Leotard Rankings: NCGA

It’s NCAA gymnastics season, and the leotards are as sparkly as ever. With new designs come your favorite series: Leotard Rankings! Each week we’re analyzing leotard debuts to find our weekly faves. There will be up to three points for design, up to one point each for fabric and sparkle, school spirit and uniqueness, and up to three points for overall appearance. This week Allison, Tavia and Christina are joining editor in chief Elizabeth to help judge. Don’t agree with our ranking? Let us know your thoughts on this week’s leos in the comments or on social media!

And don’t forget to vote in the poll at the end of the article each week. We’ll be tabulating all the votes to find the overall fan favorite design at the conclusion of the 2022 season!

Whitewater: 7.475

View images of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 6.800

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

This is far from my favorite stock design. I prefer when Whitewater uses white with purple vs. black, but this is good enough. The sparkle and design looked much better in person, but it’s a solid leo overall.

Allison: 6.900

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.1/3

I am a fan of the starburst look, and I really love the black and purple ombre that’s present throughout. Love the mesh and the sparkle factor of the starburst, too.  

Tavia: 7.700

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I know that this is a stock leo design, but this has to be the best I’ve seen it look! I like the choice to use purple to black ombre, and the sparkles are just insane in motion. This will definitely be a great, solid addition to Whitewater’s leo lineup. 

Christina: 8.500

Design 2.6/3, Fabric 0.9/1, Sparkle 1/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.7/3

This is probably my favorite leotard to rate this week. Stunning! I love the shade of purple used, the starburst leo, and the sparkles everyyyyywhere. I probably could have done without the purple collar, but otherwise I love this.

La Crosse: 7.375

View a video of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 8.000

Design 2.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I love this. Yes, it’s a bit busy, but I don’t really care because it does so much with a seemingly low leo budget. The back straps are great, the pattern is bold and I like the way it’s kept to the top and sleeves.

Allison: 8.600

Design 2.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

I absolutely love this leo. It’s busy but in the best of ways. I love the strappy back, I love that the belt keeps the design from taking over the entire leo, and I think any school could take this, toss in their colors and make it their own. The sparkle overlay on the pattern is phenomenal, too.

Tavia: 5.500

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.4/1, Uniqueness 0.9/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

I’m confused. Is the school color maroon or red? I think the pattern would’ve been fine if there wasn’t so much of it. Maybe if the pattern was just on the top of the leo without the stripe down the side, I would like this one better. It’s definitely giving big school vibes, which is impressive considering the likely leo budget. 

Christina: 7.400

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.4/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

I quite like this one! This sort of pattern is so trendy right now. The stripe down the side of the leo is probably a bit much, but I do like this look overall. Although now, it does look like there is a tiny bow tie right right in the center of the leo, and I can’t unsee it.

Winona State: 7.350

View the image of this leotard on Instagram.

Elizabeth: 7.200

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

This is nice! I love the purple paired with black and white, and the mesh sleeves work with the overall design. Good choice of stock leo, Winona!

Allison: 7.200

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

I’m not a purple person, but I LOVE this one. I really enjoy that they have two patterns on the front, one in the design in the fabric and another with the sparkles. I think if the sparkle pattern mimicked the design, I’d be over it. But I love the sleeves and the shades. I really like it. 

Tavia: 7.700

Design 2.3/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.9/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.5/3

I love this leo! It’s definitely one of the newer stock designs, but it looks so lovely in this shade of purple. The amount of jewels makes this leo really shine from afar in all the best ways. The only thing I’m hung up on is the font and size of the “WSU” on the sleeves. I wish the letters were a little thicker and didn’t cover quite that much sleeve space. 

Christina: 7.300

Design 2.1/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

Love the purple and the pattern used here! The back straps are a bit random there at the top, but I am a big fan of this look.

Eau Claire: 7.350

View the image of this leotard on Instagram.

Elizabeth: 8.500

Design 2.7/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.8/3

Yes! This is so good. The yellow ombre ruches front is lovely, and I love the subtle sweetheart neckline underneath. Such a good leo from Eau Claire!

Allison: 7.800

Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.6/3

Ombre. Ruching. Blue and yellow. This leo makes my heart sing. I think the only thing that throws me off is the belt and yellow lining meeting in the back. Maybe something else to connect the two designs? But honestly, all for it anyway. This is phenomenal. 

Tavia: 5.700

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3

I want to really like this, but something is throwing me off. The jewel design on the ruched top is just strange to me, but the belt to separate the top and bottom halves is adorable. I wish the back had a little more going on. It’s relatively plain, especially in comparison to the bright yellow ruching on the front. This is definitely one of Eau Claire’s best leo options!

Christina: 7.400 

Design 2.4/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

This is an interesting variation of this stock design. I do like the yellow ruched top and the use of the ombre, as well as the sweetheart neckline underneath. The back is a bit out of place and bland, and I wish it looked a bit more like the front. Overall though, a solid leo!

Brockport: 6.425

This leo isn’t new, but we’re judging it anyway because we haven’t done so before!

Elizabeth: 6.200

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, Theme Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

The pink to black ombre is great, but I wish it has a bit more Brockport spirit. A simple leo but inoffensive.

Allison: 7.000

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

I really love this as far as pink theme leos go. I love that it has a touch of Brockport with the pink to black ombre, but perhaps a B somewhere wouldn’t go amiss. However, Brockport usually goes big on the swirl patterns, so it feels like it’s become an unofficial official touch of its. I enjoy that the swirls and ribbon are in crystals and not just a pattern in the leo, so that really ups the sparkle factor for me. 

Tavia: 6.000

Design 1.7/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, Theme Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

This is a cute rendition of a pink meet leo. I like the shade of pink chosen to ombre with black. You can’t go wrong with a simple ribbon design on the back. The ombre on the sleeves look a little harsh. It gives me “cap sleeve” vibes in some of the photos I’ve seen. 

Christina: 6.500

Design 2.0/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, Theme Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.3/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I love the ombré and the swirls on the front. I could have gone with a smaller ribbon on the back, or placed it elsewhere and have the school logo instead. Otherwise a pretty nice pink leo.

Brockport: 6.400

View more images of this leo on Instagram.

Elizabeth: 6.000

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

I’m not normally a fan of such shiny fabric. I think it works OK here with the ombre effect. I really dislike how the bottom of the Eagle head goes onto the yellow band though. Can’t unsee that once you’ve seen it.

Allison: 7.400

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.4/3

I really loved this leotard, Brockport usually seems to skew toward favoring black leos through the years, so I appreciate that it decided to highlight the green in its green and gold. But I want a stronger green. There aren’t enough green leos. I love the eagle being made out of jewels, and I really enjoy the strappy back. Maybe just one yellow band, though? Or differing thickness? But overall, love it.

Tavia: 7.100

Design 1.9/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

I’m a way bigger fan of the back than the front. The jewel-lined straps and yellow belt really do it for me. I like the idea of the Eagle on the front, but why does it just barely cross into the yellow? I do appreciate the way Brockport used all of its school colors without making the leo look gaudy. 

Christina: 5.100

Design 1.3/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

Couldn’t you just move the Eagle a few inches higher please? This is irking me so much. Everything else would have been fine, but I am just fixating on this.

Ithaca: 6.275

View the images of this leotard on Instagram.

Elizabeth: 5.500

Design 1.6/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3

The yellow neckline feels a bit out of place even though I recognize it was an attempt at increasing school spirit. The rest is nice though with the ombre.

Allison: 7.200

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.9/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

I really enjoy that Ithaca incorporated all of its school colors without feeling as though someone just tossed a bucket of all the paints onto a leotard. Without the cutout design, the ombre and sparkles with the neckline would feel haphazard, but it brings it all together beautifully. I would’ve liked to have seen Bombers or Ithaca on a sleeve but I love the look of it. 

Tavia: 6.200

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.6/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

This is definitely a different look for Ithaca, and I think I’m here for it! The white design on top of a white base was an interesting choice, but the blue jewels and ombre really save it. I’m not so sure the yellow neckline was necessary. 

Christina: 6.200 

Design 1.9/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

I like the ombré and the yellow neckline, unlike my colleagues here. I am, however, still fairly undecided about the cutout. It’s a bit jarring at first, but the more I look at it, the more I accept it. Still a bit random, but overall I do think I like this.

Cortland: 6.150

View images and videos of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 7.200

Design 2.2/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.6/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.2/3

I like! The all red design works because it’s broken up with the white piping and use of various fabrics with the solid and the mesh. I like the faux deep neckline as well and think it brings in good school spirit.

Allison: 6.800

Design 1.8/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.8/1, Uniqueness 0.7/1, Overall Appearance 2.0/3

The biggest flaw is no dragon. However, Cortland went BIG on the red and white colors for the school spirit, and I really love the old-school feel with the jersey-ish name and font on the back. It reminds me of these a bit, and I love the concept. Maybe a touch of a darker crystal or a little black would finish it off nicely.  

Tavia: 6.300

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.8/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

There are so many things going right, but I am so distracted by the way the neckline scoops around on the outside of the chest. From a fabric standpoint, I understand the continuance of the neckline was because more mesh was used on the back, but there’s something about it that doesn’t sit right with me. The color of red used is nice, and I do really enjoy the back. This is a solid switch up for Cortland. Oh! I also really love those fiery sleeves!

Christina: 4.300

Design 1.0/3, Fabric 0.3/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.4/3

I am not a big fan of this one. The neckline looks hastily drawn on and unbalanced.

Oshkosh: 5.700

View the image of this leotard here.

Elizabeth: 5.500

Design 1.6/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.8/3

I have no idea if this is new, but I couldn’t find it anywhere else on Oshkosh’s Instagram. If it is, it’s a big of a dated design. I like the two shade of gold/bronze used though, and the asymmetrical design is fun.

Allison: 7.500

Design 2.8/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 2.3/3

I love black and gold leotards, I think they are timeless, effortless and the complete package—the only danger is trying too hard. I love the simplicity, and I love that it’s not symmetrical. The mesh. The copper. I could use a logo or mascot or something school spirit-y somewhere, but I’m into it nonetheless. 

Tavia: 5.500

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.4/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.6/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3

This design feels pretty standard. It’s giving me flashbacks to all the leos from JO circa 2008. I like the use of two different golds to create some contrast. I want to see what that color combination looks like in a more intricate design. I like the idea of jewels on the sleeves, but they’re so sparsely placed that they don’t add much to the overall look. 

Christina: 4.300

Design 1.3/3, Fabric 0.4/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.1/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3

Eh. This is such an old design. I don’t really have an opinion on this one. It works, but it’s nothing outstanding.

Hamline: 5.375

View a video of the leotard on Instagram.

Elizabeth: 5.300

Design 1.6/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.5/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.6/3

This is a good, solid leo. The shade of red used is nice, and the sparkles aren’t offensive. I also appreciate the slightly more unique back that Hamline used here.

Allison: 5.700

Design 1.6/3, Fabric 0.8/1, Sparkle 0.7/1, School Spirit 0.6/1, Uniqueness 0.5/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

Honestly, I enjoy this leo. I love mesh and I love the open back. I really like the “Pipers” on the back and the stream of sparkles down the front. I think, for me, I need just one more thing to really love it, but I’m not sure what. Maybe something around the collar.

Tavia: 5.600

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.7/1, Sparkle 0.8/1, School Spirit 0.7/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 1.5/3

My favorite thing about this leo is definitely the sleeves. The ombre and the number of jewels used really does the trick. The body is a little plain, and I’m not sure if I’m a fan of the jewels stopping just short of the neckline. I do appreciate the addition of the “HU” and “Pipers” for a little more school spirit. 

Christina: 4.900

Design 1.5/3, Fabric 0.5/1, Sparkle 0.3/1, School Spirit 0.5/1, Uniqueness 0.4/1, Overall Appearance 1.7/3

I am really bothered that the sparkles on the front don’t match the plain fabric or the neckline. Otherwise, it’s a fine leo, and I do appreciate the ombré sleeves as well.

Fan Poll

Congrats to Auburn for winning the conference championships fan poll! Vote for your favorite new NCGA leo here.

READ THIS NEXT: Leotard Rankings: Conference Championships

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Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Allison Freeman, Tavia Smith and Christina Marmet

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