Throughout NCAA gymnastics there are hundreds of floor routines each year, and some music choices stand out more than others. Unique and new floor music choices make a gymnast and team gain more attention, such as UCLA routines going viral multiple years in a row.
Gracie Kramer (UCLA) – 2020
Gracie Kramer’s 2020 floor routine for UCLA was memorable for its captivating and hauntingly powerful floor music that set it apart from the upbeat, pop-heavy selections often seen in NCAA gymnastics. Her music, which blended eerie, cinematic tones with intense, dramatic beats, perfectly matched her fierce expression and bold movements, creating an unforgettable performance that felt more like performance art than a traditional routine. The dark, almost villainous vibe of the routine broke the mold of what audiences had come to expect and quickly went viral, solidifying Kramer’s floor as one of the most talked-about routines of the 2020 season.
Sydney Soloski (Utah) – 2021
Sydney Soloski’s 2021 floor routine for Utah was memorable because it combined her signature power and polish with a bold, high-energy music choice that radiated confidence and attitude. Set to a mix of sassy, upbeat tracks with sharp beats and commanding presence, the music amplified her precise tumbling and dynamic dance elements, making each pass feel like a statement. The routine quickly became a crowd favorite and a standout of the 2021 NCAA season.
Mya Hooten (Minnesota) – 2022
Mya Hooten’s 2022 floor routine for Minnesota was especially memorable thanks to her electrifying music, which featured powerful marching band elements that brought a unique, stadium-like energy to the arena. The bold brass and drumline rhythms perfectly complemented her explosive tumbling and commanding presence, creating a performance that felt both athletic and theatrical. Hooten’s routine stood out for its originality, blending fierce choreography with the unmistakable spirit of a halftime show, and quickly became a viral hit.
Gabby Wilson (Michigan) – 2023
Gabby Wilson’s 2023 floor routine for Michigan was memorable for its dynamic blend of musical styles that highlighted her athleticism and personality, while bringing a fresh, infectious energy to the floor. The music combined hip-hop, funk, and contemporary beats, creating a routine that was as fun to watch as it was technically impressive. Wilson’s charisma shined through every movement, and the rhythm changes in the music allowed her to show off both her power in tumbling and her sharp, expressive choreography. Her ability to connect with the crowd and embody the music made the routine a standout in the 2023 season.
Abby Paulson (Utah) – 2024
Abby Paulson’s 2024 floor music was especially memorable because it featured a beautifully crafted Taylor Swift-themed selection that deeply resonated with Swift fans. By choosing a blend of Swift’s most emotional and cinematic songs, the music created a powerful backdrop that perfectly matched Paulson’s graceful and expressive choreography. This connection to Taylor Swift’s storytelling gave the routine a unique emotional depth that went beyond typical gymnastics floor music, making it feel personal and meaningful. For fellow Swifties, the routine was not only a display of athleticism but also a heartfelt tribute to an artist they love, which helped the performance stand out as one of the most memorable and beloved routines of the season.
Raena Worley (Kentucky) – 2024
Raena Worley’s 2024 floor routine was memorable for its vibrant and infectious music choice that perfectly matched her energetic style and dynamic tumbling. The music featured a lively blend of upbeat rhythms and catchy melodies that immediately grabbed the audience’s attention and kept the energy high throughout her entire performance. Worley’s ability to connect with the music through sharp choreography and expressive facial expressions made the routine feel fun and engaging, turning it into a fan favorite. Her floor music stood out in the 2024 season for its joyful vibe and the way it showcased her personality, making her routine both memorable and entertaining to watch.
Rebekah Bean Ripley (BYU) – 2023
Rebekah Bean’s 2023 floor routine, which was Barbie-themed, was unforgettable thanks to its playful and bold music choice that perfectly captured the quirky, fun spirit of the character. The routine’s soundtrack combined energetic pop beats with cheeky, whimsical tones, allowing Bean to fully embody the Barbie persona with confidence and charm. Her expressive choreography and lighthearted performance brought the routine to life, making it both entertaining and memorable for fans and judges alike. This unique blend of personality and skill helped the routine stand out as one of the most talked-about and enjoyable performances of the 2023 season.
Lilly Hudson (Alabama) – 2025
Lilly Hudson’s 2025 floor routine was memorable for its bold Southern energy and high-octane soundtrack, featuring a standout mix of Sweet Home Alabama, Thunderstruck, and other hype songs that brought a stadium-like atmosphere to the arena. The mashup of classic rock and Southern anthems paid homage to her Alabama roots while energizing the crowd with every beat. Hudson’s powerful tumbling, dynamic choreography, and confident performance perfectly matched the intensity of the music, making the routine a true showstopper. The fusion of iconic, crowd-favorite songs with her athleticism and charisma made her 2025 floor routine one of the most electrifying and unforgettable highlights of the season.
Jaylene Gilstrap (Utah) – 2025
Jaylene Gilstrap’s 2025 floor routine was unforgettable for its bold and unexpected use of Piano Man by Billy Joel, a choice that broke away from traditional floor music and showcased her creativity and storytelling ability. The iconic tune, known more for its emotional lyrics and melody than for hype or theatrics, gave the routine a nostalgic and soulful atmosphere. Gilstrap’s expressive choreography and artistic movement brought the song to life in a way that felt fresh and deeply personal, captivating both fans and judges. By blending classic music with graceful execution, she turned a beloved bar ballad into one of the most unique and memorable floor routines of the 2025 season.
Brooklyn Moors (UCLA) – 2025
Brooklyn Moors’ 2025 floor routine was especially memorable because of her striking music choice, which featured a powerful, cinematic score that perfectly complemented her signature style. Known for selecting emotionally rich and unconventional music, Moors chose a sweeping orchestral piece that built in intensity and drama, allowing her to showcase her unmatched musicality and control. The layered composition gave her space to explore dynamic shifts in movement. From soft, balletic sequences to explosive tumbling, making the music an integral part of the storytelling. Rather than just serving as background, the floor music became the heartbeat of her routine, drawing the audience into every rise and fall. It was this unique connection between music and movement that made her 2025 routine one of the most artistic and unforgettable performances of the season.
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Article by Penny McNees
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