The Oklahoma Sooners women’s gymnastics team is poised to embark on a transformative 2025 season, marked by their inaugural participation in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This transition signifies a new chapter for the six-time national champions, who are embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with competing in one of the nation’s most formidable gymnastics conferences.
Reflecting on 2024: A Season of Lessons
The 2024 season concluded unexpectedly for the Sooners, as they were eliminated in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships. Despite entering the competition as the top-ranked team, uncharacteristic mistakes on vault and balance beam led to their early exit. Head coach K.J. Kindler acknowledged the rarity of such errors, noting, “We have lived in the luxury of success for over a decade… This is a testament to that.”
This unanticipated finish has fueled the team’s determination to return stronger. The return of standout gymnast Audrey Davis for a fifth year bolsters the Sooners’ prospects. Davis, the NCAA balance beam co-champion, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I absolutely cannot wait! Thank you ALL for the love and support it means the world:) BOOMER SOONER FOREVER!!”
Transition to the SEC: Embracing New Challenges
The move to the SEC introduces the Sooners to a conference renowned for its depth and competitive rigor. The SEC now boasts more than half of the NCAA women’s gymnastics titles, underscoring the heightened level of competition Oklahoma will face. Coach Kindler and her squad are cognizant of the challenges ahead but remain optimistic about integrating into the conference’s elite gymnastics landscape.
The 2025 schedule reflects this transition, featuring matchups against several SEC powerhouses. The Sooners will open their season at the Music City Collegiate Championships in Nashville on January 4, followed by the Sprouts Collegiate Quad in Oklahoma City on January 11, where they will compete against California, LSU, and Utah. Their SEC debut is slated for January 17 at home against Missouri, marking the beginning of a rigorous conference slate that includes meets with Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, and reigning national champion LSU.
Roster and Rankings: A Blend of Experience and Fresh Talent
Oklahoma’s roster for the 2025 season is a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. In addition to Audrey Davis, the team welcomes back seniors Jordan Bowers and Faith Torrez, both of whom have been instrumental in the Sooners’ recent successes. The infusion of talent continues with the arrival of freshmen such as Addison Fatta, a 2020 Olympic Trials qualifier, and five-star recruit Elle Mueller, who are expected to make immediate contributions.
The Sooners’ prowess is reflected in the preseason rankings, where they secured the No. 1 spot in the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) Preseason Coaches Poll, garnering 1,963 points and 42 first-place votes. This top ranking positions them ahead of formidable programs like LSU and Florida, indicating the high expectations placed upon the team as they enter the SEC.
Anticipating the 2025 Season: Goals and Expectations
As the Sooners prepare for their SEC debut, the program’s goals remain steadfast: to compete at the highest level and contend for national championships. The transition to the SEC is viewed not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity to elevate the program’s stature and resilience. The team’s schedule is strategically designed to test their mettle, with seven meets slated to be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks, providing increased visibility and exposure.
The addition of Oklahoma to the SEC is anticipated to intensify the conference’s competitive landscape. Facing teams like LSU, Florida, and Alabama on a regular basis will require the Sooners to maintain peak performance throughout the season. Coach Kindler acknowledges the heightened competition but expresses confidence in her team’s ability to rise to the occasion, stating, “Managing health and lineups throughout the SEC just got that much trickier.”
