The curtain is set to draw on the collegiate gymnastics careers of six University of Denver athletes as they gear up to make their final appearance in the postseason push. The group comprises true seniors Mia Hebinck and Momoko Iwai, graduate students Rylie Mundell, Abbie Thompson, and Bella Mabanta, alongside fifth-year senior Rosie Casali. At the close of a successful regular season on March 14, Denver sits second in the Big 12 with an impressive National Qualifying Score (NQS).
Commanding respect for their commitment and performance, these seniors are prepped to fiercely compete one last time in the 2025 Big 12 Gymnastics Championship. The Championship is scheduled to unfold on March 22 at 5 p.m. in West Valley City, Utah, with DU slated to enter the fray in Session 2. A calculated NQS, the sum of six top scores from the season, with at least three from away, meets, one dropped, and the remaining five averaged is a testament to the Pioneers' determination and has clinched them the No. 2 seed, as reported by the University of Denver.
The cohort of six is not just known for their athletic prowess but also for the impact they've made away from the mat. Their time as Pioneers will be remembered not only for the heights reached during competitions but also for their academic and personal growth throughout their time at DU. This senior group aims to leave a lasting legacy, one that nods to their collective contributions both in and out of the sporting arena.
As the team moves into the postseason, they carry not only the weight of their ambitions but also the collective hope to stand out in the Big 12 Gymnastics Championship. They are set to turn all their training, sweat, and tenacity into a performance reflective of their storied careers. To witness these gymnasts soar for one final showing on this grand stage is to see the end of an era for Denver’s gymnastics program, but also a commencement of their lives beyond the university's corridors. According to the University of Denver, these athletes are prepared to "cap off their collegiate careers with a strong finish."
