Presley Duke is the full package: the top-ranked recruit in the class of 2026, a powerful all-arounder with major national titles to her name, and a future Oklahoma Sooner. The Oklahoma native has posted scores in the nation’s top 100 every year since 2016 and boasts career highs of 9.900 on vault, 10.000 on bars, 9.900 on beam, and 9.925 on floor. She is also a two-time Nastia Liukin Cup qualifier.
In 2023, Duke battled through injury but still managed to finish her season strong on bars at nationals. Now healthy and working on upgrades, she is focused on making the most of her final club seasons before heading to Oklahoma, the program she grew up idolizing.
With her sights set on national titles, perfect 10s, and potential NCAA accolades in her freshman year, Duke is ready to make an impact in Norman and beyond.
Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Club gym: Dynamo Gymnastics
College team: University of Oklahoma
Hometown: Yukon, Oklahoma
How did you first fall in love with gymnastics?
I started gymnastics when I was three and began competing at age six. From that very first class, I just loved flipping around and having fun, and I still love it to this day!
What has been the highlight of your gymnastics career so far?
Winning first at nationals, competing at the Nastia Liukin Cup twice, and committing to Oklahoma would definitely be the highlights so far.
What goals are you most excited about this season?
My focus is on staying healthy, working on upgrades, and having a fun and successful postseason.
Why Oklahoma?
OU felt like home right away. The coaches, the athletes, and the entire environment made it an easy decision. I really felt like I fit into the program—the girls have personalities that match mine—and I love the campus. It just felt like the perfect fit.
You’re the top-rated recruit in your class- what has this meant to you?
Being named the top recruit in my class is such an honor! I’m really proud and feel incredibly grateful; it means a lot to have my hard work recognised. Thank you to CGN and everyone who has supported me!
Who has made the biggest impact on your gymnastics career, and how have they inspired or shaped your journey?
My whole family has played a huge role—they’re the absolute best and have all made such an impact on my gymnastics career. My parents, siblings, and grandparents have all been very supportive and sacrificed a lot for my gymnastics success. They have always encouraged me and given unwavering support throughout my career. Everything they have done for me has inspired and motivated me in my gymnastics journey.
Was there a specific moment or competition when you realized college gymnastics was within your reach? Can you tell us about that experience?
There is not one defining moment—it’s something I’ve dreamed about for as long as I can remember, and to be honest, I’m still trying to wrap my head around this being real life. I grew up attending OU meets and looking up to these amazing athletes. It’s surreal to think I now get to be one of them.
What’s one of the toughest challenges you’ve faced in gymnastics?
In 2023, I suffered an avulsion fracture in my hamstring that kept me from finishing the season the way I wanted. I had to make the tough decision only to compete bars at regionals and nationals, even though I had big goals and hoped to do all-around, especially since it was a home nationals for me in Oklahoma City.
Looking ahead to your college career, what are you most excited to experience, both as a gymnast and in your personal life?
Oh, so many things! I am looking forward to building lifelong relationships and becoming part of this amazing team! I’m also really excited to be back in a classroom setting. I’ve been homeschooled since third grade so I could train at the times I needed to, so the idea of returning to a traditional school setting is actually really exciting for me.
What’s something on your college gymnastics bucket list?
I want to win a national championship with my team and would love to score a 10.0! I also aspire to win SEC and NCAA titles during my time at OU, and winning any kind of award as a freshman would be a dream come true!
Quick Hits
Vault, bars, beam, or floor?
Vault
Which four gymnasts would be on your college gymnastics Mount Rushmore?
Maggie Nichols would top the list, but after her, I can’t narrow it down to include just four! My Mount Rushmore would be overflowing with amazing and influential college gymnasts.
What’s your most-used emoji?
What’s one of your gymnastics pet peeves?
Chalk under my nails
What’s one of your pre-meet rituals or superstitions?
Chick-fil-A before meets
Dream Career?
Orthodontist
Favorite OU leotard?
This design from 2021 regionals
READ THIS NEXT: Recruit Spotlight: Raeya Linton
Article by Katie Couldrey
