Breaking News: Michigan State University Gymnastics Finishes No. 6 Nationally – Highest Final Ranking in Program History…………….
East Lansing, MI – April 22, 2025 — In a historic season that will be remembered for years to come, the Michigan State University (MSU) gymnastics team has achieved its highest final national ranking in program history, finishing the 2025 NCAA season at an impressive No. 6 in the country. The Spartans have defied expectations, cementing their place among the elite programs in collegiate gymnastics and sparking excitement throughout the MSU athletic community.
The team’s final national ranking comes after a standout performance in the NCAA Championship semifinals held in Fort Worth, Texas. Though the Spartans did not advance to the final “Four on the Floor” round, their performance was nothing short of spectacular. With a season marked by consistency, record-breaking scores, and breakthrough moments, MSU gymnastics has firmly established itself as a rising powerhouse on the national stage.
A Season to Remember
Led by Head Coach Mike Rowe, the Spartans navigated the 2025 season with poise, energy, and an unwavering belief in their potential. Coach Rowe, who has steadily built the program over the past several years, called the No. 6 finish “a culmination of hard work, resilience, and Spartan grit.”
“This team gave it everything they had from day one,” Rowe said following the team’s final meet. “They believed in themselves, pushed through challenges, and made history for Michigan State gymnastics. I couldn’t be prouder.”
MSU’s journey to national prominence was paved by several milestones throughout the season. They shattered their previous team scoring record multiple times, culminating in a program-best 198.125 during the Big Ten Championships. That score not only secured them a second consecutive conference title but also signaled to the nation that the Spartans were no longer underdogs — they were contenders.
Star Power on the Floor
A significant part of the Spartans’ success this season was their depth of talent and standout individual performances. Sophomore sensation Skylar Hinton emerged as one of the most electrifying all-around gymnasts in the NCAA. Known for her dynamic floor routines and near-flawless execution on beam, Hinton finished the season ranked No. 4 in the all-around nationally and earned All-American honors.
Joining her was senior captain Emily Karr, whose leadership and consistency proved vital. Karr anchored the bars and vault rotations with grace and precision, finishing in the top 10 nationally on uneven bars. Her senior season was a masterclass in execution and resilience, especially as she returned from an injury-plagued 2024 season.
“I’ve never felt more connected to a team,” Karr said after their final meet. “We fought together every step of the way, and to finish sixth in the nation — that’s something we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives.”
Building a Legacy
This season’s historic ranking is the culmination of years of growth within the MSU gymnastics program. Just five years ago, the Spartans were unranked and rebuilding. Since then, under Rowe’s leadership, MSU has steadily risen in stature, with each season building on the success of the last.
In 2023, the team made its first appearance in the NCAA semifinals in over two decades, finishing 12th. They broke into the top 10 for the first time in 2024, finishing 8th. Now, in 2025, they’ve not only surpassed that mark — they’ve rewritten the record books.
MSU athletic director Alan Haller praised the team’s achievement, calling it a “landmark moment” for the university’s athletic department.
“This ranking is a testament to what can happen when you combine elite coaching, dedicated student-athletes, and a supportive community,” Haller said. “Michigan State gymnastics is making history, and this is just the beginning.”
Looking Ahead
With only a few seniors graduating and a talented recruiting class set to join the team next season, the future looks incredibly bright for MSU gymnastics. The program is already being discussed as a serious contender for a spot in the 2026 NCAA Championship finals.
Recruiting has also received a boost from the national attention, with top junior athletes expressing interest in joining the Spartans. MSU is quickly becoming one of the most attractive destinations for aspiring collegiate gymnasts.
“We’re not done,” Coach Rowe said in a message to fans. “We’ve shown the nation what Spartan gymnastics is all about, and we’re only going to keep climbing. The best is yet to come.”
A Moment for Spartan Nation
The Spartans’ rise to No. 6 has not only elevated the gymnastics program but has also energized the broader MSU community. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, congratulations, and celebration from alumni, students, and fans. The hashtag #SpartanStrong trended locally on X (formerly Twitter) following the announcement of their final ranking.
As the 2025 NCAA gymnastics season draws to a close, the Michigan State Spartans walk away not only with a new place in the record books but also with a legacy that will inspire generations of gymnasts to come.
Final Ranking: No. 6 in the Nation — and Climbing.
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