The Gophers gymnastics team is soaring into Friday’s Big Five meet with an 8-1 overall record, while a constellation of upperclassmen is helping the freshmen grow brighter with each passing meet.
Leading the way, Mya Hooten has left fans in awe with her eight career perfect-10 performances on the floor. The senior standout has pushed the program to new heights while serving as a guiding light for new stars taking the air.
“There are freshmen in our lineups, and I want to be there to support them 100 percent of the time,” Hooten said. “This year is different for me because last year, the seniors were doing that for me, and now I’m doing it for them.”
Stillwater native Jordyn Lyden shot into the gymnastics scene and became a catalyst for the Gophers’ routine. The two-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week often performs on the bars as her main event but filled in for senior Katie Horak on the beam during Sunday’s meet at Illinois.
In just her third appearance on the beam, Lyden posted a career-high 9.875 points, displaying her exceptional potential for the program’s near future. Hooten complemented her by taking home her 11th event title of the season on the floor with a 9.975.
“I know when Jordyn goes out there that she’s gonna hit her routine,” Hooten said. “She just has that confidence, she trusts herself, she attacks everything, she’s a beast out there.”
Minnesota is ranked No. 15 in the nation and tied for second in the Big Ten standings with Michigan (4-1), which handed the Gophers their only loss this season.