Stick objects have increased in popularity over the past few years, with many schools jumping on the trend. While some have yet to “stick,” others have become a ubiquitous part of their team’s school spirit and meet culture. However, iconic status does not necessarily mean top quality, and this article will take a look at, and rank, eight of the NCAA’s most memorable stick objects.
8. The LSU Stick Crown
It’s gorgeous, no doubt about that. The problem with the stick crown is the fact that it constantly gets stuck in gymnasts’ hair, to the point that even commentators throughout the 2025 season were noticing it. The idea of getting a crown for a stick is excellent, and it’s in line with the LSU ethos, but the current iteration of the stick crown is not particularly practical.
7. The Kentucky Stick Boa
This one is just fun. The various boas in Kentucky’s colors, the delight the gymnasts seem to take in wearing them, the inherent absurdity in pairing a leotard with a giant feather boa. It’s straightforward and simple but still a great stick object.
6. The West Virginia Plunger Hat
This one gets points for sheer memorability. You’ll never forget the plunger hat, which, according to gymnast Julia Brown, was the whole point. This stick object loses points on the school spirit front, since there isn’t necessarily a clear link between a plunger hat and West Virginia as a university, but it wins points for sheer comedy value.
5. The Georgia Stick Jacket
In many ways, it’s the reverse of the West Virginia plunger, in that the school spirit is there in spades, but maybe it isn’t as memorable as other stick objects on the list. I love the design and all the sparkles, and clearly a lot of love went into making this jacket, but it isn’t particularly unique.
4. The Florida Stick Chain
Florida has experimented with different stick objects, but this is the one that feels quintessentially Florida. It’s great when it comes to practicality, in that it is portable and easy to take on and off. At the same time, it’s incredibly distinctive, and more than hits the school spirit mark.
3. The Cal Bear Head
This is one of the most iconic stick objects around. It’s so emblematic of Cal Gymnastics, and it ticks all the boxes. It’s memorable, unique to the school, practical, and looks great. The only slight issue I have is that by nature, we can’t see the gymnast’s face, or her excitement at a great routine, while wearing the bear head.
2. The Oregon State Chainsaw
I am obsessed with this chainsaw. The very fact that Oregon State brings a chainsaw to every meet? Phenomenal. The beaver and the “Dam Stick” written across it. Excellent. The school spirit connection, including the fact that multiple sports teams use a chainsaw? Amazing. I’m a big fan.
1. The Stanford Stick Stick
For me, this is the perfect stick object. It’s a great pun, it links in with Stanford’s tree mascot, and as Stanford Gymnastics leans into the “tree” more and more with its leos, the stick stick just feels fitting. I also love that the team freshmen are tasked with selecting a stick stick before every meet, and that Stanford has occasionally polled fans as to which stick to use for a particular meet. Sometimes, simpler is better.
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Article by Naomi Stephenson
The Cal bear head should be #1. It’s just absurdly hilarious.
Speaking of sticks, I hope 2026 is the year Alabama finally retires that annoying “She said what? She said stick!” chant.