For the first time, perennial powerhouses California and Stanford enter the fold as new teams to the ACC, and their arrival has already shifted the conference landscape. In a vote among the league’s six head coaches, Cal was selected as the preseason favorite, with Stanford close behind in second while reigning ACC champion N.C. State sits in third.
The inclusion of the former Pac-12 teams has elevated the conference’s prestige in women’s gymnastics. The Golden Bears are coming off a remarkable 2024 campaign, finishing as the national runners-up, while Stanford made a strong showing by qualifying to nationals as well.
The 2025 preseason poll reflects the growing strength of the ACC as a gymnastics conference. Cal earned 34 points to take the top spot, followed by Stanford with 29 points. N.C. State, a consistent force within the conference and the reigning champion, landed in third with 21 points. Clemson, North Carolina, and Pitt rounded out the rankings in that order.
Five of the ACC’s six programs also appear on the WCGA preseason coaches poll. Cal leads the way at No. 4 nationally while Stanford is ranked 15th. N.C. State, Clemson, and North Carolina follow at Nos. 25, 28, and 36, respectively, with Pitt receiving votes but not landing in the top 36.
In addition to the conference poll, the ACC released its 2025 watch lists. The main watch list features 12 gymnasts who are expected to make significant impacts this season. Among the standouts are eMjae Frazier and Mya Lauzon from Cal, Stanford’s Anna Roberts and Brenna Neault, and N.C. State’s Chloe Negrete and Katie Harper. Clemson’s Rebecca Wells and Eve Jackson, North Carolina’s Julia Knower and Lali Dekanoidze, and Pitt’s Hallie Copperwheat and Jah’Liyah Bedminster round out the list. These gymnasts represent a mix of veterans and rising stars who will be pivotal to their teams’ success.
The ACC’s Newcomer Watch List highlights one gymnast from each program who is entering their first season of collegiate competition. Notable names include Ondine Achampong (Cal), a highly touted international recruit, and Ui Soma (Stanford), who also brings international experience to the Cardinal. Other first-year gymnasts to watch are Hannah Clark (Clemson), JoJo Valahovic (North Carolina), Ava Myers (N.C. State), and Meika Lee (Pitt).
The 2025 season officially kicks off on Jan. 4, with ACC teams competing across the country in non-conference and league meets. Fans can look forward to increased coverage of ACC gymnastics this year, with meets broadcast on ACC Network and ESPN. The season will culminate in the 2025 ACC championship on March 22 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The championship will feature an updated format: The No. 5 and No. 6 seeds will compete in the first session, followed by a second session featuring the top four seeds.
As Cal and Stanford make their ACC debut, all eyes will be on how these teams integrate into the conference and whether they can live up to their lofty expectations.The 2025 ACC season promises to be a thrilling journey filled with marquee matchups, breakout performances, and a level of competition that will set the tone for years to come.
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Article by Elizabeth Grimsley
