A female gymnast with blonde hair in a ponytail, wearing a white and yellow leotard, smiles and clasps hands with another smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing a green tank top and white pants. They are both looking at each other, appearing excited. In the background, out of focus, are spectators in bleachers.

7 Division III Athletes Who Broke Out in 2025

Every year brings both a new season and a fresh opportunity for athletes to show audiences their best performances, and Division III is no exception. Whether they were an exceptional rookie, an unexpected star, or a veteran returning with a fervor, these gymnasts have made quite an impact this season.

Aaliyah Krause

Aaliyah Krause, a freshman at Rhode Island, proved herself to be a powerful force for the Anchorwomen in just her first year. One of two talented all-around competitors for the team, Krause finished the season as the No. 2 all-arounder in Division III, joining fellow Anchorwoman Olivia Keyes at the top of the podium. Krause’s stellar performance earned her the title of NCGA-East Rookie of the Year. 

Kiara Hockman

Brockport sophomore Kiara Hockman had herself an incredible season, finishing ranked first in DIII on both vault and floor, averaging 9.725 and 9.831, respectively. Hockman added NCGA All-America honors to her growing resume following a second-place finish on vault at nationals. The sophomore hit her stride early in the season and established herself as a crucial asset for the Eagles’ roster. 

Olivia Hedary

Olivia Hedary was another breakout freshman in 2025. The lone all-arounder for Simpson, Hedary was named the team’s Newcomer of the Year. Hedary solidified her place in the Storm lineups by breaking the program individual all-around record with a 38.050 in February. While the Simpson gymnastics program only has three seasons under its belt so far, Hedary has already made her mark on the young team.

Erin Roe

The sophomore from Ursinus stepped on the gas this season and didn’t look back. At regionals, Roe placed second on vault after posting a season high 9.800. While her vault performance remained consistent from last year, Roe’s average score on bars improved by over seven tenths, and her floor score by over a point. Roe’s performance bolstered the Bears’ record-breaking 48.700 team floor score at regionals.

Jamie Beatty

Jamie Beatty etched her name into NCGA history after winning the all-around title and tying for first on bars at nationals. Not only did she win, but Beatty’s impressive 38.800 set a new UW-Stout all-around record. The freshman peaked at the right time to round out a steady first-year campaign, garnering conference recognition as she was named the WIAC Newcomer of the Year. Beatty has already proven herself to be an outstanding competitor for the Blue Devils.

Emmy Graff

Utica’s Emmy Graff made her DIII debut known, finishing the season as the No. 3 all-arounder in the division. The freshman got to work right away, scoring big at the Pioneers’ first competition of the year and reaching a season high of 38.625 to set a new program record. Graff arrives at a pivotal time for the Pioneers as they look to make their mark on the sport in their third year as a team.

Lili Guy

Gustavus senior Lili Guy wrapped up her athletic career in 2025 with her best season to date. Each year with the Gusties, Guy built upon the previous season by steadily improving her individual scores. For her fourth and final year, Guy maintained the highest event average on vault (9.639) and floor (9.625) for the Gustavus team, which placed her as the No. 8 vaulter in DIII this season. In addition to gymnastics, Guy is a dual-athlete who also competes in track and field for Gustavus. 

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Article by Frances Leadman

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