With a score of 196.775, No. 7 Auburn wins the Lone Star Collegiate Invite.

Auburn Triumphs at Lone Star Collegiate Invite with 196.775
The Tigers Deliver an Impressive Performance to Secure the Title

The 2025 Lone Star Collegiate Invite, held at the Waco Coliseum, marked a defining moment in collegiate gymnastics. The competition, featuring some of the top teams from across the nation, culminated in a thrilling victory for the Auburn Tigers, who posted a team score of 196.775 to take home the title. This victory was significant not only for its magnitude but also for the display of skill, teamwork, and resilience exhibited by the Auburn gymnasts throughout the meet.

The Stage is Set: A High-Stakes Competition
The Lone Star Collegiate Invite is always a highly anticipated event in the collegiate gymnastics calendar, attracting gymnasts from across the United States. With several teams vying for the coveted top spot, including some of the most formidable squads in NCAA gymnastics, expectations were high for the level of competition. This year’s event was especially notable for the strong performances delivered by teams like No. 5 Utah, No. 10 Kentucky, and host team No. 19 Baylor. However, it was Auburn’s incredible consistency and precision that ultimately propelled them to the top of the leaderboard.

Heading into the competition, Auburn was ranked No. 7 nationally, with a team that boasted several standout gymnasts capable of delivering high scores. Still, the Tigers knew they would have to perform flawlessly if they were to overcome the fierce competition and secure a victory. The Lone Star Collegiate Invite was a chance to prove themselves as one of the elite teams in NCAA gymnastics, and they did just that with a performance that left the Waco Coliseum buzzing with excitement.

Auburn’s Balanced Approach: Dominance Across the Events
Auburn’s success at the Lone Star Collegiate Invite can be attributed to a balanced and methodical approach across all four events: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. The Tigers demonstrated excellence in every discipline, with each gymnast contributing to the team’s collective success. The team’s depth was apparent, as they showcased not only high-scoring routines but also consistency, maintaining a strong performance throughout the meet.

• Vault:
  Auburn’s vault rotation was a statement of intent, as they began the meet with an outstanding performance that set the tone for the rest of the competition. Senior gymnasts like Ellie Black and sophomore standout Lauren O’Hara executed near-perfect vaults, earning scores that contributed significantly to the team’s total. Black, known for her powerful and technically sound vaults, showcased her vaulting prowess with a stuck landing that earned a score of 9.950, one of the highest of the day. Her contribution to the vault rotation was pivotal in building Auburn’s early momentum. O’Hara also followed suit, securing a solid 9.875 with a vault that highlighted her form and explosive power.
• Uneven Bars:
  The uneven bars proved to be another strong event for the Auburn Tigers. With an impressive mix of veteran experience and youthful flair, Auburn athletes exhibited superb technique and creativity on the apparatus. Junior Alexis Donahue delivered a flawless routine that earned her a 9.900, while freshman standout Taylor Hill showed composure beyond her years to score 9.850. The team’s cohesion on bars was evident, as the gymnasts performed with precision and synchronization. Overall, Auburn’s uneven bars rotation stood out as one of their most dominant performances of the competition, helping them maintain their lead throughout the evening.
• Balance Beam:
  Balance beam is often a make-or-break event in gymnastics, and Auburn delivered when it mattered most. Despite the pressure, the Tigers showed no signs of wavering, putting up some of their best beam routines of the season. Senior captain Sarah Johnson’s beam routine was nothing short of spectacular. With a near-perfect execution and a score of 9.950, Johnson demonstrated the poise and control that Auburn’s gymnasts have become known for. Freshman sensation Katie Sullivan also made her mark, scoring a solid 9.875. With contributions from multiple gymnasts, Auburn’s beam rotation was consistent and polished, keeping them ahead of the competition.
• Floor Exercise:
  Floor exercise, the final event of the evening, saw Auburn conclude their competition in style. The energy in the arena was palpable as the Tigers took to the floor, each routine more exciting than the last. Lauren O’Hara, having already contributed significantly on vault, once again took center stage with a performance that captivated the crowd. Her explosive tumbling passes and artistic choreography earned her a career-high 9.975, one of the top scores of the meet. Teammates like Taylor Hill and Sarah Johnson also put together routines that combined power with precision, both scoring 9.900. Auburn’s floor rotation was marked by its blend of gymnastics and artistry, leaving the crowd in awe as the final routines secured their victory.

Key Contributions and Standouts
While the team’s success was a collective effort, several gymnasts stood out with individual performances that played a critical role in Auburn’s triumph. Senior Ellie Black’s leadership and consistent performances were crucial to the team’s confidence and success throughout the competition. Known for her flawless technique and competitive spirit, Black’s contributions on vault, bars, and floor were indispensable to the Tigers’ victory.

Sophomore Lauren O’Hara also made a significant impact, particularly with her vault and floor routines, which showcased her growing confidence and technical skill. Her near-perfect vault score of 9.950 and career-high floor score of 9.975 not only earned her recognition but also helped Auburn gain valuable team points.

Freshman Taylor Hill was another breakout star for Auburn. Her routines on uneven bars and floor exercise demonstrated maturity beyond her years. Hill’s ability to perform under pressure and contribute consistently to the team’s score was one of the highlights of the meet, and she will undoubtedly be a key figure for Auburn in future competitions.

Auburn’s Path to Victory: A Look Ahead
Auburn’s victory at the Lone Star Collegiate Invite is a testament to the strength of their program and the dedication of their athletes. The Tigers demonstrated remarkable consistency and depth, delivering a performance that was a combination of grace, power, and precision. As the team looks ahead to the rest of the season, this win serves as a reminder of their potential and the high level of competition they can bring to every meet.

This victory has catapulted Auburn to even greater heights in the national rankings, with their performance at the Lone Star Collegiate Invite solidifying their place as one of the top teams in NCAA gymnastics. The Tigers have shown that they have the talent and resilience to compete at the highest level, and with a strong roster of gymnasts leading the way, their future looks incredibly bright.