut after finishing third in their semifinal.
Oklahoma’s Stellar Comeback
After a disappointing exit in the previous year’s semifinals, Oklahoma made a notable comeback. They secured their place in the finals with a solid performance, culminating in a session-best score of 197.5500. Leading the charge was senior Jordan Bowers, who clinched the all-around title with a score of 39.7125.
Highlighting their performance, Oklahoma’s vault rotation saw significant improvements, with Torrez and Bowers achieving impressive scores, showcasing true perseverance.
“I don’t ever want to see TV footage of Oklahoma falling over again on vault,” said coach K.J. Kindler, reflecting on the previous year’s challenges.
Historic Achievement for Missouri
Missouri achieved a historic milestone, advancing to the finals for the first time in program history. The pivotal moment came from Helen Hu, competing on beam, who delivered an outstanding routine scoring 9.9875, securing second place for her team.
“I really had no idea what the situation was,” Hu explained, highlighting the mix of emotions she felt after her routine.
Missouri edged out Florida with a final score of 197.3000 against 197.2000, a thrilling finish that sent their team into jubilation.
Intense Competition in the Night Session
The evening session showcased a fierce battle among Utah, UCLA, LSU, and Michigan State, with performances so close that the top three teams were separated by just .0750 points heading into the final rotation. Ultimately, Utah and UCLA emerged victorious, propelled by strong performances on uneven bars and beam, respectively.
“I think we knew we could do it,” said Utah’s Amelie Morgan, emphasizing the team’s confidence despite the close competition.
Event Champions Highlighted
In addition to the team performances, standout gymnasts claimed individual titles:
- Jordan Bowers – All-Around Champion (39.7125)
- Helen Hu – Beam Champion (9.9875)
- Kailin Chio (LSU) – Vault Champion (9.975)
- Jordan Chiles (UCLA) – Uneven Bars Champion (9.975)
- Brooklyn Moors (UCLA) – Floor Champion (9.9625)
Each champion expressed their determination and passion for team success, reflected in their performances and collective spirit.
Looking Ahead
The championship finale is set for Saturday, April 19, at 4 p.m. ET, broadcast live on ABC and ESPN+. With a lineup featuring traditional powerhouses and a debut team in the finals, fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 NCAA gymnastics season.