This past Saturday, March 11, the UW-Eau Claire women’s gymnastics team competed at the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) West Regional. 

The event was held at the Kolf Sports Center in Oshkosh and was hosted by UW-Oshkosh at Oshkosh. 

The Blugolds placed seventh overall at the meet, scoring 184.975 and six athletes placed in the top 15 for their events. 

Emma Barry, a fourth-year, scored nine on bars and 8.975 on floor. 

Molly Campbell, a first-year student, competed in all four events with a 9.35 on vault, 8.325 on bars, 8.175 on beam and 9.55 on floor. 

Kelsey Donovan, a third-year student, scored 9.325 on vault and 9.525 on floor. 

“The team atmosphere is always amazing. I tend to have more fun watching my teammates than competing myself,” Donovan said. 

Haiven Gipson is a first-year student with 9.6 on the vault and 9.35 on the floor. 

Ava Obermoller, a first-year rehabilitation science student, competed in vault and got a 9.45 and bars with a score of 9.3. 

Georgia Guynn, a first-year student, got a 9.575 on beam and Liliana Shank, a fourth-year student, scored a 9.05 on beam. 

Christina Leikam, a fourth-year health administrative student, scored 8.375 on bars and 9.525 on beams.

“Standing together on the sidelines cheering along and that feeling of being proud of your teammates is always a highlight,” Leikam said.

Tia Ravara, a third-year student, competed in all four events receiving a score of 9.2 on vault, 7.9 on bars, 9.55 on beam and 9.225 on floor.

Harriet Toth, a second-year student, also participated in all the events ending with a 9.6 on vault, 8.2 on bars, 9.65 on beam and 9.45 on floor. 

The team total for vault was 47.325, bars was 43.2, beam was 47.35 and floor was 47.1, giving it an all-around of 184.975, according to Blugold Sports. 

Donovan was recognized as the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Sportsmanship Team at the event, as well as the gymnastics team’s new coach, Jean Delisle, was named to the NCGA Hall of Fame.

This award was given to seven other student-athletes at the competing schools. Individuals who showed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the season were chosen for this acknowledgment, according to the WIAC.

“The biggest thing I ever experienced—it was very emotional. Getting recognized was incredibly special and a true honor,” Donovan said. 

Delisle will be inducted at the NCGA Division III National championship at a banquet ceremony on March 24. 

The 2023 NCGA National Meet is scheduled for Saturday, March 25 on the campus of Winona State University.

For more, head to Blugold Game Day webpage. 

Maxwell can be reached at [email protected].