When it mattered most, Alabama gymnastics found another gear.
In a postseason defined by high stakes and higher pressure, the Crimson Tide delivered a stunning season-best performance at the NCAA Regional Final, punching their ticket to the 2025 NCAA Gymnastics Championships with a score of 198.275—the highest mark of their entire campaign. The timing could not have been more perfect, as the Tide peaked exactly when it counted, outlasting top-ranked opponents and showcasing their championship potential.
Led by head coach Ashley Johnston in her second season at the helm, Alabama put together one of the most complete team performances in program history. Every routine was executed with purpose, poise, and passion. From the vault to the floor, the Tide looked like a team on a mission, one focused on returning Alabama to its rightful place among the nation’s gymnastics elite.
A Night to Remember: Breaking Down the Performance
The 198.275 score was not only a season high, it was Alabama’s highest team score since 2017. It featured a balanced attack across all four apparatuses:
- Vault: 49.500
- Uneven Bars: 49.525
- Balance Beam: 49.625
- Floor Exercise: 49.625
The beam and floor scores tied the team’s best of the season, while the bars and vault scores represented the culmination of months of focused improvement.
“We always talk about peaking at the right time,” Johnston said after the meet. “This team believed in that process and trusted one another. Tonight, it all came together.”
Veteran Leadership Sets the Tone
Alabama’s upperclassmen played a critical role in the team’s breakout performance. Seniors Makarri Doggette and Luisa Blanco were nearly flawless, anchoring their rotations and bringing consistency to the lineup.
Doggette, long known for her artistry and clean technique, scored a 9.950 on floor and 9.925 on bars, electrifying the crowd and pumping energy into the squad.
“I just wanted to leave everything out there,” Doggette said. “We knew what was at stake. We knew what we were capable of.”
Blanco, the 2021 NCAA Beam Champion, delivered another signature performance with a 9.950 on beam and a 9.925 on vault, demonstrating why she remains one of the most reliable gymnasts in the country.
Their experience brought calm to a high-pressure environment, providing a foundation for younger teammates to shine.
Emerging Stars Rise to the Occasion
While the veterans steadied the ship, Alabama’s underclassmen elevated the team to championship level. Sophomore Lilly Hudson was sensational, scoring a 9.950 on beam and 9.900 on floor. Freshman Emily Buckley emerged as a star in her own right, earning a 9.925 on vault and a 9.900 on bars.
Hudson’s beam routine, filled with difficulty and poise, drew some of the loudest cheers of the night and provided a crucial boost in a tight team race.
“You forget she’s only a sophomore,” Johnston said. “The way she carries herself, you’d think she’s a senior. She’s fearless.”
Buckley’s performance earned rave reviews from fans and analysts alike, signaling that the future of Alabama gymnastics is in good hands.
Beam Brilliance
Of all the apparatuses, balance beam proved to be Alabama’s defining event. The team not only avoided falls—a common pitfall in high-pressure meets—but turned the rotation into a show of dominance. The 49.625 team score tied the program’s highest of the season, with five gymnasts scoring 9.875 or higher.
Each routine was performed with unwavering confidence and elegant execution. The gymnasts attacked their connections and landed with precision, turning what is typically a nerve-wracking event into a showcase of strength.
“We’ve worked so hard on our mindset on beam,” Blanco said. “We treat it like our stage. Not something to survive—but something to own.”
Floor Seals the Deal
As the final rotation approached, Alabama knew what was on the line. With pressure mounting and scores tight, the Tide took the floor and delivered a championship-worthy finale. Four gymnasts scored 9.900 or higher, led by Doggette and Hudson, whose routines combined athleticism, creativity, and crowd engagement.
Every landing felt like a statement. Each leap and pass told the story of a team that had come together through adversity, pushed through midseason inconsistency, and now stood united with a goal in reach.
“When we got to floor, we just looked at each other and said, ‘Let’s finish this the way we know how,'” said Hudson. “And we did.”
Peaking at the Perfect Time
The journey to this moment wasn’t always smooth. Alabama had faced its share of challenges throughout the regular season, including lineup shuffles due to injuries and inconsistent performances that left questions about whether the team could contend nationally.
But Johnston and her staff remained steady, preaching patience and belief. The gymnasts responded by committing to the process, working tirelessly to refine execution and build chemistry.
“Every meet was a learning opportunity,” Johnston said. “And this team took those lessons to heart.”
Their perseverance paid off. The team’s score progression in the last four meets showed a steady climb, culminating in the season-best 198.275 at the regional final.
Returning to the National Stage
With the win, Alabama advances to the NCAA Championships for the 39th time in program history. It marks a significant milestone for Johnston, who took over from legendary coach Dana Duckworth with the goal of returning the Crimson Tide to national title contention.
“This means everything,” Johnston said. “Not just for this team, but for our alumni, our fans, and everyone who believes in Alabama gymnastics.”
The Tide will now prepare to face the best of the best in Fort Worth, Texas, where they’ll compete for a spot in the national finals. Programs like Oklahoma, Florida, and Utah await, but Alabama heads into the championship with momentum, confidence, and belief.
Fan and Alumni Reactions
The Alabama gymnastics community erupted with pride and excitement following the regional triumph. Social media buzzed with messages from alumni, including Olympians and former national champions.
“So proud of this team. This is what Bama gymnastics is all about!” tweeted former NCAA All-Around Champion Kim Jacob.
Fans flooded forums and comment sections, sharing memories of past championship runs and dreaming of what could be ahead.
“This feels like 2012 again,” said one lifelong fan on Twitter, referencing Alabama’s last national championship season.
Looking Ahead
With a ticket punched to the NCAA Championships, Alabama now shifts focus to preparation. Johnston and her staff will fine-tune routines, manage recovery, and continue building the mindset that has fueled their late-season surge.
There is no denying the challenge ahead. The NCAA Championship field includes perennial powerhouses, each with their own stars and deep lineups. But Alabama has proven they belong.
They have the senior leadership, the emerging youth, the coaching expertise, and now, the belief. And in gymnastics, belief can be as powerful as skill.
“We’re not done yet,” Doggette said. “We’re going to Fort Worth to win.”
Alabama gymnastics delivered when it mattered most. With their season on the line, they reached new heights, scoring a season-best 198.275 and advancing to the NCAA Championships.
This performance wasn’t just about numbers. It was about resilience, timing, and the culmination of months of hard work and belief. It was a reminder that Alabama gymnastics remains a force to be reckoned with, and that the program’s storied legacy continues to grow.
As they prepare to take the national stage, one thing is clear: the Tide is rolling at exactly the right time.
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