Your favorite feature is back! We hope you enjoyed the offseason throwback rankings, but it’s time to get down to business judging the monstrosities teams come up with in the current decade. A limited number of teams competing this weekend allowed us to feature a few teams we normally wouldn’t judge in the first leotard rankings of the 2018 season.
This year, once the season really gets rolling, we’ll be doing things a little different. Each week we will feature a conference and judge its leos from the previous week(s), as well as feature our editor in charge of those teams as a guest judge. But don’t worry, we’ll do a couple of new leo judgings throughout the season as well. However, while the format is changing a bit, the criteria is the same as always: up to three points for design; two points for fabric, sparkle, etc.; and two points for school spirit; three points for overall appearance. This week’s guest judge is Tara, our Big 12 associate editor!
California: 8.9
We ❤️ @CalWGym’s leos! #NCAAgym #LeoWatch pic.twitter.com/FqGfkmoi8q
— NCAA Gym News (@NCAAGymNews) January 9, 2018
| Design | Fabric/
Sparkle |
School
Spirit |
Overall
Appearance |
Total | |
| Caroline | 2.7/3 | 1.8/2 | 1.7/2 | 2.8/3 | 9.0/10 |
| Christina | 2.7/3 | 1.7/2 | 1.9/2 | 2.6/3 | 8.9/10 |
| Elizabeth | 2.7/3 | 1.6/2 | 1.7/2 | 2.8/3 | 8.8/10 |
| Tara | 2.8/3 | 1.6/2 | 1.8/2 | 2.7/3 | 8.9/10 |
Caroline: Easily my favorite of the week, and it’ll be a hard one to beat for favorite of the season, I’ll bet. The symmetry throughout the front makes my OCD so happy! I actually don’t mind the mesh arms as much as I thought I would, and I appreciate that there are two Cal logos here, one on the front and one on the back, so we can’t miss the school spirit. Lovely work.
Christina: Gah this is GORGEOUS. I want one. It’s very pleasing to the eye. It’s a clean look, it’s ombre, the sparkles are perfectly symmetrical, and I am obsessed with the tiny yellow bands on the sleeve cuffs. The back is just great with the deep V mesh and the small Cal logo. The only thing that slightly bugs me is the darker mesh on the front, and I wish it were the same as the sleeves and the back. Overall though, it’s a beautiful leo.
Elizabeth: Yasssss. Fave of the week. I love the ombre, the detailing on the body, the mesh sleeves and the Cal C logo on the back. I don’t think you could make it much better.
Tara: Ahh I love this! As I mentioned before, I’m a huge fan of ombre so that’s a win for me. The blue and white is balanced perfectly and I love how they represent Cal on the hip and also at the back! Placing the “C” on the back right below where the V ends is very visually appealing. Usually I’m not a huge fan of mesh but this works for me! It’s very well balanced in that regard and also is a smart way to include yellow without being overbearing.
BYU: 8.575
https://twitter.com/BYUgymnastics/status/949854319272083462
| Design | Fabric/
Sparkle |
School
Spirit |
Overall
Appearance |
Total | |
| Caroline | 2.6/3 | 1.9/2 | 1.2/2 | 2.9/3 | 8.6/10 |
| Christina | 2.8/3 | 1.8/2 | 1.2/2 | 2.7/3 | 8.5/10 |
| Elizabeth | 2.8/3 | 1.9/2 | 1.4/2 | 2.8/3 | 8.9/10 |
| Tara | 2.7/3 | 1.7/2 | 1.2/2 | 2.7/3 | 8.3/10 |
Caroline: Does BYU have someone new designing their leos? This is beautiful! The straight line of sparkle down the front isn’t my favorite, but the rest of the sparkle designs, the light to navy ombre, and the crisscross illusion back absolutely make up for it.
Christina: I was totally pleasantly surprised by these one, especially considering some of the other…choices BYU has graced us with over the years. This is lovely and very elegant. The black and navy blue ombre is perfect, and the sparkles are just in all the right places: the V neckline, the swirls on the sides and sleeves, and the criss-cross on the back are beautiful. It is lacking a bit in school spirit, and I could totally see this one being worn by Florida, but I still am obsessed with it.
Elizabeth: LOVE! After some of the BYU leos I’ve been scarred with, I never have too high of hopes. But this one was so lovely—from the colors to the design.
Tara: This is for sure one of the better BYU leos! I really like the design and colors, I just wish there was more school spirit beyond the colors–maybe their logo on the arm, something as simple as “BYU” or something?
Denver: 8.235
Today's leo at Arizona! #DU1NATION #NCAAGym pic.twitter.com/QcWkzug1j0
— Denver Gymnastics (@DU_Gymnastics) January 6, 2018
| Design | Fabric/
Sparkle |
School
Spirit |
Overall
Appearance |
Total | |
| Caroline | 2.5/3 | 1.6/2 | 1.5/2 | 2.7/3 | 8.3/10 |
| Christina | 2.4/3 | 1.7/2 | 1.6/2 | 2.5/3 | 8.2/10 |
| Elizabeth | 2.2/3 | 1.5/2 | 1.7/2 | 2.3/3 | 7.7/10 |
| Tara | 2.8/3 | 1.8/2 | 1.8/2 | 2.7/3 | 9.1/10 |
Caroline: I love this design! I remember seeing it for the first time last year and loving it, and surprisingly, it feels just as fresh now as it did then. The criss-crosses are small and sharply detailed, the Denver logo is large enough to be seen but doesn’t detract from the rest of the design, and the arm sparkle is a nice touch. I could do with more bodice sparkle, but this one is definitely a favorite.
Christina: I really like this one. It’s simple yet extremely elegant. My favorite part of this leo is actually the criss cross on the sleeves. This shade of red is lovely, and matches really well with the black of the leo. The ‘Denver’ on the back is a great add for school spirit. A clean and nice look.
Elizabeth: This crimson has got to be one of my favorite colors. Plus, paired with the black and white and the Denver on the back makes for a great leo.
Tara: Not gonna lie, this is one of my favorite DU leos! The criss cross is perfect, just the right amount of sparkle, and the “Denver” on the back gives it that extra touch of school spirit. LOVE it.
Arkansas: 8.025
https://twitter.com/RazorbackGym/status/949099142172823556
| Design | Fabric/
Sparkle |
School
Spirit |
Overall
Appearance |
Total | |
| Caroline | 2.1/3 | 1.7/2 | 1.8/2 | 2.3/3 | 7.9/10 |
| Christina | 2.3/3 | 1.6/2 | 1.7/2 | 2.4/3 | 8.0/10 |
| Elizabeth | 2.1/3 | 1.6/2 | 1.6/2 | 2.2/3 | 7.5/10 |
| Tara | 2.5/3 | 1.7/2 | 1.8/2 | 2.7/3 | 8.7/10 |
Caroline: As much grief as there’s been over Arkansas leos previously, I am in love with this one! The red on red has just enough contrast to be noticeable on camera but doesn’t look unnatural, and the sparkle is gorgeous. Well done!
Christina: I love this one, and is a nice, elegant change from Arkansas. I love the explosion of sparkles on the front and the design on the back with the straight line down the spine. The hog on the one sleeve is perfect and the “Arkansas” on the other is a great addition. Overall a win for me on this one!
Elizabeth: This was one of my favorite Arkansas leos. The hog on the sleeve is where it should be and the front design was nice. I wish there was a touch of black somewhere though. Maybe black rhinestones?
Tara: I love this leo! I love how the hog on the sleeve isn’t too big or too small and they also have “Arkansas” on the other sleeve! I do wish there was more color somewhere but overall I think it’s a really nice leo!
Ball State: 7.925
| Design | Fabric/
Sparkle |
School
Spirit |
Overall
Appearance |
Total | |
| Caroline | 2.1/3 | 1.7/2 | 1.5/2 | 2.0/3 | 7.3/10 |
| Christina | 2.2/3 | 1.6/2 | 1.7/2 | 2.3/3 | 7.8/10 |
| Elizabeth | 2.3/3 | 1.6/2 | 1.7/2 | 2.3/3 | 7.9/10 |
| Tara | 2.6/3 | 1.6/2 | 1.8/2 | 2.7/3 | 8.7/10 |
Caroline: Normally I’m not a huge fan of grey, but I love this ombre color! I’m not a super fan of the cardinal in the front; I think it messes with the rest of the design and the sparkle lines. It might’ve been better suited to the back? But I love that Ball State is stepping up and trying new things.
Christina: Well, if you remember my main criticisms from last season, I am not the biggest fan of grey. However, this leo is quite nice to me. The ombre works, and I like that they used both white and red sparkles to make the entire thing pop out more. The cardinal leo is a tad bit for me on the front, and I would have liked to see it on the hip or sleeve. Out of all the grey leos I’ve seen so far, this one might be one of my favorites.
Elizabeth: I’m into this leo. The silver is done well but also not overdone, there’s just enough red retailing and a good amount of school spirit with the bird on the front. Nice job, Ball State!
Tara: Oooh I love this! I like how the design pops against the grey! Just the right amount of sparkle and the cardinal on the front isn’t too big to make it overwhelming but it is just enough to make the leo both unique and school spirited!
Michigan: 7.850
What we are wearing tonight! #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/3T2yNKuasF
— Michigan Women’s Gymnastics (@UMichWGym) January 5, 2018
| Design | Fabric/
Sparkle |
School
Spirit |
Overall
Appearance |
Total | |
| Caroline | 2.1/3 | 1.2/2 | 1.8/2 | 2.4/3 | 7.5/10 |
| Christina | 2.2/3 | 1.4/2 | 1.7/2 | 2.1/3 | 7.4/10 |
| Elizabeth | 2.4/3 | 1.3/2 | 1.8/2 | 2.4/3 | 7.9/10 |
| Tara | 2.6/3 | 1.5/2 | 1.8/2 | 2.7/3 | 8.6/10 |
Caroline: It broadcasts much better than this photograph, but I’m definitely not a super fan of the mesh on the sides. I love the back, the subtle M design is always one of my favorite things about Michigan designs. But as is often the case with Michigan designs, I just think there’s a little too much going on.
Christina: Meh, not one of my favorites from Michigan. I don’t like the side mesh (surprise, surprise!), and the front overall is a bit too bland for me. I wish it had more sparkles, maybe gold ones. That said, I really do like the band of solid yellow on the neckline and on the sleeves. The giant ‘M’ on the back is a nice touch of school spirit and works really well with the entire look. I could have done without the small criss-cross straps, but it doesn’t bug me as much.
Elizabeth: I always love how Michigan incorporates the M into its designs, as well as its funky backs and straps. This is a good one overally. I could do without the weird underboob mesh but otherwise…!
Tara: I actually really like this Michigan leo! The front is simple and elegant and I love how they worked the M into both the sleeves and the backing! It’s cute, stylish, and spirited without being too overwhelmingly obvious (see Arizona’s giant block A or one of Arkansas’ giant hog leos)–it blends in with the design nicely! It’s a win for me!
Arizona State: 7.65
https://twitter.com/SunDevilGym/status/949752154851393537
| Design | Fabric/
Sparkle |
School
Spirit |
Overall
Appearance |
Total | |
| Caroline | 2.1/3 | 1.3/2 | 1.7/2 | 2.1/3 | 7.2/10 |
| Christina | 2.2/3 | 1.4/2 | 1.8/2 | 2.3/3 | 7.7/10 |
| Elizabeth | 2.5/3 | 1.6/2 | 1.5/2 | 2.6/3 | 8.2/10 |
| Tara | 2/3 | 1.3/2 | 1.7/2 | 2.5/3 | 7.5/10 |
Caroline: Sigh, the bandage back again. ASU already has one like that, did they need another? I do like the front a lot; I think it looks better in motion than just standing still, but certain lights can make that shade of gold look kind of dated? But I love this shade of red and how glittery it is!
Christina: I am torn on this one… I know it’s a new one, but it looks old to me for some reason. Maybe it’s that shade of gold on the upper body? I can’t really pinpoint it. I love the shade of red used and the small sparkles. The reverse V is okay there although this is not my favorite type of neckline. The band across the back with ASU in sparkles is a nice way to add some school spirit, and it works well with the rest of the leo.
Elizabeth: This is how you do gold! I love it paired with the maroon and the back with the subtle ASU on the back. All of the new leos the past two years have been on point.
Tara: I, like Christina, am also torn on this one. It’s a good design, but not spectacular. I do like how they incorporated the school colors and the ASU in sparkles. A slightly brighter shade of gold may have made me like this leo a little more!
West Virginia: 7.425
Our choice for tonight's Routine of the Meet? Senior Jordan Gillette's second place, 9.85 on floor! #HailWV pic.twitter.com/IfHH3MJWFX
— WVU Gymnastics (@WVUGymnastics) January 6, 2018
| Design | Fabric/
Sparkle |
School
Spirit |
Overall
Appearance |
Total | |
| Caroline | 2.0/3 | 1.1/2 | 1.9/2 | 2.0/3 | 7.0/10 |
| Christina | 2.1/3 | 1.3/2 | 2/2 | 2.1/3 | 7.5/10 |
| Elizabeth | 2.0/3 | 1.3/2 | 2/2 | 2.1/3 | 7.4/10 |
| Tara | 2.2/3 | 1.4/2 | 2/2 | 2.2/3 | 7.8/10 |
Caroline: The bandage back bothers me as usual but I like the front! The white is a daring choice, but it works, and I like the symmetry created with the Vs. Tons of points for school spirit too! Not my favorite, but definitely a good one.
Christina: I quite like this one although it’s not my favorite from WVU. I like the symmetry on the front and the overall colors. The back is kind of bugging me, especially since it looks like the yellow band is really tight and stretching the whole leo. All the points for school spirit though.
Elizabeth: A+ for school spirit. Plus, I also like how the front design is parallel to the diagonal of the W and V. I also like the funky back.
Tara: I’m not the biggest fan of the back but I like the front! When I first saw it, like Elizabeth, I liked how the design of the colors in the leo parallels the V. I also like the arms–at first I thought it was too much but it is very lovely in action!
Auburn: 7.325
https://twitter.com/AuburnGym/status/949740124551634944
| Design | Fabric/
Sparkle |
School
Spirit |
Overall
Appearance |
Total | |
| Caroline | 2.0/3 | 1.5/2 | 1.6/2 | 2.1/3 | 7.2/10 |
| Christina | 2.4/3 | 1.6/2 | 1.7/2 | 2.3/3 | 8.0/10 |
| Elizabeth | 1.7/3 | 1.3/2 | 1.6/2 | 1.8/3 | 6.4/10 |
| Tara | 2.3/3 | 1.4/2 | 1.6/2 | 2.4/3 | 7.7/10 |
Caroline: Honestly, all the Auburn leos are running together for me. The flame design, the arm swirlies, the school logo on the shoulder… I just need to see something new from them. The same color combination over and over again doesn’t help either.
Christina: I quite like this one, and the balance of orange, white, and navy blue works great. I really love the off-center neckline as well. The “flamey” design is nothing new, but overall this is a nice leo.
Elizabeth: This one’s just alright for me. Maybe I’m tired of the same old same old navy and orange or maybe the design seems overused—I just don’t know. It’s not bad; just not my fave either.
Tara: This looked a lot better in action than it did when they first previewed it! THIS is the way you do orange in a leo. Nice color contrasts and great touch of the logo on the side. Solid leo.
SEMO: 7.050
https://twitter.com/NCAAGymNews/status/949658744283107328
| Design | Fabric/
Sparkle |
School
Spirit |
Overall
Appearance |
Total | |
| Caroline | 1.7/3 | 1.0/2 | 1.8/2 | 2.0/3 | 6.5/10 |
| Christina | 1.8/3 | 1.3/2 | 1.6/2 | 1.8/3 | 6.5/10 |
| Elizabeth | 2.1/3 | 1.4/2 | 1.7/2 | 2.1/3 | 7.3/10 |
| Tara | 2.6/3 | 1.8/2 | 1.7/2 | 1.8/3 | 7.9/10 |
Caroline: This one feels a little busy? The design on the back and shoulders is cool, but I feel like it would’ve been more effective and tasteful if it had only been shown once in one place, rather than repeated in so many places. I do like the sparkle cardinal one the front, and the ombre sleeves, but it all just feels like they tried to pack too many trends into one leo.
Christina: I know many people raved about this one, but I just can’t get myself to love it so much. It’s nice, and I like the ombre sleeves, but the back really bugs me. Maybe I’d have liked it better if the criss-cross had been bigger, or with a different shape. I can’t really pinpoint it. The front is nice, although a bit simple. I also wish the shoulders had been mesh to match the sleeves.
Elizabeth: I really like this! But especially the back. The red and black mixed with the cross design if really nice and the little bit of ombre thrown in is perfect. I also don’t think the bird on the front is too in your face. Another good one!
Tara: The only thing I could do without on this leo is the design on the shoulders! I love the ombre sleeves and I like how the sparkles are placed so that it creates their mascot in the negative space in the fabric around them!
Illinois State: 6.925
https://twitter.com/NCAAGymNews/status/949740366558834688
| Design | Fabric/
Sparkle |
School
Spirit |
Overall
Appearance |
Total | |
| Caroline | 2.0/3 | 1.4/2 | 1.2/2 | 1.9/3 | 6.5/10 |
| Christina | 1.8/3 | 1.2/2 | 1.3/2 | 2.0/3 | 6.3/10 |
| Elizabeth | 1.8/3 | 1.4/2 | 1.5/2 | 2.0/3 | 6.7/10 |
| Tara | 2.6/3 | 1.7/2 | 1.4/2 | 2.5/3 | 8.2/10 |
Caroline: This was a welcome surprise from Illinois State, but the back really detracts from the rest of it. I wish it were ombre all around, and the way the criss-cross is on the back breaks their lines a little bit. I wish we could see the front better, but overall a solid showing for the Redbirds.
Christina: This is alright to me. I like the ombre, and the design is decent although it is nothing special. I think I am really bugged by the overwhelming white on the back. I wish the back had some ombre just like the front.
Elizabeth: I liked this one a lot, but it reminds me of leos a few other teams have. I did like the design and color scheme, though.
Tara: LOVE the ombre. Give me ombre and I’m good. It is a fairly classic design, but it’s in school colors. Again, could use some other identifiably Illinois State element in the school spirit category.
Arizona: 6.6
Today’s competition leo✨ pic.twitter.com/zymHwOcwDR
— Arizona GymCats (@ArizonaGymCats) January 6, 2018
| Design | Fabric/
Sparkle |
School
Spirit |
Overall
Appearance |
Total | |
| Caroline | 2.0/3 | 1.6/2 | 1.0/2 | 2.4/3 | 7.0/10 |
| Christina | 2/3 | 1.4/2 | 1/2 | 2.1/3 | 6.5/10 |
| Elizabeth | 2.0/3 | 1.2/2 | 1.1/2 | 1.8/3 | 6.1/10 |
| Tara | 2/3 | 1.7/2 | 0.7//2 | 2.4/3 | 6.8/10 |
Caroline: I actually love the faux neckline on this, it’s not one you see very often on leos. I could use a little bit more sparkle, but I love what they did with what they have. Not a whole lot of school spirit here, so that’s where they lose the most points, but I really do like this design.
Christina: I like this one but I also really wish the sleeves blended better with the rest of the bodice and had just been a continuation of it. Of course, I am very meh regarding the thin mesh V going down on the sides. Overall this is an elegant one for Arizona, but I also wish it incorporated more school spirit, with either some additions of blue or white, or a logo somewhere.
Elizabeth: I like this leo’s design! I oddly enjoy the mini v neckline, as well as the mesh sleeves. I wish there was a second color just to break up the all red some, though.
Tara: I like this one, but it’s a bit simple! There’s no hint of Arizona aside from the color, which if you didn’t know it was an Arizona leo the red could make you think it was for another team or even a USA leo. It is a nice change from some of the busier Arizona leos, though.
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Article by Elizabeth Grimsley, Caroline Medley, Christina Marmet and Tara Graeve
I love reading this. It’s so fun. Keep it up! A note on Arkansas’s Leos…. all of their sport’s teams are limited to three colors by the AD, red, white and a grey toned black called Anthracite that is exclusive to Nike. Since Nike doesn’t do Leos, the black is out. Traditional black is not allowed with the exception of warm up pants/leggings only. This limits them to red and white only and we all know what a disaster white can be (although Cal used it beautifully this week). I am told it is a big issues with the boosters. I say boo to this nonsense and hopefully it will be changed st some point. Otherwise we will keep seeing a lot of red!
Huh, that’s so crazy! We could have sworn Arkansas wore some leos last season with black on them, but those could have been some they were fazing out. Thanks for the insight!