Gymnastics | 4/13/2025 12:25:00 PM

SHREVEPORT, La. (April 12, 2025) – Lucky number 13 is headed home to Denton, Texas.

Behind a record-breaking beam performance to close the night, the Texas Woman's gymnastics team claimed their 13th National Championship title on Saturday night, winning the Women's Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitational Championship (WCGNIC).

The Pioneers posted their second 196 team score of the season to win the meet, scoring a 196.175. Southeast Missouri State came in second with a 195.025. Bridgeport finished third with a 193.600, and West Chester placed fourth with a 190.850.

"I am so proud of this team," TWU Head Coach Lisa Bowerman said. "They exemplified the core values of our team today. In every single moment, they stayed focused on our circle. When needed, they stepped up and had each other's backs and they competed fearlessly. I could not be more honored to hoist the 13th trophy in TWU history with this group."

Throughout the meet, TWU truly displayed their team characteristics. They were adaptable. They built each other up and encouraged each other, and they had fun. It was truly an incredible night to witness the poise and overall character and excellence of the Pioneers.

Heading into the final rotation, TWU and SEMO were separated by five tenths. The Pioneers owned the beam and left nothing to question in the win. The six Pioneers in the beam lineup all scored a 9.850 or higher to set a program record on beam of a 49.325. Sophie Hernandez led the way with a career high 9.900. Sophia Isbell also scored a career high with a 9.875. Bailey Upton got the career highs rolling in the leadoff spot with a career high 9.850. Emma Brkljacic and Kaitlyn Hoiland got the crowd on their feet in their final beam routines with 9.850s.

TWU started out the championship night on floor with a 48.900. Upton started off the meet strong for the Pioneers with a 9.825 to lead the way for TWU. Hernandez left it all out on the floor with her 9.800 routine. Isbell competed in the fourth spot for the Pioneers and shone in the Gold Dome with a 9.775. To round out the five counting scores for TWU, Kami Zarlengo and Bailey Bourgeois got the TWU faithful on their feet with 9.750s.

On vault, the Pioneers kept the confidence and momentum going, as they scored a 48.825 in the second rotation. The seniors Trinity Caffey and Hoiland led the way with excellent vaults, psoting 9.800s. Alaina Reid set the tone for the Pioneers in the leadoff spot with a 9.775. In the fifth spot, Isbell kept her strong day going with a 9.775. Upton and King both posted 9.675s to round out the sensational second rotation for TWU.

For the third rotation on the uneven bars, the Pioneers posted a 49.125 – their third 49.000 or higher on bars this season. Bourgeois started out the third rotation with poise, scoring a 9.825. After a fall, the remaining bars lineup stepped up and stuck their routines, truly displaying the "have each others back" motto of the team. Zarlengo competed with joy in her final bars routine of the season and posted a 9.750 in the third spot. Then, Caroline Bowns competed another incredible routine and gave her all to match her career high with a 9.900. The senior Hoiland showed her veteran focus and closed the bars lineup with a strong 9.775.

We will celebrate the National Championship on campus in the next coming weeks. More details to come soon.