The world of college gymnastics never truly stops, even in the offseason. One week can bring a whirlwind of news, from seismic shifts in coaching lineups to athletes unveiling jaw-dropping new skills in training. It’s easy to miss a beat, but don’t worry—we have you covered. This is your weekly dose of everything you need to know from the gymternet, delivering the biggest headlines, crucial updates, and stories you might have missed. Let’s dive into the week’s action!
Top Storylines
Torrez Wins Honda Award
Oklahoma senior Faith Torrez won the Honda Award, given annually to the best gymnast in the nation as voted by administrators across the sport. Torrez, who earned All-America honors on all four events at nationals and won the all-around, is the fifth Oklahoma gymnast to receive the honor. The team shared the news with Torrez in a fun way.
Gamboa Added to Nebraska Coaching Staff
Torrez’s fellow Honda Award winner and Oklahoma teammate Jordan Gamboa (née Bowers) was added to Nebraska’s roster as an assistant coach on new head coach Nicole Jones’ staff. Bowers is a Lincoln, Nebraska native who is one season removed from her stellar NCAA career with the Sooners.
Transfer & Eligibility Updates
Incoming Transfers
- Minnesota junior Jordyn Lyden transferred to LSU for her senior year.
- Kentucky sophomore Anna Flynn Cashion transferred to Clemson for the remainder of her career.
- Washington senior Lily Tubbs transferred to Utah for her fifth year of eligibility.
- Penn State senior Ava Piedrahita transferred to Clemson for her fifth year of eligibility.
- New Hampshire junior McCall McMullen transferred to Arizona for her senior year.
- Georgia senior Nicole King transferred to Maryland for her fifth year of eligibility.
- California nabbed three sophomore transfers: Arizona’s Jillian Silvers, Missouri’s Lisa Szeibert, and Georgia’s Aberdeen O’Driscoll. None of these gymnasts have competed in their college careers.
Fifth-Year Returns
- Illinois senior Alea Byrne will return for her fifth year of eligibility in 2027.
- Minnesota senior Megan Steensland will return for a fifth year of eligibility in 2027.
Coaching & Staff News
- BYU associate head coach Natalie Broekman was promoted to head coach, replacing Guard Young. Assistant coaches Brogan Evanson and Makenna Giles were removed from the Cougars’ coaching roster.
- Former Nebraska assistant coach Brian Amato was added to Arizona’s staff.
- Former Denver gymnast and student assistant coach Ava Mabanta was promoted to assistant coach.
- Iowa assistant coach Brenna Brooks was added to Georgia’s staff in the same role.
- George Washington assistant coach India Anderson was removed from the roster after two seasons on the staff.
- Washington head coach Jessa Hansen Parker received a contract extension through the 2031 season.
Rehab Progress
- Oklahoma redshirt junior Caitlin Smith announced her retirement from the sport. Smith was frequently injured during her career, but just came off competing two bars routines at nationals.
Recruiting Buzz
College gymnastics recruiting news moves fast! For in-depth coverage of commitments, signings, and all the latest recruiting developments, be sure to check out our weekly Recruiting Roundup.
Other Newsworthy Items
- Former Oregon State star Jade Carey detailed more about her elite comeback to Scott Bregman at Olympics.com, including her plans to return to competition at the American Classic in Minneapolis next month.
- Rising Stanford sophomore Ana Bărbosu appealed her drug-testing whereabouts failure case with the International Testing Agency (ITA) to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
- Former Missouri coach Jake Jacobson passed away at the age of 89.
READ THIS NEXT: 7 Best Upsets of the 2026 Season
News curated by Katherine Weaver with assistance from the editors of College Gym News
