Currently, there are 87 colleges in the United States offering women’s gymnastics programs, where student-athletes compete against other top university teams. Most of these colleges compete at the NCAA Division I level, although there are opportunities for enrollment in Division II or Division III programs as well.
Each level of gymnastics offers exciting opportunities for student-athletes passionate about their sport. Athletes within these programs compete in various disciplines, including uneven bars, vault, balance beam, and floor exercise.
In this article, we’ll delve into the number and legacies of colleges with women’s gymnastics programs, providing examples of programs within each division.
How Many Division I Gymnastics Teams Are There?
Presently, there are 63 schools offering women’s college gymnastics programs ranked at the Division I level. Being in this division implies competing at the highest level of college sports, often referred to as “D1.” Student-athletes at these institutions typically attend some of the largest and most renowned universities in the country, with substantial budgets allocated for athletics.
Participation at the Division I level is a significant honor but also requires considerable commitment and responsibility. Student-athletes often dedicate extensive time to training and practices, with limited spare time for internships or social activities. Notably, many D1 athletes spend their school breaks on campus to focus more on training.
Let’s provide examples of colleges with women’s gymnastics programs competing at the Division I level. These colleges are organized into various conferences, with schools within the same conference usually competing against each other, starting from January and concluding in April.
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Colleges with women’s gymnastics (D1)
- University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
- Head Coach: Ashley Johnston
- Conference: SEC
- National Championships: 6 (most recent: 2012)
- University Acceptance Rate: 79%
- University of Alaska, Anchorage
- Head Coach: Marie-Sophie Boggasch
- Conference: Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF)
- University Acceptance Rate: 65%
- University of Arizona
- Head Coach: John Court
- Conference: PAC-12
- University Acceptance Rate: 87%
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
- Head Coach: Jordyn Wieber
- Conference: SEC
- University Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Auburn University
- Head Coach: Jeff Graba
- Conference: SEC
- University Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Boise State University
- Head Coach: Tina Bird
- Conference: Mountain West Conference (MWC)
- University Acceptance Rate: 83%
- University of California, Berkeley
- Head Coaches: Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell
- Conference: PAC-12
- University Acceptance Rate: 11%
- University of California, Davis
- Head Coach: Tanya Ho
- Conference: Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF)
- University Acceptance Rate: 48.8%
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Head Coach: Janelle McDonald
- University Acceptance Rate: 9%
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Head Coach: Danna Durante
- Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Venue: Carmichael Arena (Established in 1965)
- University of Florida
- Head Coach: Jenny Rowland
- Notable Achievements: 3 NCAA titles, 7 NCAA tournament appearances
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Location: Gainesville, Florida
- University of Georgia
- Head Coach: Jenny Rowland
- Notable Achievements: 10 NCAA titles, 14 NCAA tournament appearances
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Location: Athens, Georgia
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Division II Women’s Gymnastics Teams
Division II colleges offer a balance between athletics and academics, providing student-athletes with competitive opportunities and more personal time.
- University of Bridgeport
- Head Coach: Lorraine Galow
- Conference: Gymnastics East Conference (GEC)
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Lindenwood University
- Head Coach: Catelyn Branson
- Conference: Midwest Independent Conference (MIC)
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Location: St. Charles, Missouri
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Head Coach: Byron Knox
- Conference: Gymnastics East Conference (GEC)
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Division III Women’s Gymnastics Teams
Division III colleges prioritize academics while providing opportunities for student-athletes to compete in gymnastics.
- Rhode Island College
- Head Coach: Monica Mesalles-Nassi
- Conference: National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA)
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Location: Providence, Rhode Island
- Hamline University
- Head Coach: Doug Byrnes
- Conference: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC)
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
- Utica University
- Head Coach: Danielle Cerminaro
- Conference: National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA)
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Location: Utica, New York
Whether aspiring to compete at the highest level in Division I or seeking a balance between academics and athletics in Division II and Division III, women’s gymnastics programs across divisions offer valuable experiences for student-athletes to excel both on and off the mat.
Conclusion
Women’s gymnastics programs across NCAA divisions provide diverse opportunities for student-athletes to pursue their passion for gymnastics while furthering their education. From the highly competitive atmosphere of Division I to the balance between athletics and academics in Division II and Division III, each division offers unique experiences and challenges. Regardless of the division, student-athletes have the chance to showcase their skills, build lifelong friendships, and achieve academic success. Whether aiming for NCAA titles or personal growth, women’s gymnastics programs offer a platform for athletes to thrive and excel both on and off the gymnastics mat.