Oklahoma Women’s Gymnastics Claims Seattle Regional Title with a Record-Breaking Performance, Advances to NCAA Semifinals

The Oklahoma Women’s Gymnastics team delivered a breathtaking performance at the 2025 NCAA Gymnastics Seattle Regional, earning a spot in the highly anticipated NCAA Semifinals. With a near-perfect score of 198.450, Oklahoma soared to the top of the leaderboard, outshining their competitors in front of a packed crowd at the Seattle Sports Center. This dominant victory marks another milestone in the program’s rich history, further cementing its legacy as one of the most formidable teams in NCAA gymnastics.

Setting the Stage: A Highly Competitive Regional

The Seattle Regional was filled with high anticipation and excitement. The competition was intense, with the top teams from across the country all vying for a coveted spot in the NCAA Semifinals. Among the field of elite teams, Oklahoma stood out not only for its talent but also for its unwavering consistency and ability to perform under pressure.

This year’s Seattle Regional, like many of the previous regionals, was a showcase of gymnastics at its highest level. The gymnasts performed in front of enthusiastic fans, family members, and NCAA officials, all hoping to witness a remarkable display of athleticism and grace. Oklahoma, having earned a top seed coming into the regional, was already considered one of the favorites to claim the title, but they still faced significant challenges from formidable teams such as Utah, UCLA, and Florida.

A Record-Breaking Performance

From the moment the Sooners took the floor, it was clear that they had come prepared to deliver a performance for the ages. Oklahoma’s score of 198.450 shattered the previous regional record and is considered one of the highest regional scores ever recorded in NCAA gymnastics history. The Sooners’ flawless routines across all four apparatuses—vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise—demonstrated the depth of talent and preparation within the team.

Led by head coach K.J. Kindler, the team was firing on all cylinders. Each gymnast delivered a near-perfect performance, executing complex skills with precision and grace. The team’s dynamic routines were complemented by outstanding choreography, building on the strengths of each athlete.

The Sooners’ performance on the vault set the tone early in the meet. Known for their explosive power and technical precision, the Sooners hit one of their strongest vault rotations of the season. The crowd erupted as each athlete launched off the vault with power and height, sticking their landings with near-perfection. The scoring judges were impressed, rewarding Oklahoma with a high score of 49.625 for their vault rotation, which would become the foundation of their commanding lead.

Next up was the uneven bars, an apparatus where Oklahoma has consistently excelled. With the team’s reputation for executing clean, high-flying routines, they once again did not disappoint. The Sooners’ bar routines were full of intricacy and elegance, with each gymnast demonstrating precise handstands, flawless releases, and perfect dismounts. As the final gymnast finished her routine, the crowd stood in awe, knowing that Oklahoma had just posted an outstanding 49.575 on bars.

The balance beam followed, an event that often separates the great teams from the good. With nerves high and stakes even higher, Oklahoma delivered some of their best beam performances of the season. Each gymnast performed with fluidity, poise, and impeccable technique, sticking difficult dismounts and hitting all their series and leaps with perfect form. The Sooners earned a team score of 49.475, showing their dominance on all four apparatuses.

The floor exercise is another event where Oklahoma consistently shines, and they proved their mettle once again. Known for their powerful tumbling passes, energetic choreography, and synchronization, the Sooners delivered a performance that had the crowd on their feet. The gymnasts executed their tumbling runs with remarkable precision, flipping and twisting through the air before landing with controlled stability. The team’s floor score of 49.775 was the highest of the competition, cementing their victory and ensuring their advancement to the NCAA Semifinals.

Individual Performances: Stars of the Meet

While Oklahoma’s team effort was the highlight of the regional, several individual performances were also deserving of special mention. The team’s depth was on full display, with contributions from every gymnast, but a few athletes truly stood out.

One of the standout performances came from junior gymnast Jordan Bowers, who has been a key contributor to Oklahoma’s success all season. Bowers, known for her elegance and consistency, delivered flawless routines across all events. Her floor routine, in particular, was a crowd favorite, with explosive tumbling and a strong performance full of artistic flair. Her 9.975 on the floor helped to secure the team’s dominant position and exemplified the high level of talent within the program.

Another gymnast who made a significant impact was senior Audrey McIntosh. McIntosh, a veteran of the team, was a calming presence and a consistent performer under pressure. Her balance beam routine was nothing short of perfection, with precise choreography and confident execution. McIntosh’s score of 9.950 on beam contributed greatly to Oklahoma’s overall success in the event.

The freshmen on the team also proved themselves capable of stepping up when it mattered most. Avery Neff, in her NCAA Regional debut, earned a spot in the vault lineup and delivered a solid performance that showcased her impressive potential. Neff’s contribution was critical to Oklahoma’s dominant vault rotation, and her confidence on the big stage bodes well for the future of the program.

The Coaching Influence: K.J. Kindler’s Leadership

At the heart of Oklahoma’s success lies the leadership of head coach K.J. Kindler, who has transformed the Sooners into a powerhouse in NCAA gymnastics. Since taking over as head coach in 2006, Kindler has built a program that consistently competes for national championships. Her ability to develop and nurture talent, while maintaining a focus on team unity and consistency, has been key to Oklahoma’s sustained success.

Kindler’s meticulous preparation and attention to detail were evident throughout the Seattle Regional. Her coaching staff, including assistant coaches Jenny and Greg Marsden, helped guide the athletes to this record-breaking performance. Together, the coaches created an environment where athletes could thrive and perform at their highest level. Kindler’s leadership, not only on the floor but in the way she manages the mental and emotional preparation of her athletes, has earned her the respect of her peers and the admiration of her athletes.

“This team has been incredible all season long,” said Kindler after the competition. “They’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and today they showed what they’re capable of. I’m incredibly proud of every one of them. We’re excited to be heading to the NCAA Semifinals, but we know the work isn’t done. There’s still a lot to accomplish, and we’ll keep pushing forward together.”

Advancing to the NCAA Semifinals

With the victory at the Seattle Regional, Oklahoma earned a coveted spot in the NCAA Semifinals, which will take place in two weeks. This marks another important step in the Sooners’ pursuit of their second national championship under Kindler’s leadership. The team will face off against some of the best programs in the nation, including perennial powerhouses such as UCLA, Florida, and LSU.

The NCAA Semifinals will be a crucial test for the Sooners. While their performance in the regional was remarkable, the competition will only get tougher as they move closer to the national championship. Oklahoma will need to maintain its high level of performance and consistency if it hopes to capture the ultimate prize in college gymnastics.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to compete at the Semifinals,” Kindler said. “We’re focusing on staying grounded, doing what we do best, and trusting in our training. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

Looking Ahead: The Road to a National Title

As the Sooners turn their attention to the NCAA Semifinals, they are already preparing for the challenges that lie ahead. Oklahoma’s road to a national title is far from easy, and every team in the Semifinals will bring their best to the competition floor. However, the Sooners have proven time and again that they have the talent, depth, and mental toughness to overcome any obstacle.

With a combination of veteran leadership, young talent, and a strong coaching staff, Oklahoma will enter the Semifinals as one of the favorites to win it all. The Sooners have the experience, skills, and determination to claim another NCAA championship, and they will be ready to give their best when the competition intensifies.

For now, Oklahoma can savor its victory at the Seattle Regional, knowing that they have earned the right to compete among the nation’s elite teams in the upcoming Semifinals. The Sooners’ journey is far from over, but their impressive performance in the regional has shown that they are ready to rise to the occasion and pursue their ultimate goal: the NCAA national title.

As the team prepares for the next phase of their championship quest, fans, alumni, and supporters will be eagerly watching and cheering them on every step of the way. The Oklahoma Women’s Gymnastics team has already made history with their record-breaking performance, but their ultimate challenge awaits on the biggest stage of all.