We already know our overall favorite leotard of the 2019 season in Michigan State’s conference championship design, but what about winners of other superlatives, from most interesting back to most blinding use of sparkles?
Most Interesting Back
Nominees: Florida (at Oklahoma), Michigan State (conference champs), Arkansas (Metroplex), Ohio State (at Penn State), Penn State (at Florida)
Winner: Georgia (regional final)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwPKMpGAPb5/
Who doesn’t love a good back on a leo? While the topic of bras may arise, you can’t fault these leos for having unique designs. But we ended up going with a leo that was the best of both worlds. Dubbed by fans its dominatrix leo, Georgia’s regional final design now only featured an interesting use of multiple straps and exposed skin but also seemed incredibly supportive in a way that didn’t have us wondering if we’d have an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction.
Most School Spirit
Nominees: Utah (vs. Penn State), Michigan State (MSU quad), George Washington (week nine)
Winner: Rutgers (Elevate Toledo)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_eJ-RHIYR/
An exorbitant amount of school spirit can either be perfect or be way too over the top. Rutgers’ Jersey Pride leo was the former, incorporating the perfect amount of school pride and state pride to make a stunning leo that was flattering on pretty much everyone.
Most Unique Design
Nominees: LSU (conference champs), UCLA (NCAA semifinal), Arizona State (week six), George Washington (week six)
Winner: Oklahoma (regional round two)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv5BuZIFw2v/
We’ll hand it to the Sooners. They know how to create a leo that gets people talking. This design definitely did that with its many interesting elements that caused controversy across the gymternet and many polarizing opinions. Giraffe pattern? Seemingly bargain-bin sports bra back? Bungee cord straps? This leo has it all.
Best Use of White
Nominees: Illinois (vs. Maryland), Arizona (at UCLA), Rutgers (Elevate Toledo)
Winner: Penn State (at Florida)
Lauren Bridgens' season high-tying 9.925 on bars! #WeAre #RestoreTheRoar pic.twitter.com/CFTZeQ9JlX
— Penn State Women’s Gymnastics (@PennStateWGYM) March 23, 2019
While we didn’t see too many white leos this season, the ones that did debut were pretty flawless, which is hard to do because we all know a white leo can go really really wrong…
Best DIII Leo Debut
Nominees: UW-Whitewater (vs. Stout), Cortland (Maryland quad), Ursinus (at West Chester), Cortland (vs. Brockport)
Winner: UW-Eau Claire (John Zuerlein Invitational)
We all know it’s not totally fair to compare the custom, over-the-top leos top programs can put together to the budget-limited DIII programs, which often have to work from stock designs. That doesn’t stop the DIII teams from coming up with greatness, though!
Article by the editors of College Gym News
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