MSU Gymnastics Soars: Stephen named Gymnast of the Year, Coaches Honored as Nationals Loom
Table of Contents
- 1. MSU Gymnastics Soars: Stephen named Gymnast of the Year, Coaches Honored as Nationals Loom
- 2. Spartan Gymnastics Program Garners WCGA Regional Recognition
- 3. Gabrielle Stephen: A Season of Perfect 10s and Record-Breaking Scores
- 4. Mike Rowe: Guiding the Spartans to National Prominence
- 5. Jones and Wright: The Unsung Heroes of the Coaching Staff
- 6. NCAA Championships: A Historic possibility for MSU
- 7. What are your key factors on how accomplished the Spartans will go at the NCAA Championships?
- 8. MSU Gymnastics Soars: An Interview with Coach Mike Rowe
- 9. Interview Introduction
- 10. Reflecting on the Season’s Success
- 11. Gabrielle Stephen’s Stellar Performance
- 12. The Coaching Staff’s Impact
- 13. Preparing for the NCAA Championships
- 14. Long-Term goals for the Program
- 15. Reader Interaction
- 16. Conclusion
Michigan State University’s gymnastics programme is riding high after a stellar season, culminating in major regional awards and a long-awaited trip to the NCAA Championships. But can they overcome the competition in Fort Worth?
By archyde.com news Team | Published: April 10, 2025
Spartan Gymnastics Program Garners WCGA Regional Recognition
East Lansing, MI – Wednesday afternoon, april 9, 2025, brought a shower of accolades for Michigan State University (MSU) gymnastics. The Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) announced its regional awards, with MSU claiming three prestigious honors.Senior Gabrielle Stephen was crowned the WCGA Region 1 Gymnast of the Year, a testament to her exceptional performance throughout the season.Head coach Mike Rowe secured the Central Region Coach of the Year title, adding to his already impressive coaching resume. Associate head coach Nicole Jones and assistant coach Devin wright were jointly recognized as Regional Assistant Coaches of the Year, highlighting the strength and depth of the MSU coaching staff. This recognition arrives as the team preps for the NCAA Championships semifinals on April 17,marking a critically important milestone for the program.
Gabrielle Stephen: A Season of Perfect 10s and Record-Breaking Scores
Gabrielle Stephen’s 2025 season was nothing short of breathtaking. Her achievements include earning four Frist Team All-Big Ten honors,a feat matched only by senior Skyla Schulte in program history. Stephen’s postseason performance was particularly noteworthy, as she achieved her first-ever perfect 10.000 scores. One on the balance beam at the Big Ten Championships and another on vault during the NCAA Regional Second Round.“Earning those perfect 10s was a dream come true,” Stephen said, reflecting on her achievement. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team.” She also secured three regional titles: vault, co-champion on bars, and all-around champion, achieving the second-highest all-around score in MSU history with an impressive 39.750.
For U.S. readers familiar with the world of gymnastics, Stephen’s rise mirrors the trajectory of past NCAA stars who leveraged exceptional collegiate performances into national recognition. Like Olympians Simone Biles or sunisa Lee, excelling in college gymnastics often opens doors to future opportunities in the sport, whether through professional circuits or coaching.
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| All-Big Ten Honors | Four First Team selections, tied for program record |
| Perfect 10s | Balance beam (Big Ten Championships), Vault (NCAA Regional Second Round) |
| Regional Titles | Vault, Co-Champion on Bars, All-Around Champion |
| All-Around Score | 39.750 (second-highest in MSU history) |
Mike Rowe: Guiding the Spartans to National Prominence
mike Rowe’s recognition as Central Region Coach of the Year for the third time (previously in 2022 and 2023) underscores his significant impact on the MSU gymnastics program. Under his guidance, the Spartans achieved a program-first by consistently ranking in the top 10 nationally throughout the regular season. More importantly, Rowe has led MSU to its first appearance at the NCAA Championships in 37 years. “This team has worked tirelessly to reach this point,” Rowe stated. “Their dedication and resilience are truly inspiring.”
For comparison, consider the legendary UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field (“Miss Val”), who built a dynasty based on a positive team culture and innovative training methods. Rowe’s approach to cultivating a competitive yet supportive environment seems to be paying dividends for MSU, resonating with the current generation of athletes.
Jones and Wright: The Unsung Heroes of the Coaching Staff
Nicole Jones and Devin Wright’s joint recognition as Regional Assistant coaches of the Year highlights their vital contributions to the program’s success. this marks their second time receiving this honor, with Jones earning her third overall Assistant Coach of the Year recognition.Their expertise in specific areas, such as choreography or technical skills, complements Rowe’s leadership, creating a well-rounded coaching team.
Assistant coaches play a crucial role in the development of athletes, frequently enough working closely with them on skill refinement and mental preparation. Like assistant coaches in other sports, such as football or basketball, Jones and Wright’s expertise are instrumental in maximizing the team’s potential.
NCAA Championships: A Historic possibility for MSU
the MSU gymnastics team is set to compete in the NCAA Championships semifinals in Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday, April 17. the Spartans will face formidable competition in the evening session at 8 p.m. ET at Dickies Arena, going up against no. 1 LSU, No. 5 UCLA, and No. 4 Utah.this is a defining moment for the program, offering a chance to showcase their talent on a national stage.
the NCAA Championships represent the pinnacle of collegiate gymnastics, drawing top talent from across the nation. For MSU, the opportunity to compete against powerhouses like LSU and UCLA is a testament to their progress and a chance to make a statement. A strong performance at the championships could elevate the program’s profile and attract top recruits in the future.
The challenges MSU faces are significant. LSU, UCLA, and Utah have consistently demonstrated their dominance in collegiate gymnastics. However, MSU’s recent success and the momentum from the regional awards could provide them with the edge they need to surprise their opponents. The key to success will be maintaining focus, executing routines with precision, and embracing the pressure of the moment.
What are your key factors on how accomplished the Spartans will go at the NCAA Championships?
MSU Gymnastics Soars: An Interview with Coach Mike Rowe
Interview Introduction
Archyde News had the pleasure of speaking with MSU Gymnastics Head Coach Mike Rowe following a historic season that saw the Spartans earn regional honors and secure a spot at the NCAA Championships. Coach Rowe, congratulations on the Central Region Coach of the Year award and the team’s remarkable achievements!
Reflecting on the Season’s Success
Archyde: Coach Rowe, the team has achieved remarkable results. What do you attribute to this season’s success, notably in such a competitive habitat as collegiate gymnastics?
Mike Rowe: Thank you.It’s a culmination of hard work, dedication, and a real team spirit. We focused on creating a positive and supportive environment where the athletes could thrive.We also invested in innovative training methods to refine their skills.”
Gabrielle Stephen’s Stellar Performance
Archyde: Gabrielle Stephen’s performance has been outstanding, earning her the WCGA Region 1 Gymnast of the Year. How crucial was her leadership and talent to the team’s success?
Mike Rowe: Gabrielle is an remarkable athlete and a true leader. Her dedication is infectious, and her performances, particularly in the postseason with those perfect 10s, inspired the entire team. She sets a high bar,and the others followed suit.
The Coaching Staff’s Impact
Archyde: Your coaching staff, including Nicole Jones and Devin Wright, also received well-deserved recognition. How do their contributions complement your leadership style?
Mike Rowe: Nicole and Devin are integral to our success. They bring expertise in key areas, from skill refinement to mental preparation, and they help create a well-rounded and supportive program. Their collaboration is invaluable.
Preparing for the NCAA Championships
Archyde: The NCAA Championships are just around the corner. Competing against powerhouses like LSU, UCLA, and Utah is no small feat. What is the team’s approach to the competition?
Mike Rowe: We’re focused on maintaining our focus and executing our routines with precision.We embrace the pressure, use the energy in the Arena, and focus on our performance. We have a plan, and the athletes are prepared to give it their best.
Long-Term goals for the Program
Archyde: Looking ahead, what are your long-term objectives for the MSU gymnastics program? Do you hope MSU’s success draws more interest in the program and attracts top recruits?
Mike Rowe: We want to establish ourselves as a consistent contender in the national scene. We want to foster a program built on excellence in performance, academic success, and teamwork, attracting top talent. We want to get the Spartans to the NCAA’s year in and year out. Absolutely, success paves the way for growth and stronger recruitment, making this a very exciting time to be a Spartan.
Reader Interaction
Archyde:What are your key factors on how successful the Spartans will go at the NCAA Championships? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Conclusion
Archyde:Coach Rowe, thank you for your time and insights. We wish you and the Spartans the best of luck at the NCAA Championships!
Mike Rowe: Thank you for having me.
