University of Denver Gymnastics Team Ready for 2025 Season After Positive Preseason Performance

Denver Gymnastics Preseason Ends Strong with Successful Intrasquad Performance

The University of Denver gymnastics team wrapped up its 2024 preseason with a strong performance at the Crimson & Gold Intrasquad in Magness Arena on December 22. Although the team did not compete with its full roster, they filled lineups across all four events and included exhibition performances throughout the meet.

Head Women’s Gymnastics Coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart described the event as feeling more like a real meet than an intrasquad, praising the team's calm, focused performance. She noted the strong energy from start to finish and appreciated the fan support in the arena. Kutcher-Rinehart also mentioned the team's selective pacing, with some gymnasts not competing in every event, allowing others to gain valuable experience. She expressed confidence in the team's progress and identified areas for further improvement before the holiday break.

Denver started with a solid vault rotation, featuring near-perfect Yurchenko fulls from junior Mila Brusch, senior Bella Mabanta, and sophomore Amanda Hargraves. Sophomore Madison Ulrich contributed a front handspring front pike half, while fellow sophomore Maddison Reidenbach debuted her upgraded Yurchenko 1.5. On bars, Denver competed in eight routines, with a highlight being junior Cecilia Cooley’s return after missing the 2024 season due to injury. Other regulars like Ulrich, senior Mia Hebinck, graduate student Rylie Mundell, and fifth-year senior Rosie Casali competed.

Twelve gymnasts performed on beam, including freshman Sophia Hampp in her first routine at Magness Arena. Mabanta delivered a standout beam set, including a stick on her new dismount. Hebinck and Iwai also executed strong routines, while junior Kiley Rorich made her beam debut. Denver ended the day with a full floor rotation. The floor lineup included returning gymnasts Ulrich, Iwai, and Mabanta, with Brusch and Hargraves debuting new routines. Cooley capped her return with her third routine of the day. Denver will open the 2025 season by hosting Michigan on January 5 at 2:45 p.m. MT in a nationally televised meet on ESPN2 at Magness Arena. Overall, The University of Denver gymnastics team concluded their 2024 preseason with a strong performance at the Crimson & Gold Intrasquad, showcasing their talent and teamwork.

Editor's Note:

The University of Denver gymnastics team wrapped up their 2024 preseason with a strong performance at the Crimson & Gold Intrasquad. Though not with their full roster, the meet showed great individual and team effort, setting a positive tone for the upcoming season. With some athletes gaining valuable experience and several new routines debuted, Denver is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. The careful pacing of athletes and focus on building depth shows great foresight for long-term success. The team’s dedication to improvement, both individually and as a group, is evident, and their upcoming season looks promising.

Skoobuzz applauds the University of Denver gymnastics team for their strong preseason performance.